Relax with Landscape Brush Painting

Trees play a vital role in oriental landscape painting, forming an essential part of every composition, regardless of size. Some say that trees are the "outfits" of the mountains, while others consider them the soul of landscape painting. Mastering tree painting is the first step toward creating compelling and harmonious landscapes.

Course Structure

This course provides a comprehensive guide to tree painting in the freehand landscape painting style, using ink and rice paper. It is divided into three sections:

Introduction to Tree Painting – An overview of essential techniques and principles.
Study of 12 Tree Species – A detailed exploration of twelve selected tree species, their characteristics, and how to depict them with expressive brushwork.
Composing Trees in a Landscape – Learning how to group trees effectively, including techniques for painting distant trees to create depth and perspective.

Throughout the course, you will see numerous painting demonstrations, accompanied by practical tips to enhance your skills.

Materials Needed

Ink
Small Brush
Raw Rice Paper

A Journey into Nature & Art

As the naturalist John Muir once said, "The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness."

Join us in this course and bring the beauty of trees to life on paper. Looking forward to seeing you in class.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Grasp the key principles of the tree painting in the oriental landscape painting world
Learn to paint 12 species of trees

Paint trees in groups and in the distance
Lay solid foundation for further advance landscape brush art

Grasp the key principles of the tree painting in the oriental landscape painting world
Learn to paint 12 species of trees
Paint trees in groups and in the distance
Lay solid foundation for further advance landscape brush art

Syllabus

Learn about the Oriental Brush Painting and hold a brush here!

How to Prepare & Hold a Brush

Introduction to Oriental Brush Painting

Tree Painting Overview

Starting from the very beginning of tree painting, this section contains quite a lot of information about how to paint trees in the landscape style, and there are several demonstrations of the key aspects of tree paintings.

In this final section, you will learn to paint the trees in the distance, in groups.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a comprehensive guide to tree painting using ink and rice paper, which are traditional materials in oriental art

Explores twelve different tree species, offering a detailed study of their characteristics and expressive brushwork techniques

Teaches how to prepare and hold a brush, which is a fundamental skill for beginners in oriental brush painting

Requires specific materials like ink and raw rice paper, which may not be readily available to all students

Focuses on freehand landscape painting, which develops artistic skills and creative expression

Reviews summary

Learning oriental tree brush painting

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive experience, particularly for beginners interested in oriental landscape brush painting. Many found the instructor to be clear and easy to follow, appreciating the helpful step-by-step demonstrations covering 12 specific tree species. The section on painting distant trees was frequently highlighted as useful for adding depth. While the course is seen as a great introduction for novices, some mentioned that video quality is occasionally poor, potentially making fine details hard to see. A few also suggested that additional resources may be needed to achieve true mastery, though it provides a relaxing and rewarding foundation.

Includes learning to group trees and paint distant ones.

"I found the section on distant trees particularly useful for adding depth."

"Felt the composition sections were a bit rushed."

"I especially liked the section on painting distant trees - it really helped improve my compositions."

Detailed coverage of specific tree types.

"The specific examples of 12 tree species are a great feature."

"Learning about the different types of trees and how to represent their unique characteristics was fascinating."

"The focus on trees is excellent, and the instructor's teaching style is very effective."

Well-suited for those new to oriental brush painting.

"I'm a complete beginner and felt very comfortable learning the techniques."

"Excellent course for beginners! The instructor breaks down complex strokes..."

"As a complete novice to sumi-e, this course was exactly what I needed."

"I found this course very accessible even with no prior experience in brush painting."

Instructor is clear and demonstrations are helpful.

"The instructor is fantastic, very clear and easy to follow. The step-by-step demonstrations for each tree type were incredibly helpful."

"Excellent course for beginners! The instructor breaks down complex strokes into manageable steps."

"The instructor is patient and clear, and the demonstrations are easy to replicate."

"I found the instructor's teaching style very effective and easy to grasp the concepts."

May need additional resources for mastery.

"Good starting point, but you'll likely need other resources to really master the art."

"I would have liked to see more complex compositions or perhaps troubleshooting tips for common issues..."

"While a solid intro, I feel I'll need further study to truly advance my skills."

Some reviewers noted inconsistent video quality.

"The content is okay, but the video quality isn't always the best, which makes it a little hard to see the fine brush movements sometimes."

"The video quality is poor in places, making it difficult to follow the demonstrations."

"I sometimes struggled to see the details clearly due to the resolution in parts of the course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Relax with Landscape Brush Painting - Trees with these activities:

Practice Basic Brush Strokes

Show steps

Refine fundamental brush control skills to improve the quality and expressiveness of your tree paintings.

