that wanaka tree at dawn - painting video

That Wanaka Tree at Dawn - acrylics on paper
That Wanaka Tree at Dawn - acrylics on paper

In my local town there is a famous lone tree that grows out of the lake. It is a beautiful shape and has the most wonderful backdrop of the town and the mountains. Much photographed by locals and tourists alike (and for many, many wedding shots) it is spectacular in all seasons and in all weather.

This tree is so famous it is now known worldwide as "That Wanaka Tree". If you are on Instagram search the hashtag #thatwanakatree

You can watch me paint the above little picture on Youtube.

Here are some detail shots...

Detail from "That Wanaka Tree at Dawn" - acrylics on paper
Detail from "That Wanaka Tree at Dawn" - acrylics on paper
Detail from "That Wanaka Tree at Dawn" - acrylics on paper
Detail from "That Wanaka Tree at Dawn" - acrylics on paper

I'm happy to answer questions about the techniques shown in this video and the others on my Youtube channel - fire away.

Paint a free watercolour online lesson

A free lesson for you!

One of my all-time favourite paintings of a stormy day in a ruined Roman town in Spain.

You can do this! Let me show you how. Join my community to receive this free video tutorial.

Join here
from planning to painting

from planning to painting

30 January 2026

A norwegian grass-roofed cottage in watercolour. Have you noticed how I almost never paint exactly from a reference photo? That’s not accidental. Before I ever pick up a brush, I spend time analysin...

Read more →

adventures in colour

adventures in colour

14 January 2026

Excited to announce my new watercolour journey "Adventures in Colour". This journey brings together four structured watercolour pathways, each with 6 deep-dive lessons. Each pathway is designed to wor...

Read more →