8839 Summer Tree
Jerry Yarnell – Inspiration of Painting PBS Television Series

A magnificent summer tree stands proudly along a quiet riverbank as a colorful sunset fills the evening sky and a flock of birds glides overhead. Peaceful reflections shimmer across the calm water while lush grasses and gentle rolling hills create a serene countryside landscape rich with warmth, color, and tranquility. In this beginner acrylic painting lesson, Jerry guides you step-by-step through creating this beautiful summer landscape on an 18 x 24 canvas during a 97 minute lesson.

You'll learn how to paint realistic deciduous trees, glowing sunset skies, and convincing water reflections while creating natural depth and distance throughout the landscape. Jerry demonstrates how to establish the major composition first, then gradually develop the tree canopy, riverbank, grasses, distant hills, and flying birds using simple techniques that make this project enjoyable for beginning artists.

Special focus is given to painting leafy summer trees, realistic tree bark, colorful sunset skies, calm water reflections, riverbanks, flying birds, grassy fields, and soft hazy backgrounds using layered acrylic techniques, controlled brushwork, and blended color transitions. You'll also explore techniques for creating glowing evening light, realistic foliage textures, and peaceful outdoor scenery that brings this summer landscape to life.

By the end of this lesson, you'll gain confidence in painting trees, landscapes, reflections, and beautiful sunset lighting while learning how to combine strong foreground elements with distant scenery into a balanced composition. This is an excellent beginner project for artists wanting to strengthen their acrylic painting skills while creating a peaceful summer landscape filled with vibrant color, glowing light, and timeless country charm.