Pine trees are one of the easiest trees to add to a painting and are often the first tree that new artist’s attempt. Pines add color and are very common trees, so to add them to almost any painting is a good way to practice.

I usually start with the trunk. Use the side of a fan brush or any narrow brush and paint in a vertical "line" or trunk. This trunk may only be slightly visible when the tree is finished. Use an off white or gray color.

There are several types of pine trees. If you are striving for a specific type, study pictures and try to get the general shape of the needles correct. Remember, painting is about illusion, so you do not replicate every single needle! In general the branches are perpendicular to the trunk and widen as you go lower. There are not too many off branches of each main branch so don’t over do it.

Painting in the needles can be done in a couple of ways. I always start at the top though. The simplest way is to use the fan brush – turned on it’s side and dab. You won’t have detail of individual needles, but it will look like a pine tree. Leave some bare or negative space on your tree. This is as important as painting the tree in the first place! Another way to create the tree is to paint in the branches and the clusters of needles. Needles are painted in with quick strokes using a very fine brush. Let them over lap and grow from different directions. Look at samples before you start. It might be good idea to sketch in the branches and needle locations if you chose this method.

Another tip for realistic looking pine trees is to add shading and highlights. For shading, you can darken the color of the tree either towards the base or on either side depending on the direction of light. For highlights, it is simply a matter of dabbing on a color lighter than the tree color on select spots where the sun or light would be hitting it.

The trick to painting realistic pine trees is to practice, practice, and practice. Take your time, and you will become an expert in no time.