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Split Christmas Tree: Color Control in Watercolor

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Shelby Abrahamsen (Foxsy)
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Upcoming Live Class

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2026 at 4:00 PM CST

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Class Description:

What happens when you slice a Christmas tree into pieces and start flipping the colors? In this 30-minute class, we'll start with a simple scene of a Christmas tree, a few basic ornaments and some gifts underneath. Then we'll use a ruler to draw straight lines that cut across the whole thing, dividing it into fractured sections. A rough line art image will be provided so we can spend our time doing the fun part: painting!
As we paint, some sections get one color scheme, while neighboring sections get flipped. It's a fun, graphic project and a great practice in positive and negative space. Above all, it's a lesson in color control: keeping each color crisp and clean without letting it bleed into its neighbors. You’ll walk away with a funky A5 size painting that you can totally stick on a card.

What You Will Learn:

  • How to divide a composition into fractured sections with straight lines
  • How to plan a color scheme that flips between sections
  • How to see and use positive and negative space
  • How to keep neighboring colors from bleeding into each other
  • How to paint clean, crisp edges in watercolor

Supplies You'll Need:

  • Watercolor paper
  • Watercolor paint
  • A medium round paintbrush
  • An angle or dagger brush for corners
  • Two jars of water
  • Rag or paper towels
  • Pencil and eraser
  • Ruler
  • Line art (provided)

Split Christmas Tree Sketch

Class Content

About Instructor

Shelby Abrahamsen (Foxsy)

Shelby is the co-founder of Foxsy and the creator at Little Coffee Fox. She is a professional watercolorist, letterer, and artist with a passion for teaching others to reintroduce creativity back into their lives. Shelby lives in Chicago, IL with her husband Jon and her pets Summer, Basil, and Korra.

229 Classes

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Class Details:

  • 📺Workshop
  • 🗓️ Live: Dec 2, 2026 @ 4:00 PM CST
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  • 📊Level: Intermediate
  • ⏰Time: 30 Minutes

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Be Part of the Foxsy Revolution

Join a thriving community of over 2,300 students, all united by a shared love for creativity. Together, let's paint a brighter, more creative future.

  • Access 311 classes with 250+ hours of content.
  • Work through over 400 lessons and 70+ projects.
  • Access the Watercolor Academy, Drawing Bootcamp, & Modern Lettering Academies.
  • Join weekly live classes.
  • Get personalized feedback on all projects.
  • Get real answers to your questions with Creative Support.
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  • “As a total beginner when I started, I’m amazed at the amount of skill and knowledge I gained. There’s a wide variety of courses so you can’t get bored.

    There’s always another challenge in the next class. Really appreciated the personal feedback when I submitted projects.
    Janet G
  • “I loved the Watercolor Academy I learned so much and have developed self-confidence in my ability as a budding "artist "

    (I 'm still getting used to this lol)”
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  • "This is excellent.

    As a chronic copier of other people's art, the tips offered here will help me with my own creative process and prevent the block that I feel with "what next"."
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    I would recommend (and I have) the Foxsy Watercolor Academy to others wanting to try out watercolors or improve on their skills.”
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  • "This was so helpful! I loved the way Shelby broke down the basics in a succinct way and tips to use while practicing. Lastly, I appreciated Shelby mentioning that everyone is going to have a unique bounce lettering style.

    As someone who is new to brush lettering in general, I've been copying a lot of what I see. I need that consistent reminder to avoid potential frustration, especially as a beginner!"
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    The explanations were amazing and helpful and I really felt confident in doing the project. This was probably the best watercolor lesson I've ever taken and enjoyed."
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    It has improved my lettering knowledge and given me confidence to keep practicing."
    Nic

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$29 / month
Go Monthly

All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
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  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

Yearly Membership

$164 / year
Go Yearly

All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

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Get Lifetime Access

All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support
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Here at Foxsy, we are working to build a platform where you can have everything you need to give your creativity everything it needs to thrive.

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