Ever since moving into our new home, I’ve been obsessed with this tree in the corner of the garden. Well, to be honest I have been thinking about it since we first viewed the house!

Technically, there are two trees, touching at the base. The large trunk on the right is a common beech, while the left is a sycamore. Both are very common in the UK.

There are several other beautiful trees in the garden, but these two stand out as the tallest and widest sentinels.

What draws me to these trees?

Perhaps it’s the colorful array of bark – both smooth and rough, the moss climbing the trunk, or the lichen dripping from the branches. Perhaps it’s the mingling of their twisted branches, or the way sun drenches them in the afternoon like a spotlight.

Probably all of that, and more.

I have found myself sketching these beautiful trees over and over. They have truly become my muse – pulling me out of my post-move slump and back into a world of creativity.

It makes me wonder: why do certain things call to us as artists? How do we find our muse? Traditionally this term applied a person. Someone who inspired you to draw and paint, usually resulting in dozens of portraits, or the same figure appearing in many paintings.

Nowadays the term is playfully applied to anything – cats, birds, buildings, mountains. It’s different for everyone. If there is something in your life that you feel pulled to paint over and over, something you always return to over the years, a subject that fills the pages of your sketchbook?

That’s your muse.

Mine happens to be trees.

Previously, I’d fall in love with a tree I found during a hike. I’d return again and again to paint the tree.

Did I buy this house specifically because of these trees? Of course not. But I am overjoyed that I have the pleasure of their company, day after day.

Painting my Tree (series)

I like having a series – it keeps things organized in my head. I have many ongoing series, and I’d like to introduce you to my latest.

I look forward to seeing how this tree inspires me over the years. There’s so much variety in this one little corner of my garden.

Starting with graphite and watercolor on a small scale was a nice introduction. But I quickly yearned for bigger marks, splashes, and flow. Using larger paper, I can spread out a little and really play with the medium.

Using my larger 16×12 Arches watercolor block, I was able to really let the watercolor sing. I painted the tree through my bedroom window.

I have also been taking photos of the tree almost every day, and have printed several of them as little references. It helps to have these photos with varied lighting, since we have a lot of very gray days with flat light.

So I hope you enjoyed this little intro to my tree series! I’m sure you’ll see lots of her in the future.

Watch the Video

Supplies used during the video

• I use a Portable Painter Classic, which is a really great palette for painting on the go. (BUY) – If shopping in the US, buy directly from Portable Painter. Use code “SARAH” (all caps) for 10% off.
• All my colors can be found on my supply list.
• My custom brush sets The ones I use with turquoise handles – flats, rounds, etc.
• Tintoretto Liner (size 3/0), the ultra thin brush I used
• Silver Black Velvet Brush – Round #12 (BUY)
• Mijello Watercolor Pallete
• Hahnemühle Watercolour Book – 100% cotton A6 CP (Non affiliate link)
• Arches Watercolor Paper Block – 100% cotton 12×16 CP (BUY)
• Kaweco Sport Fountain Pen with SketchInk ‘Carmen’ ink
• STRADA watercolor easel (pad & tray)
• Siriu Carbon Fiber Tripod