Thursday, December 16, 2010

Some December sketches

Trees. My obsession with trees continues. Just can't seem to get them quite right. Of course, now that they are all bare of leaves it all really depends on the structure of line. So I have been doing a few tree studies in my sketchbook, because I need so much practice with trees. And line.
I have been reading a few books about drawing trees, too, trying to gain some insight, gleaning the wisdom of how others have dealt with interpreting trees in various media. Trees have so much character. And dignity.
I rediscovered my Neocolor II crayons the other day. They allow for drawing and painting at the same time. And unlike the brush, one has to start with line, perfect for trees in winter. With a brush it's all about shape, but with the crayon, I have to find the line first, which is a different way of seeing for me. Do you ever do that? Change your approach in order to train yourself to see in a new way? Do you more naturally draw with line or shape?

The bottom image is a view outside my living room window on a snowy day, done with Neocolor II water soluble crayons. Well, everyday has been a snowy day here lately. The middle image is a study I did in graphite from an old photo, and the top is also from a photo, taken last winter of a pasture near my house, also done with Neocolor II crayon.

13 comments:

debra morris said...

Lovely sketches Ann

Anonymous said...

Last sketch is beautiful. Love the different colors.

Monique

Sandra said...

So very nice!

donna said...

I have been obsessed with trees ever since they lost all of their leaves. I need to spend more time just observing. Yours however look amazing. Love the use of color! Neocolor II are fun, aren't they?

BARBARA WEEKS said...

These are lovely. The first one is may favorite. I can feel the cold air!

kazumiwannabe said...

Great drawings. I still feel shy about drawing nature subjects, they're so complex. The three pages are beautiful and very inspirational.

Janene said...

I have been yearning to draw some trees too. You can really see their structure this time of year. You have done a great job on these--my favorite is the graphite one.

Deborah said...

Lovely trees. They are so graceful and serene.

Unknown said...

Wonderful pages! For me, I tend to draw with line first,which I think is the reason I enjoyed that imaginary girl I did on my last post. With her there were no lines at all, I just went in with the shapes of the tones. I enjoyed it; it felt more like sculpting to me!

Alex said...

Beautifully done Ann! Sets the mood just about right for this cold season!

Dan Kent said...

Beautiful drawings. I just love the center sketch - so well drawn! In the first picture, they seem to be a comfortable couple, and the last one is a lively sketch! Your studies are wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful sketches! I love your trees.

nanke's stuff said...

All of them are lovely, Ann,but my favorite is the one in the middle. You do such wonderful drawings! nancy

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