Painting Trees

Sometimes I think that people paint their "idea" of a tree instead of a real tree.  They rely on their childhood concept of a tree  instead of observing how an individual tree is growing.  The trunks are straight and the foliage looks like a balloon. 

The other major problem concerns the way foliage is painted.  I see artists dabbing at the paper, trying to depict individual leaves.  Instead it is more desireable to paint the mass of foliage.  You can indicate the individual leaves at the edge of the mass, but leaving space between each leaf results in a spotty mess.

Also, observe the values and color changes in the  big shapes.  Some masses are warm and lighter in value because they face the sun.  Others are dark and cool because they are in the shade of other leaves.

Trunks are not one color and value either. If you think a tree's trunk and limbs are all the same value and color, you will end up with a dark brown or gray everywhere--again, a child's version.  Look, and you will see pinks and blues and greens and yellow ochres. And the values depend on the sunny and shaded sides, as well as the cast shadows.

Look at different species of trees.  Think like a portrait painter when painting a tree.