How to Paint Background Foliage – Painting Study Opus 1

In this painting study, learn how to paint a forest of trees which can be used as a background for your focal point. Using a limited palette, so colour mixing is in the forecast!

Ready to try this?  Here is what I used.

Surface: Royal Essentials Canvas Paper (primed with additional gesso)

Palette: DecoArt Americana Premium Acrylics

• Titanium White – DAT40
• Hansa Yellow Light – DTA18
• Diarylide Yellow – DTA16
• Pyrrole Red – DTA06
• Quinacridone Violet – DTA01 *
• Ultramarine Blue – DTA33
• Phthalo Blue – DTA24

*If you are using DecoArt Traditions, use Red Violet instead of Quinacridone Violet or even Permanent Alizarin Crimson.

Prep, Mediums and Finish:

• DecoArt Americana Premium Mediums:  White Gesso – DTAM07

Brushes: Royal & Langnickle

• Supreme – #8, 6, 4 & 2 Flat – L1AF
• Majestic: #4 Round – 4100R
• Soft-Grip: #8 Bristle Bright – SG1425

General Supplies:

• Royal Brush Square Brush Basin – RD325
• Unstick Reusable Arts and Crafts Sheet
• Mister Bottle Filled with Water
• Paper Towels, Baby, Kitchen Wipes or Kitchen cloths
• Heat Gun
• Royal Woodless Charcoal Pencil – Medium

How to Paint Background Foliage