TEXT FROM “Notes for making field notes” ©B.G. Merkle, 2012

A: Depth of field Often, you will be focused very close, on a plant or animal you are sketching, but context can easily be provided by a quick landscape sketch.

The farther away it (an object) is, the lighter it is.

Distant objects are smaller, less distinct, and less detailed, as well.

B: 3-D objects

Something as simple as a blade of grass can be drawn simply and still provide accurate information for later reference.

Contour vs. Outline o Outline – defines only external shape o Contour – follows lines of figure, providing definition and texture o Shading – Indicate light and shadow by adding more value to the darker side of your

subject C: Leaves

Draw the mid-rib first, followed by major side veins

Be sure to note, and draw, whether the veins are opposite (in pairs) or alternate.

Now, sketch in secondary veins, and then the outline of the leaf form.

Make sure you indicate whether the margin (outside edge) is toothed, smooth, lobed, etc.

Make quick notes about details which you may not have drawn in – color, texture, etc.

These field notes make later identification easier – if you want to look up the plant, etc. D: Birds

Egg-shaped body

Wings are usually shaped like ½ of a heart.

Head is round, but planes are flat on forehead, top, and back of head.

Bill shape is critical for bird identification. It is important to describe it if you don’t feel your sketch is accurate.

E: Trees Do small drawings at first, so you can “keep them under control.”

Sense of top and bottom proportions are critical, when drawing the whole tree.

Start with major branch forms.

Lines are heavier at “groins” where trunk splits or branches attach to trunk.

Foreshortening o Use arced lines to indicate whether the branch is in front (arc towards you) or behind

the trunk (arc away from you). o Foreshortening: Use arced lines to indicate whether you are looking up (arc up, or

away) or down (arc down) at the tree. o Things that are nearer to you are larger. Draw them accordingly.

When shading the tree, the dark side of the trunk and branches can be drawn with a whole or continuous line. The light side can be drawn with more “broken” lines or marks.

F: Eyes

Animal’s eyes are round, not oval. A light mark or highlight is important. It indicates a convex shape, and also signifies that the

animal is still alive. The eye should have a tear duct. Use an arced line or half-circle to identify the cheek area, and to help with placement of the eye

on the head.