Welcome to our Leopard in the Tree painting tutorial, designed for intermediate to advanced artists seeking to challenge themselves and refine their skills in wildlife painting. In this tutorial, we focus on a range of techniques to capture the elegance and detail of a leopard lounging lazily on a branch. You’ll learn to master wet-on-wet techniques, allowing the colours to blend naturally on the paper, and tackle complex areas like the leopard’s ears with simplified approaches.
We will explore how to mix paints effectively, adjust the consistency to achieve desired effects, and apply lifting and layering methods to add texture and depth to your artwork. Using a limited palette of French Ultramarine, Transparent Sienna, and Transparent Ochre, plus a touch of Titanium White for delicate highlights like whiskers, you’ll bring this majestic animal to life with vibrancy and realism.
The tutorial is structured to guide you through each step, accompanied by 14 progress photos to help you follow along and compare your work. You’ll start with basic washes and gradually build up to more detailed features, ensuring every stroke adds to a compelling portrayal of the leopard.
By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have not only a stunning piece of art but also a deeper understanding of watercolour techniques that you can apply to future projects. Whether you’re looking to perfect your wildlife portraits or expand your watercolour techniques, this leopard painting tutorial promises a rewarding artistic journey.
Irene
