Hi everybody,

Every day, on my way to work, I walk past this big, old oak tree, and there's a wistful sensation about its steadfast presence there, squeezed in between a school and an apartment block. Most oak trees I come across in nature grow in all directions, and quite often I observe them spreading more in width than in height. Well, this old fellow looks like all he wants is to grow as tall as possible, to look above and beyond the school which now has stolen his precious sunlight.

I painted this oak tree as one of my first practice subjects when I started to learn about watercolours, some 18 months ago, and decided to have another go today, especially after having enjoyed (and hopefully learnt something from) @Olly's Christmas Special. Here, I focused mainly on putting down a nice, subtle sky, getting the main tree shape and branch tapering right, so there is little else of interest! But when you have a beautiful oak tree in front of you, what else do you need?

Very dry conditions these days, so it was almost impossible keeping the main bead wet for the whole time, but I got away with it, for the most part. All in all, I'm quite pleased with it! And for all fellow beginners out there, there really is progress to be made, if you're persistent and somewhat disciplined in your practise and painting efforts. I've included my first attempt/"masterpiece" from 2021, to prove that point! 😆

As usual, all comments, suggestion for improvement etc, are very welcome.

Jan, 2023 (12x9", Saunders Waterford, rough):

Some reference photos:

And here's my (very) early (very brown) attempt!