Show steps

Practice basic strokes like dots, lines, and washes on scrap paper.
Focus on varying pressure and angle to achieve different effects.
Repeat until comfortable with the feel of the brush and ink.

Read 'The Tao of Painting: A Study of the Ritual Disposition of Chinese Painting'

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of Oriental brush painting to inform your artistic choices.

View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'The Tao of Painting' by Mai-mai Sze.
Read the book, paying attention to the sections on composition and brushwork.
Reflect on how the concepts discussed relate to the techniques taught in the course.

Create a Tree Painting Study Journal

Show steps

Document your learning process and track your progress in mastering different tree species and painting techniques.

Show steps

Dedicate a notebook or digital document to your tree painting studies.
For each tree species, create a page with notes, sketches, and practice paintings.
Include observations about the tree's characteristics and challenges in painting it.
Regularly review your journal to identify areas for improvement.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Daily Brushwork Practice

Show steps

Reinforce your brush control and ink handling skills through consistent, focused practice.

Show steps

Set aside 20 minutes each day for brushwork practice.
Focus on repeating basic strokes and practicing ink washes.
Experiment with different brush pressures and angles.

Explore 'Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting'

Show steps

Study a classic manual of Chinese painting to gain a deeper understanding of traditional techniques and compositions.

View Melania on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the 'Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting'.
Focus on the sections related to tree painting and landscape composition.
Practice the techniques demonstrated in the manual.

Paint a Series of Tree Studies from Life

Show steps

Improve your observation skills and develop a deeper understanding of tree forms by painting directly from nature.

Show steps

Choose a variety of trees to study in your local environment.
Spend time observing each tree, paying attention to its unique characteristics.
Create a series of paintings capturing the essence of each tree.
Reflect on what you learned from each painting and how you can apply it to future work.

Share Your Tree Paintings and Techniques

Show steps

Solidify your knowledge and understanding by teaching others what you have learned in the course.

Show steps

Share your tree paintings on online forums or social media groups.
Offer tips and advice to other students who are learning to paint trees.
Answer questions and provide feedback on their work.

Career center

Learners who complete Relax with Landscape Brush Painting - Trees will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Botanical Artist

A botanical artist creates detailed and accurate depictions of plants for scientific, educational, or aesthetic purposes. Accuracy and a keen eye for detail are essential. This course, focused on tree painting, can help botanical artists refine their skills in depicting trees with precision and artistic expression. The detailed exploration of twelve tree species will prove invaluable, while the techniques for painting trees in groups and in the distance may help to create context for botanical illustrations. Aspiring botanical artists may find this course incredibly useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Botanical Artist

Concept Artist

Concept artists create visual representations of ideas for video games, films, and other media. This career requires both artistic skill and a strong imagination. This course, which focuses on tree painting, is useful for developing the ability to create detailed and believable natural environments. The course's exploration of twelve tree species will enhance the range and realism of landscape paintings. Learning to paint trees in groups and in the distance can also help improve the depth and scale of landscapes. A concept artist interested in these skills should consider this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist

Fine Artist

Fine artists create original works of art for exhibition and sale. This career demands creativity, skill, and a unique artistic vision. This course provides fine artists with a foundation in tree painting using traditional oriental techniques, expanding their artistic repertoire. The thorough exploration of twelve tree species offers inspiration and specific content for landscape paintings, while the strategies for painting trees in groups and in the distance may help to develop depth and perspective. A fine artist can use this course to improve their landscape painting abilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fine Artist

Architectural Illustrator

Architectural illustrators create detailed and artistic renderings of buildings and landscapes for architectural firms and developers. This career combines artistic skill with a strong understanding of architectural principles. This course, with its focus on tree painting, can help architectural illustrators enhance the realism and appeal of their landscape depictions, especially when landscape is an important element of the structure. The study of twelve tree species may prove invaluable for adding detail and accuracy. Techniques for painting trees in groups and in the distance may also help to create depth and context. An architectural illustrator can use this course to improve their paintings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Illustrator

Art teacher

Art teachers educate students in visual arts techniques, art history, and creative expression. They need a solid foundation in various art forms and the ability to effectively communicate artistic concepts. This course provides a foundation in tree painting using oriental techniques, an art form that can be shared with students. The study of twelve tree species provides specific content for lessons, while techniques for painting trees in groups and in the distance can be adapted for teaching composition and perspective. Art teachers may find this course beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

Animator

Animators create moving images for films, television shows, video games, and other media. This career requires artistic skill, technical knowledge, and a strong understanding of storytelling. This course, with its focus on tree painting, may help animators develop the ability to create realistic and visually appealing natural environments in their animations. The exploration of twelve tree species will be useful, while techniques for painting trees in groups and in the distance can enhance the depth and scale of animated landscapes. An animator may find this course useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Illustrator

