Makenzie Paasch

The idea to paint a tree started with a simple desire to connect more deeply with nature. Trees have always fascinated me — their strength, the way they change with the seasons, and how they seem to silently witness everything around them. I’ve often found peace sitting under one or walking through a forest, so capturing that feeling on canvas felt like a natural next step.

To begin, I started with a light pencil sketch to map out the basic structure of the tree — the trunk, branches, and general composition. I didn’t aim for perfect symmetry; I wanted the tree to feel organic and natural, like one you might come across in the real world.

Once I was happy with the sketch, I used acrylic paints (you can substitute this with watercolor, oil, or whatever you actually used) because they dry quickly and allow for layering. I began with the background first, blending soft blues and warm earth tones to create a calm atmosphere. This helped set the tone for the rest of the painting.

This painting of a tree is more than just a representation of nature — it’s a symbol of strength, growth, and resilience. Trees go through cycles of change: losing leaves, standing bare, then blooming again. In many ways, they mirror the seasons of our own lives. By painting this tree, I wanted to capture that quiet power — how something can endure so much and still remain grounded.

The most difficult part of this project was getting the tree to look natural and alive, rather than stiff or flat. At first, my branches looked too uniform, and the textures didn’t feel realistic. I realized I was overthinking the structure instead of observing how real trees grow — in unpredictable, flowing ways. To overcome that, I studied photos of trees and even spent time sketching outside. That helped me loosen up and trust the process more, allowing the tree to take on a more organic shape.

I would describe my painting as a mix of realistic and expressive. While the tree has a recognizable form and natural details, I didn’t try to make it photo-perfect. Instead, I used bold brushstrokes and slightly exaggerated colors to give it emotion and energy. That’s something that feels true to my personal style — I like to combine realism with feeling, letting the mood come through as much as the image itself.