This step-by-step guide shows how to capture the essence of spring foliage using a dry-brush watercolour technique. Perfect for artists who want unified, silhouetted tree shapes and minimal detail.

Start with thick paint on a medium-sized brush. Apply it firmly at the base of your ivy-covered trunk and drag upwards quickly to create broken marks that define the trunk's shape. For branches, use the tip sparingly, focusing only on major limbs for now.

To add foliage, switch to the side of the brush, which should be almost dry after testing. Drag this across the paper from outside inwards, pressing lightly at first to create a crayon-like shading effect. This technique can also be used for hedgerows, with varied marks and firm drags for stronger areas.

Finish by dampening your brush to make a clean edge along the bottom of the hedgerow where it meets the grass. This contrasts nicely with the rougher top edge, creating a realistic look without excess detail.