Old Burl Tree

Old trees are rich in textures.  Unusual growths such as burls and trees in various states of decay can create marvelous maps of grains, bark and areas of organic abstraction.   Afternoon shadows curve across the trunk adding three dimensional form.

Old Burl Tree

5”x7”

Graphite

Minimalism Art Sketchbook

Coastal Weathered Tree - Part Two

This beautiful tree has been shaped by it’s environment as the Oregon coast is rugged with strong winds.  Even though the reference photo is heavy in black silhouette, lightening areas of the needle bunches and branches adds depth to the tree. The sun is glowing through the tree and reflected in the water.  The grass and broad leaf plants are textured in the foreground.  

Reference Photo by Karen Hendrickson, Oregon coast

 

Coastal Weathered Tree - Part One

Step one:  Shading the sky is the first step to a landscape.  Applying the graphite in a light cross-hatching layer and then using a chamois to create a smooth even tone.

Step two:  I use a t-square and mars white eraser to remove the graphite on the edges, creating a crisp, straight border.  

Step Three: Cloud formations are created by using a kneaded eraser to lift the graphite from the paper.  Additional applications of light graphite, blending and lifting of graphite are used to build the clouds.

Step Four: After the sky is established, the middle and foreground areas can then be started….

Dance of the Cedar Tree

Original Post: 8/30/2008

The center of attention is the tree with the light atmospheric dancing of the roots. I have given it some ground, but not much allowing the roots to "dance" on the surface.

Here is my latest nature study. This is from a photo my sister, Mary, took while on vacation to Oregan this summer.

My goal in this drawing is to work on dimensionality. I really want the roots to look rounded and create strong depth.
One thing I haven't figured out yet is how to do the ground and getting those roots to really feel solid in place.

Tree Sketches

Original Post: 05/23/2007 

Here is a tree study. I'm working on dramatic light and shadows....



Here is another tree study. This one I am working on getting the feel of the tree.  You can see the pencil strokes are following the cylindrical form of the trunk to capture the three-demension of the trunk.


These sketches are concentrating on the light playing on the leaves and branches of the tree.

Tree knots, growths and deformities add character and interest to trees.  Here is a study of such features: