Tree Portraits: Capturing the Soul of the Forest
Tree Portraits: Capturing the Soul of the Forest
An immersive exploration into the "personality" of trees! Moving beyond static landscapes, this class focuses on the Tree Portrait—treating every trunk, branch, and leaf as a unique character with its own story, gesture, and spirit.
We will delve into the structural anatomy and expressive energy of trees, learning how to make them feel truly alive and rooted on your page.
What We’ll Explore:
Gestural Foundation: Capturing the "sweep" and movement of a tree to show growth and vitality.
Character & Uniqueness: Identifying the specific features that give a tree its individual personality—from weathered bark to reaching limbs.
Simple Mixed Media Combinations: Ink, Charcoal, Graphite and Watercolour
Toned Paper Techniques: Working on mid-tone paper with soft chalk pastels and charcoal to allow our highlights to pop and our shadows to recede with depth.
All levels welcome! Whether you are a seasoned artist or just starting to branch out, you'll find inspiration in the forest.
See the trees around you in a whole new light—not just as scenery, but as living, breathing subjects.
Wednesday afternoons from 1-3 pm EST on ZOOM
(4 sessions) April 8-29
Sharlena Wood is a versatile artist best known for her vast expertise working in the art materials industry. Her enthusiasm for sharing knowledge combined with a cheerful and upbeat attitude inspires fearless exploration – the perfect recipe for building confidence, discovering unique gifts, and ultimate creative potential.
What is included in the class?
Each session includes in-depth demonstrations, paint-along exercises, live Q&A, and a sketchbook project to work on in your own time between classes.
We will connect using the easy-to-use Zoom platform, where you can work in the comfort of your own home studio. You will receive an invitation email with a Zoom link and supporting documents such as reference photos, handouts, and a material list prior to the first class date.
The Virtual Workshop Experience with Sharlena Wood
Each session begins with a welcome and overview. You will know exactly how the session will unfold and the objectives.
The classes are interactive and paced for you to work along with step-by-step demonstrations, Q&A’s and help along the way.
Review and critique. At the end of each session, there will be time for questions and concerns. Students may choose if and how they want to share their work.
A recording link is sent within 48 hours after class.
The workshop encourages sharing in a private Facebook Group (Sharlena Wood • Visual Art Group) where you can upload your finished projects or in-progress homework, get feedback, and comment on your fellow classmates’ work. It’s a safe community space to share your work, and I offer comments on all work posted.