1. Choose Your Surface The paint typically used for this technique is acrylic. You can work on either a canvas or regular sketch paper or cardboard. However, I recommend starting with paper first and then moving on to canvas once you’re comfortable. 2. Prepare the Branches Before using the tree branches, trim them to create a relatively flat surface. This will help reduce the chances of unwanted paint smudging when the branch comes into contact with the canvas. 3. Apply Paint to the Branches Be