Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to another edition of THE PENCIL CASE! As always, each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. This week let's focus on DRAWING TREES in elevation so you can start to visually communicate your garden ideas. Pretty awesome.

ALL PLANTS HAVE A FORM

Before we start drawing trees its important to note that all plants have their own unique, natural form. As you learn plants consider this characteristic for each one, since it’s the most dominant and consistent aspect of a plant.

This is the cool part about plant forms: when designing in elevation (looking at something as if you're standing in front of it) we are essentially creating a composition of plant forms. By combining the design principles of repetition and variety, you can create a dynamic and visually appealing collection of plants.

HOW TO DRAW A TREE IN ELEVATION

Once you understand that all plants have a form, drawing them becomes more straightforward. Using simple forms allows you to explore ideas quickly when designing in elevation. Check out DRAWING A TREE to try my step-by-step approach.

There are many terms that describe plant forms, such as round, columnar, pyramidal, spreading, upright and vase-shaped. These descriptions can be used for trees, shrubs and perennials. Learn more about these in my post, DRAWING TREE FORMS. I've also included a video so you can see how I draw trees in elevation. 

DRAWING TREES INSPIRATION

Don't forget to visit the posts mentioned above on DRAWING A TREE + DRAWING TREE FORMS.

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Every January I teach GARDEN GRAPHICS TOOL KIT which includes drawing trees in elevation. This is a fun 8-week class to help ramp up your drawing skills.  

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Some of my favorite books with great examples of drawing tree forms includes:

PLAN GRAPHICS FOR THE LANDSCAPE DESIGNER by Tony Bertauski

PROFESSIONAL PLANTING DESIGN by Scott Scarfone

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE by Norman Booth + James Hiss

LET'S DO THIS! 

Once you know how to draw tree forms you can design in elevation! Take a photo of your house, place tracing paper over it and explore a multitude of compositions. As you compose think about focal points, plus repetition of forms, and a tad bit of variety. Here is a fun video that discusses this process!

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If you know someone that needs design inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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Thanks for letting me visit your in-box. I look forward to crossing paths again in two short weeks!

Cheers, 

Lisa 

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP