Tree Basics

This school holidays, I have revisited the basics of art.  It has been considerable time since I have touched on the subject of trees and am so far finding the visit both fun and educational.  Unfortunately, there are only so many hours in one day and finding sufficient time to revisit all subject matters, takes considerable concentrated effort, after not having touched a pencil in weeks.  Some days I feel as though I'm back at square one and I really have to focus on my weaknesses - seeing and drawing things as they are and not letting my mind wander where it wants to.   

Photo - Sketa Oz

Given the weather has been wonderful of late, I have strolled through Queens Park and picked a lovely, leafless tree to commence my drawing practice. ​  I am always keen to get drawing the details, so I really have to restrict myself and make sure I put down only the essential information first.  

Okay, so I got a bit carried away with the first tree.  However, I might just make this one, the centre of attraction and leave the remaining trees to sit very much in the background of my nature piece.  Generally, I like to work one area first to get my brain into the zone.  It also allows me time to think about how I might want to treat the picture and what elements would complement my subject.  

Photo - Sketa Oz

Photo - Sketa Oz

However, in this learning curve, I am trying to teach my hand to achieve an overall impression of what the final drawing might look like, so that I can achieve more in one sitting.  When I am out on location drawing,  time seems to pass so quickly and before I realise it, half my day has gone and I have not laid down my entire drawing.  I lose essential lighting and often  lose the mood of the picture, given the clouds or other weather conditions that help build the character of my drawings.   So today about get the overall scape down in a shorter amount of time. 

I can't say that I am finished or entirely happy with the treatment of trees.  However, returning to the basics of creation always helps me define what I am trying to achieve with my drawing.  A couple more weeks of this and I will be ready to plot my next major piece.  

​Enjoy the drawing board!

Photo - Sketa Oz