Paint 5 Easy Foliage Using a Wedge Brush

Leaf & Greenery Painting Tutorial for Beginners

Want to make your floral compositions feel more alive and complete?

Don’t forget the greens!

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to paint five easy foliage strokes using just one brush — the wedge.

From delicate vines to bold tropical leaves, these techniques are beginner-friendly, versatile, and so satisfying to paint.

Let’s get started.

Why the Wedge Brush is Perfect for Foliage

The wedge brush combines the best of both flat and round shapes.

Its angled tip and chisel edge give you control, precision, and the ability to switch between thick and thin strokes in one motion.

With this one brush, you can easily create:

✔ Natural leaf shapes

✔ Feathered fronds

✔ Flowing vines and curved stems

✔ Bold tropical textures

It’s all about pressure, tilt, and timing — and once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly fun.

Step-by-Step: 5 Foliage Techniques with a Wedge Brush

1. Basic Leaf Stroke

This simple stroke is perfect for fillers or leafy accents.

How to do it:

• Press the brush flat on the paper, pull it in one direction, then lift toward the tip to form a clean teardrop shape.

Pro Tip: Slightly turn the brush as you lift to create a more tapered, natural finish.

2. Mirrored Leaf Pair

Great for balance and symmetry in your designs.

How to do it:

• Paint a curved leaf stroke on one side, then mirror it on the opposite side to form a double leaf around a center point or stem.

Pro Tip: Use the tip of your brush (or a liner) to add a quick vein down the middle for extra detail.

3. Long Vine with Leaf Clusters

This is a fun, flowy way to fill space or frame a floral arrangement.

How to do it:

• Paint a gentle curved line using the brush edge. Then, add small leaf strokes along both sides, alternating as you go.

Pro Tip: Vary the size and angle of the leaves to keep it looking organic and less repetitive.

4. Banana Leaf / Tropical Foliage

Perfect for bold, eye-catching tropical vibes.

How to do it:

• Load your brush with two tones of green. Start with a central stroke for the leaf’s spine, then drag the brush outwards in short strokes to form chunky ridges.

Pro Tip: Don’t worry about being precise — the irregularity adds character and realism.

5. Fern Frond

A feathery favorite that adds elegance and movement.

How to do it:

• Start with a curved center spine. Then, add short, angled strokes that taper outward on both sides. Use just the edge or tip for delicate detail.

Pro Tip: Keep the motion light and loose. Ferns are soft, not stiff.

Final Painting

Why These Techniques Work

Foliage doesn’t have to be complicated — it just needs variation, balance, and rhythm.

By using a single wedge brush, you can simplify your workflow while still achieving beautiful results.

With just one tool, you’ll get:

✔ Clean leaf shapes
✔ Bold or delicate textures
✔ A natural sense of flow and direction
✔ A finished look that brings your florals to life

🎥 Watch the full video HERE.

Build Your Botanical Brush Toolkit

This tutorial highlights the versatility of the Craftamo wedge brush — a go-to for foliage, petals, and fine detail alike.

✔ Beginner-friendly
✔ Artist-designed
✔ Cruelty-free
✔ Great for watercolour and gouache

Looking to expand your floral brush set? Explore our collection of wedge, dagger, cat’s tongue, and flat brushes — designed for every style of bloom and greenery.

👉 Explore Craftamo's Floral Brush Collection

Let’s Talk Leaves

Which foliage stroke was your favorite?

Do you prefer structured tropical leaves or airy vines?

Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on Instagram @craftamo — we love seeing your art in the wild!