Drawing Conifers

 

Click on "PLAY" arrow, then the box in lower right to view full-screen.

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Drawing conifers is different from drawing deciduous trees, and it's an example of where "what we think we know" can get in the way of "what we're actually seeing". We all have a kind of "idea" of what an evergreen tree looks like -- most simplistically, think of a kid's drawing of a Christmas tree -- but most of them don't actually look like that. Not only is the overall shape and arrangement of branches difficult to capture, it's easy to make evergreen trees look very flat, like paper cutouts, because it's hard to see and depict the branches that come toward us and are essentially foreshortened. We don't see bare deciduous trees that way: what we see is a silhouette of the branches against the background or sky, which is easier to understand and capture in a drawing, even if the arrangement of branches is complex. But unless you are drawing an isolated evergreen tree in detail, you really don't need to struggle with this problem, and there are ways to make it easier to convey the feeling of a forest of conifers, or a mixed forest, without getting bogged down in details.

Detail of yesterday's drawing

In the video demonstration, I'm showing how I approached the conifer forest in the drawing posted yesterday, by making a new drawing of just the background right section, and explaining the process as I go along. Obviously this isn't aimed at beginners, because it's a response to a comment by someone with experience who had a specific question, but I hope you'll find it interesting to watch anyway. I don't know about you, but I have a fascination with how-to videos, especially when the subject is art, or cooking, sewing, ceramics, or other creative disciplines, where we start with nothing and end up with a finished "something", often something quite beautiful. (I've also been known to get fascinated by hair styling videos.) So I have to make sure I don't go down the famously time-draining Instagram rabbit-hole.

So here's where you come in, even if you have no artistic ambition! I'm using these videos as a way to work out how to do the photography, the narration, the video editing, the titles -- all of that. J. helped me with the camera mount, so this time the drawing paper is straight and we're looking down on it directly and squarely, which should be a lot easier for you as the viewer. I'm looking for feedback, so please let me know what works for you. I'd like to know if you'd prefer to have some sections fast-forwarded or if you like seeing the whole process as it is shown here: does the video bog down, or is the pace OK? (You can always grab the red circle on the leading edge of the video time-indication line, and drag it forward to the right.) Also, I am referring to a photograph as I work - would it help to see it again from time to time in the course of the video? What sorts of instructional videos would interest you the most? I will be doing an entry-level video soon, talking about drawing media and tools.

Thanks very much for your input!

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Note: we are dealing with the illness and possible end-of-life of our beloved 14-year-old cat, Manon. Making this video was part of how I distracted myself and tried to look forward this past week. I know many of you have been through this before, as we have -- it's never easy. I find myself pretty much unable to write about her, but wanted to share this news with you.

 

 

Comments

[Faith]

This looked like magic to me❤️
You are so talented

[Peter]

Thank you very much for that, Beth! I will send the link to Laury tonight. I think you teach drawing well — perhaps because you're well organized to start with, but it's clear you put thought into what you did and how you did it. I certainly came away with an idea of how I would undertake such a work. Referring back to the photo isn't really necessary, but I can imagine circumstances where you might pop it back in for a second, for example when you went back to erase-in the deciduous trees. When erasing charcoal, don't your erasers get gummed up? Anyway, thanks very much again!

[Mary]

this was fascinating, Beth. I never would have thought to use the eraser to indicate
the trees in the front or the snow. that just never occurred to me. I like the video.
It was very clear and easy to follow. I try to draw for myself every now and then and these tips are very helpful.will be interested to find out about materials.

so sorry about your lovely cat. saying goodbye to a beloved pet is so wrenching. I hope
Manon finds peace soon.

[Pascale Parinda]

I am so sorry to hear about Manon. I remember when she first came into your life as a kitten.

I'm struggling with Loki's illness, so I truly understand.

Thank you for giving Manon a life of love, all the way through the end.

[Kathy Hughes]

Beth this is fascinating! Howard and I watched together and were mesmerized! Was very easy to follow and can’t wait to see more. Love how you used the erasure for the white. You have such an effortless style. Thank you! Also so sorry to hear Manson is ill! As you said we have all been there but know it is so difficult to say good bye….we are thinking of you both.
Love,
K&H

[Edward Yankie]

I am so sorry to hear about Manon! I will send prayers to heaven. I'm so glad I got a chance to meet her and pet her. Will keep sending loving vibes.

Great watching the process and hearing you talk about it. And then seeing the final result! Very meditative. There's something about your work that reminds me of the poet Wordsworth--I guess it's finding the quiet mystery of nature. I can't decide if I prefer colour or Black and White. The black and white makes it feel very wintery. Brilliant work as always!

[Peter]

Laury was also enthusiastic: "This is the kind of instruction I was hoping to get about techniques in classes I am taking up here….as I can see from viewing pro water colorists and pastel painters and charcoal drawing experts that there are inside tricks to create landscape components. I am competent at drawing things and creating good formats for paintings but I immediately dive into too much detail, copying what I see rather than like how Beth starts off the tutorial — simplify simplify simplify. … She gets the “gesture” of the trees just right — and up here in Maine (the Pine Tree State) we have a predominance of white pines and fir trees. The Fir trees I just love especially as they remind me of the Adirondacks — my heart would skip a happy beat when driving north from Utica" … she says she needs more practice. Again, thank you!

[Beth]

Thank you all very much!