Before photography, one of the only ways to capture and record natural surroundings was to make drawings or “studies” of objects from the natural world.

To accurately record something for future categorization and study, plants, animals, and insects are drawn in meticulous detail. Each feather, leaf vein, or bit of bark was drawn as close to the original as possible.

In this ink study the textures are represented with dots and lines. You get a real sense of the surface texture of the object.

This drawing shows how the leaves grow on the branch, the form and texture of seed pods and the intricate texture of the pine cone.

Notice the different lines used to describe the leaves, petals, and stems.

This drawing is not a nature study, but it is based on drawings of flowers. The details in the textures are precise and descriptive.

The detail on the bark in this study is beautiful.

These studies fill the entire page examining different parts of the plants.

Using line and texture these drawings are both very informative.

The jagged edge of the leaves is well observed in this drawing.

Astounding detail has been given to the surface of this branch.

The textures in the shells help define the form and surface in these drawings.

In-class Exercise:Texture Studies

Divide your white paper into six equal squares using your ruler (not by folding the paper).

Carefully look at the objects you brought to class. Use each of the six squares to zero in on a specific area of each object.

Using your pen and ink wash, completely fill each square with a different observed texture.

Notice that leaves have different textures on each side, as do insect wings and shells. If you cannot find six different textures in your objects then try swapping with your neighbor half-way through.

In-class assignment Nature Studies

The final assignment with your objects is to create a page of nature studies. Nature studies are as scientific in their execution as possible. When drawing each object try to capture the details accurately, drawing all textures and forms.

Using your ink wash and pen and ink you will draw all of your objects on one page, varying the size so that the entire page is used. It is fine to slightly overlap your objects and draw the same object more than once from different angles.We are still focusing on contour line, with the added depth of texture and tone.