Oh Christmas Tree ,Oh Christmas Tree !

It is ALL change here at Watercolours By Rachel HQ , we are finally moving out of our cottage , we have been here nearly 24 years and into a new home. My studio is being emptied and change is coming....but never fear I have still written a blog !

Every so often a subject, either an animal, or a technique or a scene captures my imagination. This week in the run up to Christmas it has been the age old favourite , the Christmas tree as I find new ways to paint it.

Every year in our Parish Church they hold a Christmas Tree festival, it is always a joy to see them in such a glorious setting and this year was no exception 

So for anyone who missed it , this is the tree I painted through the storm on Saturday to keep me and hopefully you occupied...

Step One

Sketch out the shape of your tree and where the baubles will go 

Step 2

Using masking fluid and a colour shaper to mask out the baubles on the tree. A colour shaper is a silicone tool used in clay work, but it easily rubs of the masking fluid. Now leave to dry naturally 

Step 3

Once the masking fluid is dry lots of wet in wet, creating an atmosphere around the tree...then a sprinkling of table salt for a frosty effect

Step 4

Leave to dry again. The salt has done it's work.

Step 5

Next stage, wet in wet again adding colour from the lights into the foliage. Keep going the colour of the baubles reflects onto the greenery. I also painted the tree trunk tet

Step 6

Once the foliage is dry , I can rub of the masking fluid and begin the baubles . I rub of the masking fluid with a soft clean eraser. Don't leave masking fluid on too long and be careful.

 Step 7

Putting up the baubles ... Remember to leave a bit of the white paper showing on each bauble to represent the light.

 Step 8 

The baubles are up

 Step 9

I paint the places I want the tinsel with some size, let that go tacky then add the gold leaf 

Once that is dry, I rub it off with a watercolour , dry brush and viola....

Step 10 

 

My tree is up !!

 

 

 

Don't forget the star on the top and Happy christmas xx