Tree Study _ Holly – Ink and Watercolour
This started as a response to articles sent by John Stremikis. They gave details of ways in which light and dark tones can be used without the mid tones confusing the issue. There were two articles and these are links to them
http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2011/04/cure-for-middle-value-mumbling.html
Please note the second link describes the Japanese art of “Notan”
These got the imagination going and I attempted a drawing of a complicated bunch of holly leaves (where is a good botanical illustrator, such as RoseIndigo, when needed?) The stages, showing my meagre efforts can be found at these links.
Finally – an amusing tale. Years ago, I was teaching a group of 11-12 year olds. We were discussing the different qualities of type of timber. I said to one young lady, Holly Thomson, “You know, there is a tree named after you?”. A few months later, she presented me with a Christmas card which said, “Happy Christmas – from Ilex Aquifolium”
roseindigo 11:23 am on April 18, 2011 | #
Looks like your spring is much more advanced than ours is, although it’s coming along here. Right now it’s just day after day of rain, which we do need, so I won’t complain.
That Holly sounds like she may have been a budding botanical artist. Love the story!
And I really like your holly leaves. It took me while to see what it actually was because I was so intrigued with the abstract pattern of the overall piece, which blew me away. This is definitely one I have to show to a friend who will be just as intrigued with the overall pattern of this as I was. Will have to check out the URS later in the day too.
roseindigo 11:24 am on April 18, 2011 | #
URL’s, I mean. Fingers not connected to brain today.
Uncle Bob 1:31 am on April 19, 2011 | #
The strange this is, Rose, that there does seem to be some sort of pattern, albeit very random, is this jumble. When I started the sketch I was very frustrated and made a few mistakes. However, as I got more used to the overall drawing things seemed to fall into place and I could almost anticipate what was to come next. Believe me when I say that I have left out lots and lots of detail. This has been a really worthwhile exercise. I have used this idea of putting in the shadows (or dark areas) before but never with plants.
Its good that you are getting the ground soaked as you often tell us of the dangers, later in the summer, of fire in tinder dry woodlands. Yes, our spring seems to be well advanced although it probably just seems like this after the protracted and unusually hard winter we experienced.
Holly was (probably still is) a very nice lassie. She will be in her mid twenties now. I also taught her older brother who was just as polite and helpful. Funny how it runs in families. Thanks for the comment and will email soon
Nikira 6:16 am on April 19, 2011 | #
This is really cool that you posted the process. I think it is a good method to compare negative space while drawing. I am also amazed by the beauty of your country where colors of the grass seems greener and water bluer, and air fresher. How you do it?
Uncle Bob 12:25 pm on April 19, 2011 | #
Hi You are right about the negative space aspect. This was quite apparent when I tackled this. Using negative spaces does not come easy to me but, maybe with some practice using this idea I might progress. About brighter hues etc. I hope you got the idea from my photos and not my paintings. I have been known to exaggerate the colours when painting. How id the grass greener etc. Easy. Move to a wet climate like Scotland. If this doesn’t satisfy – move to Ireland which get the full blast from the Atlantic. They don’t call Ireland the “Emerald Isle” for nothing