Foliage Tutorial - Part 2

[DBSullivan]

Drawing Foliage in Ink
using the "Scrtibple" technique

Part 2
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Welcome to the second part of my five part foliage tutorial series. (I initially intended to do this in four parts, but due to image limitations, I extended it to five.)

If you haven't done so yet (or as a review), you may want to have a look at part one before you continue.

In this section, I will show you how I create the effect of overlapping foliage.. one bush or tree in front of another. To do this, I use negative space in a specific manner to create contrasting elements. In case you're not familiar with the term, negative space is the exposed white space left on the surface of the paper in between the ink (or any other medium). Of course, the entire essence of pen & ink is based on the contrast between negative space and the ink, but for my purposes here I refer to this in a more specific sense. In my case, the negative space can be either the sky (using the ink to create leaves), or it can be the foliage (using the ink to create darker leaves behind it). Also, the same tree can include both methods.

Here is an example of each method of negative space being used.

For the tree in the left image, ink was used in a broken scribble/stipple manner to create the actual foliage and the negative space is the assumed sky behind it. The black ink acts much like a silhouette.

The image on the right utilizes negative space (with a few stipple marks added) to create the foliage within the body of the tree, with the surrounding ink used for the darker leaves and the shadows behind it. When using negative space for the foliage, I rarely leave it completely white. I normally add a few light stipple or scribble marks to give it some texture, yet allow it to remain much lighter than the rest of the foliage. This image (on the right)is also an example of a tree that uses negative space in both manners, as the outer edge of the tree acts like a silhouette against the sky (negative space)

Important: Don't forget the one basic rule that I adhere to when doing my foliage.. don't rush!


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Note: It was interesting to see the posts of those who did so in part one, but I would like to see if we can take it a step further. If at all possible, please scan your results after each layer.. I would be interested in seeing the different results in stages. This isn't a requirement, it's only a request. I don't want to hinder any potential posts.

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Materials

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I used a "00" (.30) Koh-i-noor Rapidograph pen on hot press illustration board.

Techniques Used
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For an explanation on these techniques, please see part one.








Drawing Multiple Bushes
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I spent all that time in part one creating a bush, so I figure I'd put it to good use and make it the subject of my next step. Of course, I realize that everyone is now thinking, "When do we get to the good stuff and see some trees?" Well, hang in there, folks.. I'll soon be using these techniques for trees.. I promise!

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Using the drawing of my bush from part one, I pencilled in a few more bushes behind it.





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In part one, I added grass as one of the the last steps.
This time, I added grass to the new bushes first, in order to "ground" them.
(It's really a matter of preference)

To begin, I outline the new bushes using a broken scribble, just as I did with the first bush in part one, and erase my pencil lines. I draw a light line of stipple just outside the edge of the first and second bushes (essentially enlarging the bushes) This line is temporary, designating the area which will be used as negative space. A light stipple is used because it's easy to cover up or "fix" when the need arises. The third bush doesn't need this being the last one in line, and the grass (or other background element) will serve as the contrasting value.

I would normally add the line of stipple inside the edge of the bush, so as not to enlarge it. But since I'm using an existing bush, I wanted to maintain consistency, and at the same time, show you one of the ways to "fix" a drawing. (i.e. one bush in your drawing doesn't work and you need to add a few more).

The stipple line is temporary, used only to designate the negative space.

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Before I begin my layering process, I apply a line of broken scribble along the outer edge of the stipple line.



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Now it's a simple matter of adding an even layer of broken scribble to the bush.





Again I work towards my light source. As opposed to the first bush in part one,
I don't need to concern myself as much with forcing my path when I apply this layer.
I simply follow the path created by the shape of the first bush.


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Once I have an even layer on the second bush..





I repeat these steps with the third bush,
again starting at the stipple line and working outward.




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I then go back and add my second layer to the new bushes, exactly as I did with the first layer.







