Drawing Nature (patterns, marks, shape)

Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday!

Just recently, I moved to a different city, where I live a 5-minute-walk from the forest. I feel inspired by my new surroundings, and today I will use a photo I took in the woods here, as my reference for a drawing.

Nature is all about texture, pattern and shape. Today I will be playing a lot, trying to find my way, with these three elements.

I will start with putting down basic shapes with color, and then later I worry about adding details, line and marks. I'll look to see if I can use the characteristics of my materials, and also keep an eye on the organic feeling of the scene (think about rythm and patterns). By holding my pen at the far end, I have less control over the lines I draw, which helps to add to the organic vibe.

While I am working, I discover that layering can bring in more depth, as well as tone down harsh bits. And, as often is the case: contrast makes a difference for guiding the viewer's eyes.

Materials used in this video:
-Seawhite of Brighton hardcover sketchbook, size A4
-Kwik Stix tempera sticks
-Pentel Pocket Brushpen

Your assignment for this week:

Play with marks and pattern and texture. Maybe you can go to a forest or park near you, or maybe you have some houseplants. You could find a picture online.
If you are a patron, you'll find the reference photo I used today on Patreon.
Draw greens, browns, branches - find a way to capture it with the tools that you're using (and you might discover a thing or two.

Don't think about the outcome, just play and discover. Have fun!