Hey Artists! I couldn't resist getting outside today to paint some elm trees en plein air. In this video, I'm sharing what I painted, talking about my process, and giving you a glimpse of what's coming in the brand-new Tree Painting Course starting this Monday. If you've ever struggled with lollipop trees, muddy greens, or just not knowing where to start with trees, this course was built specifically around those struggles. Over 150 of you told me via email exactly what you needed, and I listened. And right now, you can join Sam's Art School completely free for 7 days and be there from the very first class on Monday. ⚠️ The free trial ends Monday, 23rd March at 3PM NZ time, that's Sunday evening if you're in the USA. After that, it's gone. After the trial, it's just $39 USD/month. Cancel anytime. 👉 https://www.skool.com/samuel-earp-online-art-school/about Drop a comment below, are you joining us on Monday? 👇 Cheers, Sam P.S. Not sure if it's right for you? That's exactly what the FREE TRIAL is for. Sam's Art School is $39/month, but join before 3PM Monday, 23rd March NZ time and your first 7 days are completely free. Watch the first class, explore everything inside, and decide for yourself. No risk. After Monday, the free trial is gone 👉 https://www.skool.com/samuel-earp-online-art-school/about

Here are my thumbnails and master sketch (plus reference photo) for the March painting challenge

Got the base coat down

I have implemented changes per Sam's critique. I lightened shadows in the back two-three mountains, toned down the yellow/ochre in the biggest mountain, lightened the back ridge, and lightened the sky. I also put some desaturated greens and such at the base of the concave back ridge, varied the pines on the left, and monkeyed with the snow areas. I also restated shadows in the tre-filled hill closest us. Left is update. Right is previous. Water is untouched. Any tint differences are due to lighting variance.

Still have yet more to do. Please share thoughts about the added darks on the right side of the larger hill/mountain in back/right. Distracting or defining? The backmost mountain ridge and the tree-filled hills are unchanged. Any color differences is due to different lighting. Left photo is new; right is from day 2.