8933 Tree Techniques
Jerry Yarnell – Inspiration of Painting PBS Television Series

A beautifully formed tree stands as the central focus of this peaceful scene, with soft grasses and a gentle sky providing a simple backdrop that keeps all attention on structure and form. In this beginner level acrylic painting lesson, Jerry walks you step-by-step through creating this study in a 58 minute session on an 18x24 canvas, focusing on building a strong, natural-looking tree with believable proportions and flow.

You’ll learn how to construct the trunk and major branches with proper taper and direction, creating a solid foundation that supports the entire tree. Jerry demonstrates how to block in the basic structure first, then refine the branching patterns so they feel organic and balanced rather than stiff or artificial.

Special focus is given to painting foliage using layered dabbing and blending techniques that create fullness while still allowing light to pass through the leaves. You’ll explore how to vary color and value within the canopy to suggest depth, volume, and natural movement without overworking details.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll gain confidence in painting trees with strong form, believable branch structure, and natural-looking foliage. This is an excellent project for beginners looking to improve their understanding of tree construction and develop skills that can be applied to any landscape painting.