Week One: ferns and foliage / shape and form

We started our new term, after a lengthy break, with an exercise to help us recall some key basic skills that we will need for the term: how to see shape, how to use line, finding pattern, developing edges, varying line weights (i.e. hand pressure to draw thin, light/thick, dark lines) and simple, quick, accurate ways to measure check basic proportions. The beautiful plant group of ferns is giving us the inspiration to do this. Here are the first stage drawings from today. Watch the short video, opposite, on the elements of line. This will help to reinforce your understanding of the concept of line and shape.

Andy: well observed big shape of cluster of flowers with very well drawn shapes of each flower, especially your contour lines (the flower edges). Make more use of varied line weights with more contrast between dark and light lines. This will add extra depth to your drawing. Keep your pencil points sharpened to give you full control of line weight and pressure. Use a softer pencil (e.g. 2B - 4B).

Catherine: very nice start with a sensitive and considered study of the angles and curves in the big outer shape. Your drawing of the leaflet shapes in the bottom right is very good. There is good use of line weight variation towards the top end of the main stem. Keep going and use a fine point (sharpened) soft pencil (e.g. 2B - 4B) to keep the individual shapes clearly defined and to give you full control of line weight and pressure. Keep going - this will be good drawing!

Claire: beautifully observed, confident yet sensitively drawn. Great use of line weight variation giving good sense of space and depth around and within the flower. Try to vary the line weight of the outer edge of the flower a bit more - the edge towards the rear of the flower needs to be lighter and thinner to complete the illusion of space. Keep your pencil points sharpened to give you full control of line weight and pressure. Use a softer pencil (e.g. 2B - 4B). 

Dorothy: good observation and proportions. Especially well observed and drawn edges and curved angles giving each leaf its individuality.  Not easy to do this so well done. Sensitive use of a fine point eraser will also be a useful tool to fine tune the heavier edges and increase the variation in tone of those lines. Keep your pencil points sharpened to give you full control of line weight and pressure. Use a softer pencil (e.g. 2B - 4B). Keep going like this and you will create a really good drawing!

Ella: I really like your sensitive touch and very carefully observed shape and proportion. Your approach is nicely analytical and properly considered - be patient with yourself as this approach is powerful but it takes time to complete each element of study.  Use a 2B-4B pencil with a constantly sharpened pencil point to give you maximum control and range of pressure and line weight. Keep going, it will be well worth it in the end!

Graeme: very strong and confident use of line. Good observation and use of curved angles. Try a sharper pointed soft pencil (e.g. 2B-4B) to increase the variation of line weights to bring out the depth of the body of the bee - the arch of its back, where it is nearest the foreground, should be visually nearer than the head and the bottom. Use heavier lines in the centre section of the body and lighter lines at the head and bottom to achieve this. 

Jeff: excellent approach to the subject and the image. The stems give you a clear sense of the big shape that the group of leaves (the blades) creates. Your angles and curves are really well observed and the way you are tackling the individual small leaflets is great. Keep your pencil points sharpened to give you full control of line weight and pressure. Use soft pencils (e.g. 2B - 4B).  Look for those elements that you think are  closer to you and make their lines a bit blacker and heavier whilst keeping the lovely sensitive feel you have already. 

Rebecca: a really lovely and confident drawing. Very well observed shapes and proportions of the flower and excellent observation of the more subtle, soft changes in the flower petal edges. Good attention to detail e.g. where a petal edge turns/curls over. Keep your pencil points sharpened to give you full control of line weight and pressure. Use a softer pencil (e.g. 2B - 4B). 

Waseem: nicely observed details that show how each leaf twists and turns. You have drawn the edges of the leaf shapes with great sensitivity and good control and variation of line weight (good combination of heavy and light lines). Good well balanced proportions of the leaves. Keep your pencil points sharpened to give you full control of line weight and pressure. Use a softer pencil (e.g. 2B - 4B). Keep going - this will be a very good drawing!

Yvonne: very good observation of the big shape of the whole plant with excellent use of simplified, more geometric shape mapping. This is a good example of how drawing a "frame" rectangle before you start the main drawing really helps you to see shape. Good to see a thoughtful approach where you are using the stems to start your understanding of the natural flow of the curved angles of each leaf. The leaflets on the left are nicely and carefully drawn. Keep your pencil points sharpened to give you full control of line weight and pressure. Use a softer pencil (2b - 4B).  Keep going - this is a slow process but you will have a great drawing at the end!