[earthwrm]

I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for painting trees, specifically getting the textures of the bark to look realistic. I always end up with it looking like a matchstick tree.

[Derek]

First, you have to have a specific tree in mind... sounds goofy huh? If I walk into a class or up to a group of people and say 'tree'... there's a really good chance that some will have a specific tree come to mind, while most people would think of something vaguely tree-ish in shape, relying on the group of symbols that, in their minds, have meant 'tree' since they were kids. So, be specific, decide what kind of tree. Oak, palm, redwood, birch, elm, etc...I see your locale is Singapore... I bet there are some there that are freaking awesome.
Second, reference reference reference... when you paint, you are giving someone not only a visual but also a tactile experience. You have to have reference and experience to pull that off. By experience I mean literally go out and well, feel a few trees. What does the bark feel like? Why? Remember that while you paint. If you can't get to the specific tree you are painting, try to find the best images on the web and in books that you can. Best images means those that are taken in less-than-perfect light. Not ones that have a tree lit from twenty angles, but ones where you can see the texture, or lack thereof. Shadows are your friends, so remember that as well. Contrast is good, for the light will give you your color, but the wonderful darks and form shadows give you shape, texture, all the sexy bits. What is it about a rough edge that we remember when we see an image of one and know it's rough? Smooth?
Third, look up some of these fellows... (not trying to be chauvinistic, but knowledge lacking in good female landscape painters)... Constable, Turner, Fechin, Moran, Church, anyone from the Hudson River School just about, also Peter Ellenshaw the famous matte painter... some of his personal work of trees... !! aagh, amazing. Many others, but these are a good start. Then look at why their trees scream TREE! and see what you can learn. Copy a painting or two, then destroy them, then copy a couple more. Destroy those as well. Then paint your own and see what you have learned.
Now, there is also a book from Dover publications (if you can get on their mailing list where you are, do so... this goes for everyone in this forum) called The Artistic Anatomy of Trees.If you read it even once, you won't look at a tree the same again.
Also look at Mucha and some other draftsman and designers who turned to nature for inspiration for their work. Will be very awe-inspiring... of course, it might just make you quit too!!! :P