Go Paint Something!

Hey gang!

I am not only a professional muralist but I teach mural classes as well. I figure I should pass on all the tips, tricks, lessons and tools I’ve learned along my 20 year journey.

This is a question I get quite often: How do I paint bark texture on trees?

You ready to tackle this one?

OK, let me start by saying this is one of those questions where you need to get a little more specific: what KIND of trees?

I don’t necessarily mean whether they are oak or walnut or Osage Orange, I mean whether you are looking at something that is more cartoonish, or caricaturist, or something that is a lot more real or representational.

How to Paint Bark Texture on Trees…So It Looks Real!

I’m going to go out on a limb here (sorry - couldn’t resist) and guess more realistic. And you probably won’t like my answer too much, but it’s the same answer I give for a lot of stuff that you’re asking how to replicate: paint what you see. It’s that simple. And it’s also pretty difficult, if you’re not in the habit of looking. And I mean really, really, looking.

Walk outside and take a look at a tree trunk. Which direction is the light coming from? Look at the difference in the colors. Note how light one side is and how dark the other is. Not just “kinda” different, but most of the time there is a huge variation due to the light source.

I’m sitting here in the studio looking out at Mickie’s (my fabulous wife) amazing garden, and there is a huge walnut tree out there. The morning sun is coming through, hitting the tops of the branches, which are dappled with light, but the undersides of the branches are almost black. Black! Most people don’t want to use black as part of their painting because they feel it’s too dark!

But you know what? It’s what I see! It’s what’s there! Paint what you see!

If you want to know how to paint bark texture on trees and make it look real…then paint what you see!!! Seems crazy simple but sometimes that’s how it is.

Getting Started

Start out by making sure you have enough contrast showing the proper dimensions of the tree, then take a close look at the patterns of the bark, and then simply try to replicate it!

Be sure to work from “back to front”, putting your base colors in first, then finishing off with your surface details. Do only enough on each layer relative to the amount of detail you’re looking to get.

You are going to need decorative paint brushes for all those tiny grooves and big strokes of color and texture. I’ve got just the recommendation for you. I make my own brushes and I use them exclusively - they’re high quality and already feel broken in when you get them. Choose 3 different shapes (oval, angled and round) and 4 sizes (small, medium, large and extra large). They’re perfect for any size project!

Got an Old Wall?

I’d recommend practicing on an old wall in your studio, or even on the wall you’re working on. You can always paint over it.

Remember – it’s only paint!

Need more tips? Visit Michael’s Mural Supplies site for more tips, trips and products!

To your success,

Michael Cooper

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