How to Paint WATER, TREES and MOUNTAINS

In this video, I show you how to paint water, trees and mountains. The painting depicts a very familiar view in Queenstown, New Zealand and the view features willow trees growing on the foreshore of Lake Wakatipu, with The Remarkables Mountains in the background.
This painting was a commission and as the view is so well known in Queenstown, I was limited in being able to change the landscape to improve the composition. However, I looked at some old 19th-century paintings and got some composition ideas from them.
I painted this artwork in oils but you can also use acrylics as the principles of colour and tone are exactly the same.
In the video I will explain the following:
1. Composition
2. Colours and brushes
3. Blocking in the painting
4. Tips on painting water, trees and mountains
5. Adding final details
If you would like to paint along with this, check out the link below for the written notes that accompany this video. Feel free to copy the painting and copy / use the reference photos that are in the written tutorial.
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If you have any questions about painting or anything art related please leave them in the comments section below and I will do my best to answer them :)

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[@amandajohnson3294]

I think this is my favourite of all your paintings as it has everything. You make it look so easy!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you so much 😀

[@kerricegeorge668]

Awsume painting 🖼 can’t wait to try this . Thank you for the amazing tutorial

[@AndrewTischlerArt]

Dude! I absolutely loved this tutorial. On point my man! Great stuff!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks mate, much appreciated 😀

[@thomasbroderick6388]

Sam, just watched a video of Andrew's of the two of you painting in the field. I was thinking of how much fun it would be to be able to paint with the two of you. Really love your tutorials. They are such a great help. Also thank you for introducing me to August Wilhelm Leu. Keep applying the pigment my friend, it helps so many of us.

[@dorrisgonnawreckyou7111]

Ah no way, been watching this guy thinking you two have similar styles, maybe its living in new zealand that does it lol.

[@victorpulis5113]

you are a master of tone and value which is what makes a successful painting Sam. as they say The values do the work and the colour gets the credit!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you so much Victor 😊

[@caronboler4048]

Stunning, totally stunning.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Caron 😀

[@subhashgijare]

great work !!!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks

[@Sykirobme]

Thanks for your generosity with these tutorials. I always learn something every time I watch one of your videos.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks

[@M55Mb]

Great painting and teaching! Beautiful color harmony.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😀

[@carolclay7082]

Thank you so much for sharing what colors you use!! That is so much a part of the learning process.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Carol 😀

[@skipstitch]

Beautiful painting!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😊

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😊

[@rajankanhere7980]

Really helpful video for the artists at any stage...right from the beginners to pro. thanks for shareing the video and notes along with.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it Rajan. Thanks 😊

[@pradeepjhuboo9458]

Thanks Samuel. The scene is indeed arresting although exacting and tricky as you rightly point out. But your approach to it is fairly encouraging, simplifying the pathway as it were. A seasoned plein air painter you must be !

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@ramesh0785]

Wow!!! Inspiring and informative work. I never miss your videos. Best wishes.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jeffhreid]

Sam, your videos are always such a pleasure to watch. You bring a positive energy to the work. And of course the instruction is top notch as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks you so much 😊

[@estrellafuente]

Hola Samuel, eres una inspiración, tu trabajo parece tan sencillo, pacífico, fácil, tan integrado en la bendita Naturaleza que me anima a retomar los pinceles, con todo lo aprendido ya olvidado, y recomenzar de nuevo... Gracias!!! La suavidad de tu manos sobre tus pinceles, es el contraste con tu fuerte energia en la voz, que se expresa en las poderosas montañas. I love your art.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Muchas gracias por tu bonito comentario, es muy apreciado.

[@rajil1327]

Hi Sam, Thanks for your videos! They are truly inspiring with lot of information. I certainly learn something in each of your videos !

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😊

[@RobertF-]

Really great painting.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks

[@lorrainethomas979]

Thank you, Sam. You are such a great teacher. I saw these mountains when I was in New Zealand in February. It was nice to see them again.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Lorraine 😊

[@pradeepkanwar1174]

I really love your style of brush strokes. Although I am a learner I try and copy your style. I am a retired Indian Army Colonel, so dont have any intention of becoming an expert artist, but just want to improve and enjoy painting whatever years I am left with. Thank you so much. Colonel Kanwar......... , India

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you so much Colonel Kanwar, really please you are enjoying my videos. Cheers. Sam 😊

[@gigi-kq6nu]

Thank you Sam for sharing your knowledge and helping, your very good teacher...and thank you so much for taking the time with your notes on your blog. So so helpful ...

