How to Paint Leaves

Just like there are different kinds of human faces, so also there are thousands of species of trees and hence leaves. Each leaf is different from the other in shape, size and color. Before you set out to paint leaves, it is important to study the species and have a good idea about all the aspects of the leaves. Scroll down to get a few tips on how to paint leaves. You will soon be able to paint a variety of leaves; from simple, compound to broadleaf.

Try to get a good idea about the shape of the leaf you are about to paint. It may be a real leaf or the photograph of one. Take a look at the outline and count the number of lobes. See if the veins look prominent along the mid-rib and if the petiole is very long and wide. Find out if it is a simple leaf or is compound with several small leaves along the blade.
Before you start painting, make a rough sketch with a pencil. Irrespective of the type of leaf you are painting, it will be better to have a drawing before adding color to it. There is a difference between painting simple and compound leaves. A maple leaf may be drawn with only a few leaves attached to a branch. But a compound leaf like Elderberry will have at least six to seven leaves in every stalk.
Select your paint first and then set up the necessary paper or canvas. Have your brushes and paint handy. Rub out the rough pencil drawing allowing only the impressions to guide you to do the painting. The layers of paint should not betray the telltale pencil marks.
Use a thin brush to paint simple and broadleaf leaves. Start with the outline, and then fill in the inside. Leave the veins to the end. It is very easy to paint the simple leaves. Their ovate and heart shape makes it very easy to paint. There are no multiple lobes to make the going difficult.
Paint several small ovate shaped leaves to complete the look for the compound broadleaf leaves. Make each branch look full with the leaves. There is generally one single leaf at the tip with several small leaves on either side of the stalk on a compound leaf.
If your leaves are fan-shaped like those of the Ginkgo tree, then a fan-shaped brush will do the trick. A fine haired medium brush will also serve the purpose. The paint can be fanned out to give the desired effect.

You can use the colors to your advantage when painting deciduous trees. The summer greens look beautiful with red-orange hues and brownish tints. While painting, it is always wiser to start with the darker areas and then allow it to dry. Then paint the lighter areas if you are doing this with water colors. The effects of the painting will surely make you very happy.