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As I draw the third layer, I begin to work into the negative space. The darks in the second bush begin to create the outer edge of the first bush, thus eliminating the stipple line. I use a light broken scribble and add this layer carefully so I don't overwork it or get dark splotches. A better explanation is that I use individual "dashes" which split or divide the existing white spots. It doesn't take much to darken it.

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I repeat these steps with the third bush




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Before I draw the last layer(s), I add a very light stipple to the negative space to give it some texture.




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I begin the fourth and final layer by adding little Xs and Vs along the outer edge of the first bush.
This eliminates the smooth look and provides a more realistic look.




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I then proceed to add my final layer, adding darks and a bit more texture
until it's consistent with the first bush




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For the third bush, I repeat the above steps, but I also add some broken scribble to it's edge to better define it.




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I finish off by applying a few darks at the base of the bushes to create more depth..
and I have my completed bushes.

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Now that I'm done, I would like to point out that the first two bushes use both methods of negative space (as I mentioned in the beginning). The bush's upper right edge uses negative space as the foliage, and it's left edge uses it as a white background (sky?).

Tip: Let's say that these bushes were in front of someone's house, and to the left was a dark brick wall. Instead of trying to create a separation between the wall and the shrubs using two dark shades of ink, I could accomplish a similar effect by using the same technique on the left side, adding a slightly thinner area of negative space and working the brick wall into it.

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I hope you enjoyed part two of my five part series.
Please feel free to post your efforts and/or any questions you may have.


Continue to - Part 3 - Drawing Background Trees

[viking57]

Hi Dave,
Whew! This is getting to be like homework! Hahaha. Where's Spicolli and the pizza!? I'll get right on it Mr Sullivan.....
Ron

[DBSullivan]

Mr Guthrie - You eat pizza on your time, not mine! (lol - what was that teacher's name - ??? - He was the guy who played the martian on "My Favorite Martian", remember?)

p.s. - I assure you that any time you spend on this exercise won't even come close to a fraction of the time it took me to write it.

[valchina612]

Well done Mr. Sully -- and boy oh boy, I know what you mean about the time it takes to write a tutorial or Seminar notes etc. Been there, and done that so many times, and nary a soul knows the time one puts in to it. You have my utmost appreciation for what you have done, as it is no small feat, and most of all Dave, you write it so that we all feel as though we are sitting next to you, and you are explaining it all to us individually and personally -- that makes it so much more special. Thanks heaps.

Mr. Guthrie -- I hope you are going to share that Pizza, just pass a piece behind your back, and I'll have my hand waiting behind my back, so Mr. Sully doesn't see it. But heck, I'd feel really guilty if we didn't share, especially after all the work he's done. I'm a softie.

VdeV.

[mel-ink]

Wow, Dave!!! Thanks!!! I am just dying to try this but the TO DO NOW OR ELSE pile keeps growing and these genius friends of mine keep posting all this wonderful stuff I just HAVE to check out!!! Thanks for the second installment of sharing your knowledge. You need to send this tutorial in as an article to The Artist's Magazine when you are finished with it at least. I'm not going to stop hounding you until you are published!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[viking57]

Hi Mr. Sullivan,
OK, here is what I came up with.....all faults are blamed on the fact I've been drawing all darn day! I'm seeing dots!
This first one I goofed because I forgot you wanted it in stages so I only managed to catch the last three. This one is at the stage of right before detailing the edges in the space between the bushes.....


This one is adding the stipple to the space and then darkening the last pass on the bush......


This is my final scan...I've detailed the spacing area, which I think I goofed and made too close...When you said make the V's in the outer edge of the first bush I thought you meant the original edge...not the new edge..my fault.


I probably went too dark on the overall contrast and didn't do a good job of making the values lighter as the bushes recede in the distance....I'll trade you a slice of pizza for a B-...a C gets you nothing!
Dave, thanks again for putting forth all the effort to do this tutorial. I kid you a lot but this is really a good learning experience. Way to go!!!!

Val - I'm working on improving our grades for pizza! Cross your fingers!
Ron

[viking57]

Oh Yeah.....my grass looks like a blindman did it! Yuck!!!!!!!!
Ron

[DBSullivan]

Val - Thanks so much for those wonderful comments! I can see that if anyone understands the time issue.. it would be you! And I also liked the comment about my "explaining it... individually and personally" That really made my day

Mel - Thanks, buddy! I'm so glad you like it! I understand the "to do list" thing.. and hey, you gotta do what ya gotta do, right? Don't sweat it! This thread will be here for a while. Maybe you can "wake it up" sometime in January or February! The Artists' Magazine.. hmmmm.. good idea Actually, someone else recently made that suggestion to me.. hmmmm.. really good idea! And please don't stop hounding me.. if that's what it takes!

Ron - You are the man!!! Ummmm.. I mean.. Mr Guthrie - Well done! I must say that you're really setting the bar high for the others! C'mon now, you're making this look too easy.. and I thought that was my job! The fact that it's darker than anticipated is fine as long as you don't tell anyone. You definitely have a strong grasp on this technique.. I can't wait to see your trees in part 3!

Okay here is your grade according to category:

Technique... A+

Composition... A+

Contrast... A+

The fact that you posted... A+

Following Scanning Instructions... C-

You didn't know the name of the guy who played Spicoli's teacher in "Fast Times"... D-
(btw - it was Ray Walston)

You were talking to Val during the explanation about negative space... D-
(don't deny it.. and I saw you pass her something behind your back, too!)


btw - Do I smell pizza???

[valchina612]

Dave, I second Mel's suggestion about The Artists' Magazine -- we get the American one here as well as the Australian one, so I would just love to be able to walk in to the Newagents and buy it, and say, "I know this Artist -- and WOW, is he any good!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I'm sure Mel and I would both be good at hounding (call it "nagging" if you like!!!!!!!). Come January or February, you're for it -- no excuses!!

Val.

[viking57]

Hi Dave,
Those are good grades! I'll live with the D's. Hahaha! Hey, I just now saw your post about Uncle Martin...Ray Walston. I would have got the answer hands down who he was as I watched that program like clockwork when I was a kid. I loved him in Damn Yankees too! ("whatever Lola wants...Lola gets..."). I thought your question was what was his name in the movie and it, was Mr. Hand. My favorite part...the pool scene! Funniest part, when the pizza guy shows up with Spicolli's order in class.
Anyway, I wish I hadn't gone that dark....I lightened it up in PS to not show the smudges on the paper and then darkened the contrast but a bit too much. It's a bit lighter IRL.
Oh no...the trees! I'm doing trees right now on the drawing I'm working on but they are in stippling.....talk about time intensive. I almost did them in scribble and at this point I wish I had. I want to do one in mixed techniques for a change. I'm on my eye-break right now. I doubt I'm raising the bar at all...there are some great artists here. Negative Space to me is the area you don't have to put dots in! I love negative space!...and besides, Val was poking me in the back to give her that pizza!.
Ron

[DBSullivan]

Val - aww.. I wouldn't make you go to a local newsagent and buy a copy.. I'd sign one and send it to you!

Ron -

Knowledge of Spicoli's teacher's name in "Fast Times"... A+

Reminding me about the pool scene in "Fast Times"... A+++

Not knowing that you're raising the bar... D-

Blaming it on Val... D+

I would be interested in seeing the results of a "mixed technique" work from you. I look forward to it.
Golly.. I'd better get started on Part 3!

[valchina612]

WOO-HOO I'll keep you up to that pal.

Val.

[Jakeally]

Another wonderful tutorial Dave. I can't thank you enough. It must have taken you absolutely ages to do and as with everything you do it is so profesionally put together.
Fantastic job

[mothsailor]

Thanks once again for this...I'll be working on the bushes later. Three more to come as well...you're spoiling us!!

[MonicaB]

Originally Posted by mel-ink

You need to send this tutorial in as an article to The Artist's Magazine when you are finished with it at least. I'm not going to stop hounding you until you are published!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a great idea!