I'm new to watercolor and our instructor is showing us how to use a small piece of sea sponge to paint trees. I've read on your website that you do not use that. I would be interested in your method as I'm not that happy with the sponge method.
I just discovered your website and it's fabulous!!
Debbie,
The reason I do not use sponges is that the patterns all look alike as you dab the sponge on the paper. It is too much of a "craft" technique rather than a painting technique.
If you need to feather the edges of trees I use a dry brush technique by spreading the bristles of my brush and dabbing it into a pigment that is not too watered down. Blot the brush anyway just to be sure that it isn't too wet, and then apply the color with gentle strokes. Use a test page so that you get the hang of the technique before trying it on your painting.
There are many other ways to paint trees, and some of my newsletters will address these techniques. I am currently working on some other ideas for pages. Stay tuned. Check back frequently. And thanks for your comments.
