How hard can this be?

[LoveFall]

I have decided to try and do small watercolour paintings for our Christmas cards this year and am keen to start. Lots of looking at Google and I decided why not a little Christmas tree with a stamped sentiment.

I have done Christmas cards using stamps and die cuts for several years, happily.

Well, today I spent WAY too long painting ugly mutant trees. How can it be this hard? I just want a relaxed, loose tree what doesn't look like a five year old painted it.

I felt a bit better after watching a YouTube tutorial where the instructor said it's not so easy and you might paint 100 mutant trees before you get it.

Is it this hard for everyone? I was beyond frustrated. It's a simple triangle really.

Water colour looks best when you paint on paper specifically made for water colour painting. You can then cut it out to glue it to the card.

I am using watercolour paper. Just so frustrated my trees look stilted and juvenile. Wondering if it is a complete lack of talent or just the usual learning curve.

I have become not terrible at loose florals. Maybe this is a new area altogether.

I wouldn’t expect to be able to paint anything good enough to show anyone straight off.
I’m surprised you expected to, but keep working on it. I’m sure you will eventually.

Thanks for that. I have ordered some less expensive watercolour paper to keep practicing.

I can produce cards with flower paintings that I give away or use for friends/family but trees are evading me.

I appreciate the encouragement.

I think if you have been using stamps and die-cuts then you have been used to churning out very high quality cards. So, you have high hopes for what you are trying to achieve and are naturally disappointed. Have you tried looking on Pinterest. I just put "Pinterest watercolour Christmas tree" into search and its bringing up quite a diverse selection of ideas, some of the simpler, more naive styles as you scroll down the page look achievable. Or just keep trying until you have your one "perfect" tree, then scan it and print it onto watercolour paper and die cut a rectangle to suit your card. Good luck, you are very organised to be doing this in early September.

Here is my most recent effort. Not awful but not there yet. I used some shimmer stuff in the paint, and wet on wet technique.

Still need lots of practice.

It doesn't look bad, but have you thought of using the bristles of your brush to add texture? Use a darker green and keep it very random.

Those are great suggestions. I think I used too much water also. I watched a tutorial last night and the artist used a flat brush and the bristles, wet on dry. It created lots of texture. Am going to try that next.

Funny thing, DH said it was too symmetrical also, and gave me a little lecture on nature being random.

I think it is hard for someone with a science and law background to give up on the straight lines and everything in neat categories!

Hi op, what about doing water colour green over white wax crayon drawn Christmas trees? Though, I like your painting a lot!

I think this is better. I am using a big mop brush and more pigment. Now if I can just get the ornaments right.

At least, I think, I am past the 4 year old's Christmas tree painting stage. I hope. This is probably tree #30.

@elbo7

Hi op, what about doing water colour green over white wax crayon drawn Christmas trees? Though, I like your painting a lot!

That's a great idea. Will try it. Just need a wax crayon.

I would use a fine black gel pen to highlight the points of each needle and maybe give definition to the ornaments - will give it a stronger and more graphic look.