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video 😀

[@shahzadqurashi7728]

Superb painting 😊😊😊😊

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks

[@marivaldopintodealmeida8823]

beautiful work

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks

[@PintarconFrancisART]

Thank you Sam.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks

[@jsimmonsbz]

Absolutely beautiful! The painting itself looks intimidating to new artist but your tutorial was great, the way you break down each step with explanation makes it seem so doable. Will certainly look forward to your other videos. Thanks.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you so much Juliet and thanks for watching 😊

[@robertjones9918]

Bravo! You are a very talented artist. Love your videos, you paint trees better than anyone I've seen on youtube

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Robert 😊

[@holyhellal]

great painting ,Sam ,,and it is amazing how you answer nearly everybody in the comments section ,,you are about the only artist that does that ,,all the best ,,and happy days from down under

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you so much Alan. I do my best to try and respond to everyone although it's not always possible. Thanks for watching my videos 😊

[@coopergurl90]

This was such a great tutorial. Thank you for making this available for everyone

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

You are so welcome 😊

[@mrivera10001]

Awesome Samuel. Love this video and the new outside view is beautiful. You did an amazing job on your composition . Thank you for sharing.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Miguel

[@jonnana2578]

love this demo and the finished painting is fantastic! thanks, Jo

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@nancysmitherman9970]

Thank you so much! Beautiful!!!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Nancy 😊

[@eleojay401]

Hey, Samuel!
Very nice painting ....... love the mountains .... beautiful subdued effect. The tree has a very realistic feel to it. As a focal point, a couple of seagulls would maybe do the trick.
Eleo (Norway)

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks. This painting was a commission but in hindsight a boat in the water would have helped (I comment on this in the video) 😀

[@Linda-zd6wu]

Beautiful and I learned so much ! Thank you!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

You are so welcome 😊

[@jesusfirstto-the-pointendt4552]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing! It must be fun to be you!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😊

[@barnbre2]

Excellent description of the colors you use for each section of your painting, which is very helpful! Most artists don't do this. It turned out beautiful. Thank you very much!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks, I really pleased you found this video useful 😀

[@hideentity1518]

Thank you Samuel. You are my most inspiration, you are teaching with good will. Every beginers can learn a lot from your process with your explanation.
Im still owe you the copy i have done for two of your paintings.
Best regards. Love you.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Celine, glad you find the video helpful. I look forward to seeing your paintings

[@pjd2709]

Beautiful Samuel, thank you for sharing! Awesome, awesome!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😊

[@dianiamullinax]

Sam, Love your videos. Thank you for your inspiration. Ditos from Alabama USA.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Diania 😊

[@hernanmsolgar1253]

i enjoyed your tutorial.. I was looking for mountain and rocks tutorial. Thanks.

[@user-eo7iq4wm1l]

Excellent draw brother works so I like Thank you for your work.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😊

[@hernanmsolgar1253]

I was looking for a tutorial about mountains and rocks. Good instructions. Clear ..

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

My pleasure. Check out my other videos as I have made a few videos on painting mountains and rocks 😊

[@margaretgonzalez9350]

beautiful work sam....i enjoy paintings that make me feel like i am stepping into it.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Margaret 😀

[@dorrisgonnawreckyou7111]

Amazing how much the highlights on the mountains during the block-in add to them! Also that scene behind you at the end when you did the outro, would make a great painting, with the trees on the left. Great video as always

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you so much 😊

[@lisa-gayle9939]

Beautiful!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks LisaGayle 😀

[@ryanrunquist77]

Love your art Sam! Amazing talent.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Ryan

[@jeffhreid]

Your command of atmospheric perspective is just great. Really captivating composition. Lovely

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Jeff 😊

[@diannevaneijl1078]

Love this.

[@dagoelius]

Outstanding.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks

[@hufsa7197]

You are a fantastic painter, man. You and your friend Andrew are the artists I look up to.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you so much 😀

[@norbertsimeon4845]

art history while doing art instruction, REMARKABLE, great job

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Norbert 😊

[@leighwilsonartist]

Great Samuel, always great to grab some tips, especially the colour mixing combos, cheers Leigh.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Leigh 😀

[@svpr2734]

Insanely beautiful!!!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😊

[@tanjamarkovic1616]

Beautiful ! 🔟🔝🔟

[@annettehaley3338]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing with us :)

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Annette 😀

[@user-vn5xx7hb4k]

Amazing 👍🏻👍🏻

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😊

[@msultan5194]

Your art work is such an inspiration, Thank you.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😊

[@millysteele757]

Learnt so much watching this. Thanks.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Glad it was helpful, thank you 😊

[@dowunda]

Wonderful video! I love the muted tones - "low chroma depth" - gives magnificent feeling of depth and distance.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks David 😊

[@andreluispaivaandreluispai1817]

great job. congratulations

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😂

[@priyeshchikhale743]

Amazing!, i like ur painting skill. Very nice 👍🙂

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Priyesh 😊

[@jude1515]

Beautiful painting.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you so much 😀

[@carolalmond1710]

great tutorial as always

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Carol 😀

[@sharilynnupsdell9195]

Thank you. I appreciate the combination of both plein air and studio work. With a watercolour plein air back ground, I’ve hesitated to add to pieces once they are home. I’m going to try it with oils/acrylics!

[@happychipmunk8]

This video makes me feel like I can paint beautiful art work. Thank you for your knowledge and inspiration ❤️🙋🏻‍♀️

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks autum willow ❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍

[@ArtistWizardry]

So beautiful 😍❤️😊!
Great tutorial! Thank you for sharing your photos. :)

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks, I’ll be uploading more painting videos soon 😊

[@michaelcody3829]

You are amazing Sam, thanks mate, greetings from Australia 🇦🇺.

