A little autumn color, one brushstroke at a time. Paint a loose branch of fall leaves in warm yellow, orange and red against a pale turquoise wash.
Watch the painting video (48 seconds)
What you need
Watercolor paper, watercolor paints in yellow, red, orange, brown and turquoise, a round brush, pencil, clean water, paper towel and a soft eraser.
Paint along
1. Sketch lightly. Draw a diagonal branch and a few tapered leaf shapes. Leave space for the wash and optional lettering.
2. Add a soft background. Lightly wet the paper and float in a pale turquoise wash. Let it dry before adding crisp branch details.
3. Paint the leaves. Use loose yellow, orange and red strokes. Leave small light areas and let neighboring colors blend gently.
4. Define the branches. Use the tip of your brush and brown paint for tapered stems. Vary the thickness and connect each leaf.
5. Refine gently. Add a second wash where you want richer color. Keep contours flowing rather than tracing a heavy outline around every leaf.
6. Finish after drying. Gently remove visible pencil marks once the painting is fully dry. Add loose outlines and a few leaf veins with a fine black pen, then a short title if you like.
The video opens and closes with the polished framed painting and refined calligraphy. Follow the watercolor process in between, then add your own finishing details once the paint is dry.
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