In this video I break down how I paint trees in watercolour based on where they sit in the landscape: background, mid-ground, and the focal area. That placement changes everything—how much detail I put in, how sharp the edges are, and how much I let the paint do the work. I also show a few different “styles” of trees so you’re not stuck painting the same lollipop shape every time. For background trees, I keep things soft, simplified, and grouped so they read as a mass instead of a bunch of individual leaves. In the mid-ground, I start separating shapes a bit more and use some controlled brushwork to suggest branches and clusters without overdoing it. When the tree is the focal point, that’s where I earn the detail: clearer silhouettes, stronger value contrast, and more intentional edges so the viewer’s eye lands where I want it. I’m using reference photos (linked) to keep the shapes believable, and I also point you to a couple artists I really respect for tree painting inspiration.