An illustrator visualizes concepts and ideas through drawings and paintings. This career requires a strong understanding of composition, perspective, and various artistic techniques. This course, which focuses on tree painting, helps an illustrator develop their ability to accurately depict natural elements, enhancing their skillset for creating detailed and compelling landscapes within illustrations. The course's detailed exploration of twelve tree species is helpful for illustrators. Learning to paint trees in groups and in the distance may further develop compositional skills. A prospective illustrator may find this course beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Tattoo Artist

Tattoo artists create permanent designs on clients' skin using needles and ink. A steady hand, artistic talent, and a strong understanding of design principles are essential. This course, with its focus on tree painting, can help tattoo artists diversify their skills and offer unique nature-inspired designs. The detailed exploration of twelve tree species may provide a wealth of subject matter. Techniques for painting trees in groups can translate into intricate and aesthetically pleasing tattoo compositions. A tattoo artist can find this course useful to expand their offerings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tattoo Artist

Muralist

Muralists create large-scale artworks on walls or other surfaces. This work requires strong artistic skill as well as an understanding of spacial relations and how to cover a broad area. This course is helpful in learning how to paint different kinds of trees using ink and rice paper, along with techniques for creating landscape art using these arboreal elements. The course's exploration of twelve tree species will be useful for muralists. Muralists can also use techniques for painting trees in groups and in the distance to enhance depth and perspective in their mural work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Muralist

Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design outdoor spaces, blending aesthetics with functionality and environmental considerations. A strong understanding of plant life and landscape design principles is central to this role. This course, with its focus on tree painting, may help landscape architects visualize and represent their designs with greater artistic flair. The detailed study of twelve tree species and techniques for grouping trees can enhance the visual communication of landscape plans. Learning to depict trees in the distance may also helps convey spatial relationships effectively. A budding landscape architect may find this course helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Set Designer

Set designers create the visual environment for theatrical productions, films, and television shows. This work requires artistic vision as well as a creative ability to create immersive environments. This course, which focuses on tree painting, helps set designers develop the ability to create realistic and evocative landscapes. Studying the specific characteristics of twelve tree species may help to inform set designs, while learning to paint trees in groups and in the distance may enhance the sense of depth and realism. A prospective set designer may find this course beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Set Designer

Art Director

Art directors oversee the visual style and images for various projects, such as advertising campaigns, magazines, and film productions. This role requires a broad understanding of art, design, and visual communication. This course, with its focus on tree painting, may help art directors broaden their artistic knowledge and appreciation for landscape art. The detailed study of twelve tree species and the techniques for composing trees in a landscape can enhance an art director's visual vocabulary and inform creative decisions. This may be particularly valuable for projects with nature themes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Exhibit Designer

Exhibit designers create engaging and informative displays for museums, galleries, and other exhibition spaces. This role combines creativity with a knowledge of spatial design and storytelling. This course, with a focus on tree painting, may help exhibit designers develop their ability to create immersive and visually appealing environments that incorporate natural elements. The detailed exploration of twelve tree species and techniques for painting trees in groups and in the distance can enhance the realism and depth of exhibit backdrops. An exhibit designer may find this course useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Exhibit Designer

Textile Designer

Textile designers create patterns and designs for fabrics used in clothing, home furnishings, and other products. A strong sense of color, composition, and pattern is essential for this career. This course, focusing on tree painting, may provide inspiration for naturalistic textile designs, encouraging designers to create new patterns based on trees. The detailed exploration of twelve tree species can inform unique and varied motifs, while techniques for grouping trees can translate into intricate and balanced compositions. A textile designer may find this course useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Textile Designer

Art conservator

Art conservators preserve and restore works of art, ensuring their longevity and maintaining their original appearance. This role requires a deep understanding of art history, materials science, and conservation techniques. While not directly related, this course may help art conservators who specialize in East Asian art, particularly paintings. A familiarity with the materials and techniques used in tree painting, such as ink and rice paper, can be beneficial when assessing and treating these works of art. The exploration of oriental brush painting helps with an art conservator's understanding of these works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art conservator

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Relax with Landscape Brush Painting - Trees.

Alter Ego

Save

Provides a deep dive into the philosophical and cultural context of Chinese painting. It explores the underlying principles that guide composition, brushwork, and the artist's relationship with nature. Reading this book will enhance your understanding of the art form and inform your own painting practice. It is especially useful for understanding the 'why' behind the techniques taught in the course.

Alter Ego: A Novel

Paperback

Relax with Landscape Brush Painting - Trees

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Learning oriental tree brush painting

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses