Maple Tree and Grandpa's Tractor

3 lovely cousins worked on this masterpiece as a gift for their grandparents.   They painted the maple tree and tire swing, complete with a shiny version of Grandpa's tractor.  I love the bright and vibrant result!

1st grader "M" started out the painting sessions by putting in a sky.  It is always fun for little ones to work on these big canvases!

Next up were the green grasses...

The white space would be the corn fields, but first,  smallest cousin "J" was up to sponge paint some clouds!

Adorable girl!  She loved it!

Now "M" finished up the last part of the painting for the day with the corn fields.

In go the yellows!

LOVELY!

Then I had her add in some accent oranges for interest.

And "M" completed her part, BEAUTIFULLY!   Wonderful job girls!

The final painter was 5th grader "M".   She had lots of details to do and was such a pro.   She started out with painting in the tree trunk.  You can see where I painted the tractor in for her to go over as well.

The tractor was "M's" favorite part.   I had printed out a photo for her to see small details.

After working so well on the tractor, "M" went in to sponge in some idea of foliage.

Time FLEW by today!  We called it a day!  Awesome work "M"!

Session 2 with "M" involved adding shading for shadows and some highlights as well.

 It is amazing what a few brushstrokes can do!

Then "M" put in the rope and tire swing.

  We talked about little tricks to make the swing look 3-d.  Very cool!

 Then, using a fan brush, "M" added the final details onto the maple tree.

 3 different brushes to achieve the fall leaves.   She is so good!

 And "M's" final touch was adding some grasses around the line where the corn and grass meet.

 Beautiful!  What a special painting!   3 lovely girls, one lovely painting!   Enjoy Grandma and Grandpa!

 So proud of you "M"!