Trees are a wonderful and dynamic subject to paint. You could spend a lifetime painting them and not get bored (many artists have). They are also the perfect vehicle for studying light, shadow, structure, and color. If you want to improve as an artist, then trees should be one of your common subjects.
Introducing the Tree Workshop
The idea of the Workshop is simple. We will create a tree painting together, step by step, from coming up with an idea, all the way through to reflecting on your finished work. By the end, you’ll have a tree painting you can be proud of. I'm sure you'll also have a few 'a-ha' moments along the way.
We will then feature everyone’s work in the student gallery (unless you want to keep your work private, which is fine!). It will be a showcase of trees from all over the world, in all kinds of styles and mediums. I would love for you to take part in it.
I will also provide a brief critique of your painting. This is only available to students who join during the opening launch. This is one of the few opportunities that you can get a one-on-one critique from me.
Hi, I’m Dan Scott
I’m the artist behind Draw Paint Academy, which I run with my wife Chontele. For the last nine years, we have dedicated our lives to helping aspiring artists like you. The world could always use more artists!
I don't want you to paint like me, unless you want to. Rather, I want to give you the tools and knowledge so that you can develop your own style and say what you want to say about the subject.
I have been painting trees since I was a child. They play a role in almost all my landscapes. I want to share some of what I've learned with you in this Workshop.
Workshop Format
The Workshop is set out as follows:
- Resource Hub: Includes over 300 master tree paintings and drawings, my best tree reference photos, and helpful links and readings. Many students find our resource hubs to be worth the price of admission alone.
- Part 1: Subject and Idea
- Part 2: Planning and Strategy
- Part 3: The Painting Process
- Part 4: Reflection
- Student Gallery: A showcase of trees from all over the world, in all kinds of styles and mediums.
I'll also send emails with additional information and to guide you through the Workshop.
Workshop Highlights
Here are some of the things you'll learn in this Workshop:
- How to nurture and refine an idea into something worth painting.
- How to identify interesting aspects and features of the subject that you can highlight in your painting.
- How to crop the subject to make the focal point stronger.
- How to use artificial intelligence to remove elements of the reference photo that detract from the subject (whilst staying faithful to the subject).
- How to use technology to aid your process without stripping the joy out of it.
- An easy way to start a painting when confronted with a busy subject.
- How to identify and push a strong color theme (warm lights, cool shadows).
- How to paint dappled light.
- How to paint leaves without getting caught up in the tiny details.
- How to inject a sense of movement and life into the painting.
- How to depart from the reference photo whilst staying faithful to the subject.
- How to create a beautiful dance of color to suggest purple and blue flowers.
- How to suggest fallen flowers on the ground without overdoing it.
- How to get the most out of just a few brushes and palette knives.
- How to use a diagonal theme to make the painting appear more dynamic and active.
- How to use broken color and multicolored strokes effectively.
- How to combine wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques.
- When to use a brush and when to use a palette knife.
- How to combine brushwork and palette knife strikes in a harmonious way.
- How to change the color of an area without changing the fundamental structure.
- How to paint background areas in a way that they appear realistic without commanding too much attention.
- How to reflect on your work so that your next painting is just a little bit better.
- How to view your work objectively and without ego and bias.
- Three simple questions you can ask yourself when reflecting on your work.
Stop Getting Stuck in the Tiny Details and Learn How to Simplify!
Most artists get overwhelmed trying to paint every leaf or detail. In this Workshop, you'll learn how to simplify the subject and paint the illusion of detail. This will allow you to create paintings that are stronger and more concise. Remember, less is often more in painting.
A Reliable and Repeatable Framework You Can Use for All Your Paintings
I don't usually like frameworks and recipes. They tend to restrict and limit our thinking. However, they can be helpful, particularly for beginners. This Workshop will give you a reliable and repeatable framework that you can use for all your paintings, not just those of trees.
Gain a Deeper Appreciation of Nature and Your Surroundings
By the end of this Workshop, you’ll start to look at trees in a different light. A tree will no longer be just a tree, but rather a beautiful and dynamic display of color, shape, form, light, shadow, and texture. You’ll also look at nature in a deeper and more appreciative way. The better we are able to observe nature, the more we can appreciate it.
What to Expect Once You Enroll
Once you enroll, you’ll get an email welcoming you to the Workshop and providing you with the next steps. If you’re new here, we will set you up with an account and provide you with login details.
You’ll be able to access the Workshop from your student dashboard. This is an online portal that you can access from any device, as long as you have an internet connection.
You’ll have immediate and lifetime access to all the Workshop content. We will also use email to guide you through the Workshop and provide additional information as needed.
If at any point you have questions or need help, we will be happy to help.
Suitable for All Traditional Mediums and Representational Styles
I use oils and paint in an impressionistic and realistic style, but the Workshop is suitable for all mediums and representational styles. We have artists of all kinds go through our workshops and courses.
