After a recent life drawing session, I was chatting with a friend about how certain principles in art are useful in so many different applications. For instance, using the full spectrum of tones is important to describe form, and without both the lightest light tones, and the darkest darks, an artwork can seem bland. In composition, the negative space, or the space between objects, is as important as the objects themselves. The disappearing edge, where the light shines brightest, invites the imagination to participate in the artwork by filling in the blank space. And of course the attention of the viewer should be directed to the focal point. These are all principles that I use in botanical art, but also as a garden designer and in drawing and sketching in general.
A garden I designed that includes a calming ground cover, a meandering path and light and dark colored foliage.
Just for fun, when I have a spare minute I love to draw whatever sparks my interest at the moment…it trains my eye to see the beauty around me, and keeps my drawing hand in shape. I try to apply these art principles in my just-for-fun sketches as well. (Btw, this isn’t an exhaustive list of design or art principles, just what came to mind as I wrote this post.) Here are some drawings/sketches I have done recently and incorporated at least some of these principles…a spectrum of tones, negative space, disappearing edge, and a focal point.
Pencil sketch of old piers alongside a new pier on the Columbia River, this scene was sketched from our hotel reception area on a weekend away
This lady was engrossed in a long conversation outside the coffee shop window where I sat so I had a great opportunity to draw the back of her head
A pencil drawing I did in a coffee shop on a lazy Sunday afternoon not too long ago
Although this blog is mainly about botanical art, I plan to occasionally include other art related topics…like coffee shop sketching! Art museum or gallery visits and tours of well designed gardens are some more favorite activities which relate back to botanical art in some way. You may see more about them as well in this blog in the future. The first version of my blog focused on sketching, then began to concentrate on botanical art when I was studying with the SBA, now I want to expand it out a bit more again. I will continue to post most of my sketches on Flickr but you may see sketches more often here as well, along with other arty topics.
Do you find that your involvement in one area of art expands your appreciation or understanding of other areas as well? Has your artistic journey taken you through a variety of genres? In what ways do you find that they interrelate?
This blog is about my journey as a botanical artist--what I am learning, what inspires me and what I am currently drawing or painting. My desire is to continually hone my skills to better express my wonder and gratitude for the beauty of the creation around me in the Pacific Northwest (USA).
Great post. Janene, I find I go through phases, like wanting to paint landscapes or trees, then nature subjects, then botanicals, then using gouache, then back to nature!! So temperamental, but it keeps me on my toes xxx
Claire, After reading your comment I revisited your website, and was impressed once again by the variety of your work. You are very inspiring! No wonder your work stays fresh, since you are always learning and challenging yourself. Thanks for visiting!
Janene, I really enjoyed looking at your sketches and your garden photo in terms of tonal contrast, negative space, and disappearing edges. I could find examples of each of those principles in your work. It’s a good reminder to me to keep those principles in mind when drawing. As always, I admire your focus and determination toward your work and of course, I always admire the results.
Thanks for visiting, commenting and encouraging, Vicky! 🙂
I always enjoy your blog. You are extremely good with your tonal work ( I remember being very impressed with your tonal study on your fruit assignment). It makes all the difference in your finished artwork. I also enjoy a bit of variety… it’s nice to go out and sketch outside every now and then.
Thanks, Shevaun! Actually I struggle with tonal work–always tend to go too light–so I have to work extra hard to make myself get at least some of the darkest darks in there. I’m glad that you think it is paying off! It’s nice to know that you are a fellow sketcher too!