Willow Tree Watercolor

Start with these reference images:

Starting at the top of the page work your way down with the local hues. Indicate the water with the sky color. Keep your values light. Let dry.

Indicate the background trees with a darker value. Start to sculpt out the pine trees on the left and the willow tree on the right. Show a reflection in the water of the trunks and go over the water with a darker value, letting some of the original wash show through. Let dry.

Using your dark values now go in and accent your dark areas, referring to your value study. Show a shadow on the ground from your light source. Use a credit card to show some grassy areas in the foreground and on the pine trees. Darken your values in the water also - soften the edges.