I don't want you to paint like me. Rather, I want you to find your "voice" as an artist. One of the key ideas behind this Workshop is to go through the painting process together with a similar subject, and see what we all come up with. By the end, we will display a vast range of trees around the world, in all kinds of styles and mediums.
Lifetime Access for a One-Time Payment of $57 USD
“If a painting of a tree was only the exact representation of the original, so that it looked just like the tree, there would be no reason for making it; we might as well look at the tree itself. But the painting, if it is of the right sort, gives something that neither a photograph nor a view of the tree conveys. It emphasizes something of character, quality, individuality. We are not lost in looking at thorns and defects; we catch a vision of the grandeur and beauty of a king of the forest.” - Calvin Coolidge
Is This Beginner Friendly?
You'll be fine to join if you're new to painting. However, I also recommend you go through the fundamentals course on the side.
Your Questions Answered
All lessons have a comment section where you can leave any questions or thoughts. Chontele and I will be available to answer these questions. Other students might also lend a hand. You can also email us directly if you need help.
Testimonials
Since this is a new workshop, we don't yet have testimonials. But here's what students had to say about our previous Sunrises and Sunsets Workshop:
"I just wanted to thank you for the Sunrises and Sunsets Workshop. I truly appreciated the insight you provided on planning and strategizing a painting—it gave me a clearer approach before even picking up the brush. I also found it so helpful how you emphasized the importance of not simply recopying, but instead bringing a personal touch and style to the work.
The reference photos you included were inspiring, and the tips on palette and brushwork were valuable. I’ve also found myself going back to the theory you shared—it's been a great resource whenever I need a refresher.
Lastly, thank you for the thoughtful critique of my final painting. It gave me a lot to think about and helped me grow. (Especially avoiding the straight lines.....I’m grateful for your generosity in sharing your expertise." - Joanne
"I really enjoyed the course and got a lot out of it. I feel it has helped me to take a step forward in my painting progression, I wouldn't call it a career lol! One of my favorite things that you do in all of your courses is your bringing in a wide variety of artists and artwork as examples. That and your own excellent work of course!
I hadn't heard of the Ukrainian artist Arkhip Kuindzhi or the Red Sunset on the Dnieper but I certainly looked them up after you mentioned them on reviewing my class submission, that was a pleasant surprise! It certainly makes me want to keep going back to the easel and brushes! I'm working on making the sky glow, thanks for the hard work you both put in. I recommend your courses to all my "Art" friends, they are the best and a valued resource!" - Sari
"I don’t know what to say aside from that I very much enjoyed this class. Sunrises and sunsets are something I love to paint, and with your guidance, I feel like I have made at least some improvement in my ability to paint them. I still have a very long way to go to get close to producing paintings that look how I want them to look; but with each class I take from you, I feel a bit more hopeful that I just might get there someday.
As I am fairly new to painting, and have no formal training, I am not the best at talking about specifics. But I can say that, without a doubt, this class helped me. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who wants to grow in the area of painting sunrises and sunsets.
Thanks so much for making your classes affordable, and sharing your expertise in a clear, easy to understand manner." - Marci
"Yes, I much enjoyed it. I am 85 years old, an age when it is normal to feel drawn towards the power & beauty of sunsets.
I have been very busy with other things this year but inspired by Dan’s super workshop! I did some gouache works on paper, sometimes using photos as start triggers. This sent me back out next evening to look again; when of course the sunsetting colours & shapes were all different...
I was hoping to let the process grow towards some more considered larger works with acrylic, that’s coming next." - Joanna
"Yes, I found the Sunrises and Sunsets workshop most enjoyable. In particular, it helped with how to not only focus on making the sun brighter but to also consider darkening its surroundings to emphasize the light. This was very helpful to me.
I always appreciate, Dan, how well you articulate through your writing your love of painting. I read your various articles routinely and learn so much from all the information you share. Thank you for being a source of inspiration and support." - Heather
"I enjoyed the workshop very much. In particular I find the demonstration videos very helpful. I love oils as they enable me to paint slowly with many layers. Although I do envy your ability to complete a painting in a few hours. Thank you so much for your informative emails and workshops." - Sue
"I enjoyed the workshop, a lot! I really did enjoy reading the critiques of the other works. Thank you for introducing us to many artists, current and historical!! Your posts are always interesting and inspiring. My medium is pastel, but I find there is enough crossover to be helpful." - Linda
"I really liked the workshop as it was. I especially appreciated the time you took to respond and critique my painting. You're very kind, by the way!" - Joan
Frequently Asked Questions
My 100% Guarantee
Your satisfaction is my number one priority. If for any reason you do not enjoy the Workshop, just send me an email within 60 days of purchase and I will refund you in full.
Lifetime Access for a One-Time Payment of $57 USD
*Join during launch week to have your painting personally critiqued by me.*
If you have any questions, you can email me at admin@drawpaintacademy.com. Hope to see you in the Workshop!