Botanical Drawing I - Materials and Methods - Fifth class

This class was all about creating depth and dimension with line weight and no toning.  We started by drawing a ribbon.  We learned to draw the near side first, the far side second, and then fill in the connections.  Then we drew the lines darker and lighter so they look dimensional.  I have a hard time seeing light and dark on the ribbon, but I kind of got it.

Then we were given a piece of ivy--real foliage!  First step is the armature.  We measured (with our dividers)  the stem sections and drew them on tracing paper.  Then we added the veins of the leaves, also measuring carefully.  We then drew the outline of the leaves and transferred the whole thing to paper.  

We were told to use atmospheric perspective.  The idea is that elements that are higher or further back appear lighter and those nearer appear darker.  This makes the drawing more dimensional.  Next week we are to bring three pears to class.  That should be fun.  

Today is a gray gray day and it is interesting that the paper photographs gray too.