[@peterbunyan3924]

Lovely as usual Sam, thanks for your time making the video. :)

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Peter 😀

[@lddixon2394]

Stunning and wonderful. Thank you.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you too 😊

[@cynthiakourisdittoe4991]

So beautiful! Thank you.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you 😀

[@sarnastar]

Very useful and clear information. thank You so much.;)))

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😊

[@atroutflycrazy8057]

This was awesome Sam 🖒 very good tutorial and the painting turned out beautiful.
I noticed at intro and ending the same scene is autumn . Would make a nice painting aswell .

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you so much. Yes I agree with you, it would make a nice painting 😊

[@joeyt3478]

Wow 🤩 great 👍

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Joey 😊

[@joepellerin1]

thank you Sam for a great lesson.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Joseph 😀

[@nrs8873]

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😊

[@davidlanders2327]

Thank you sir for your informational videos. Great painting

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks David 😀

[@41Ned]

As always I get a lot out of your Demo's Lovely Painting also your work is great...Ned

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Ned 😊

[@nazirahmad4018]

This is such a great helpfull video full of knowledge ...appreciate👏

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Nazir 😊

[@fereshmahta6113]

you are an excellent artist and teacher. i am painting this.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you so much 😀

[@aljohnson8473]

Great work Sam ! I like your colors … Hope to see you and your friend Andrew in the near future . Thanks Al

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Al 😊

[@anshukashyap7837]

Wonderful painting, awesome and inspiring tutorial, thank you so much Sam to share your knowledge. Blessings & best wishes

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks

[@artsandcrafts3137]

I have seen all that I love in nature, clouds, mountains, snow, trees, and water
Good and amazing artwork

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you so much 😀

[@artsandcrafts3137]

@@SamuelEarpArtist
You're welcome Sir

[@ToonNagtegaal]

Thank you very much, great video and beautiful painting!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😀

[@skipstitch]

Awesome painting!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you so much 😀

[@cristycreates2887]

Hey Sam! i would love to live in New Zealand...its so beautiful and so are your paintings!! Im just getting back into my art and you are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing!!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks so much Cristy 😀

[@KJsArtStudio]

Wonderful tutorial... thanks for sharing!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks 😊

[@sarahlarock9885]

Very helpful too!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching 😊

[@sagarganguly8]

Awesome!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@suzydzayiee3499]

Great work

[@HeavyMetalRuinedMyLife1971a]

Just amazing and your explanation of what's going on, and what and how you use the paint and brushes is first class !! Probably the best tutorial I've watched yet !! Good man !!

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks, much appreciated, glad you liked the video 😊

[@rustyshackleford3278]

My absolute favorite my far, truly amazing Sam! I would love a print if one should ever be for sale

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Rusty. As this was a commission I can’t remember if I photographed it or not so I could make prints from it, but if I did I’ll get some prints available from my website 😊

[@HectorSanchez-lp6ll]

Excelente Samuel. Aprecio el hecho de q nos des los colores usados en cada paso. Gracias.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Gracias Hector 🙂

[@Gercis]

👍 👍 👍 👍 Saludos desde México 🇲🇽

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Gerardo, I love Mexico, a great country 😊

[@PaintingWithYovette]

OMG that background is gorgeous! Thank you for allowing us to use this info. Wondering Samuel, how long do you let your painting dry before starting details? (Just one day with liquin?) Your paining this time is totally outstanding! Still want to go there soon. I love it! 💖

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Yovette. With regards to your question the answer is yes you can start adding detail to your painting as soon as it touch dry and if you are using liquin it should be dry the following day.

[@PaintingWithYovette]

@@SamuelEarpArtist Thank you Samuel, love this painting!

[@carolynlobkowicz8737]

Thanks for a great video

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@adarshwhynot]

Please don't stop making these videos

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Don’t worry, I’m literally editing the next video at the moment, hoping to have it uploaded in the next few days. More to come 😊

[@adarshwhynot]

@@SamuelEarpArtist nice

[@helenastein8085]

Köszönöm ez az egyik kedvencem

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Helena 😀

[@jenniferm3666]

U.r.amazing.ive learned so much from u💞😎

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Jennifer 😀

[@lindab7383]

Very very nice. May I ask you how long you wait to varnish and what your favorite products are? You and Andrew rock.

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Linda. If I am going to varnish a painting I wait at least a year for the oil paint to properly dry. However for many artists having to wait a year is too long in which case I use retouch varnish which you can apply straight away once the painting is touch dry. This creates a nice sheen over the painting.

[@gibernaujk]

Another great tutorial! Thanks! If I can't be at outdoors to paint a landscape what would be the most accurate source to look at - a smartphone with really vibrant colours, laptop with relatively dim colours or a printet photo?

[@SamuelEarpArtist]

Thanks Yordan. That's a tricky one, I have always just used my laptop computer or printed out a photo.

[@terryernest6264]

great painting Sam ... would a touch of lilac in the foreground shadows be to much : )

[@felipeyanezh]

your artwork is amazing... wich kind of dager brush do you use and where can i buy them... thanks.