How to Quickly Add Watercolour Texture to Your Tree Drawing (Simple Step-by-Step Procreate Colouring for Beginners)

So you’ve sketched your tree—now let’s add some colour to it ✨

Not got a tree sketch yet? Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to draw one.

In this post, you’ll learn how to quickly add soft, bushy, watercolour-style texture using simple strokes in Procreate. No complicated techniques—just a few easy steps that give beautiful results.

What You’ll Need

Before we start, you’ll need to have::

• An iPad and Apple Pencil
• The Procreate app installed
• Your tree sketch
• My watercolour brush set (I’ll show you how to install this below)

Step 1: Download Your Watercolour Brush Set

If you haven’t already downloaded your brush set, here’s how:

1. Purchase and download the brush set file (it will usually be a .brushset file)
2. Save it to your iPad (typically in Files or Downloads)

Step 2: Install the Brushes in Procreate

1. Open Procreate
2. Tap the Brush Library (paintbrush icon)
3. Tap the “+” icon in the top right
4. Choose Import
5. Locate your downloaded .brushset file
6. Tap it — Procreate will automatically install it

You’ll now see a new brush folder appear in your library 🎉

See also:

• How to Import & Use Custom Brushes in Procreate

Step 3: Open the Watercolour Textured Canvas

Your brush set also includes a ready-made watercolour paper canvas—this is what gives that soft, realistic texture in the background.

How to open it:

1. Locate the canvas file in your Files app (it may be a .procreate file or a zipped file)
2. Tap the file
3. It will automatically open inside Procreate

If it’s zipped:

• Tap to unzip first
• Then tap the .procreate file inside

What this canvas does:

• Adds subtle paper grain
• Helps brushes blend more naturally
• Instantly gives a traditional watercolour feel

Step 4: Import Your Tree Sketch

Now bring your tree into the textured canvas:

1. Tap Actions (wrench icon)
2. Tap Add → Insert a photo/file
3. Place and resize your sketch

Step 5: Prepare Your Sketch Layer

1. Make sure your sketch is on its own layer
2. Then, click on the small N on the layer and select it to Dc.

Step 6: Create a New Layer for Texture

1. Open the Layers panel
2. Add a new layer by pressing the +, then hold and drag it down to make it go beneath the Draw / Paint Here Layer

Step 7: Start Filling in with Colour

Use the Filler brushes from your set, which are designed for soft textures.

These brushes are built to:

• Create natural, uneven edges
• Mimic real watercolour spread
• Build texture with simple strokes

Step 8: Add Base Colour (Simple Strokes Only)

1. Choose a mid-tone green from the top right colour palette
2. Use the Filler – Medium brush over the tree canopy
3. Don’t aim for perfect edges—irregular shapes create that organic, leafy look.

Step 9: Build Depth with Layers of Colour

1. Select the Filler – Coarse brush to colour over the first layer
2. Use a darker green for shadow areas (bottom and inner canopy)
3. Add lighter yellow tones on the top for highlights
4. Fill in the trunk with the Filler – Medium brush and some additional strokes with the Details – Main brush.

Keep your strokes loose and minimal—the brushes are designed to give that textured bushy look.

Step 10: Use Pressure for Natural Texture

With the Details – Main brush:

• Light pressure → soft, faded texture
• More pressure → richer, denser colour

Step 11: Add Soft Finishing Touches

1. Add a new layer for the background that sits beneath the tree layer
2. Use a textured brush for a natural look
3. Optional extras:
   • Soft shadow underneath
   • Light background wash

And you’re done 🌿

Why the Textured Canvas Makes a Difference

Using the included watercolour canvas helps your artwork instantly feel more natural because:

• Colour interacts with subtle paper grain
• Edges look softer and more organic
• You don’t need extra texture overlays

It’s a small step that makes a big visual impact.

Want the Same Watercolour Effect?

The brushes and textured canvas used here are part of my realistic watercolour set.

👉 You can check out the full set here: Realistic Watercolour Brush & Canvas Set for Procreate

Final Thoughts

With the right canvas + a few simple strokes, you can create realistic watercolour-effect trees in minutes. No need to draw every leaf—just let the texture do the work.

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