PLATE 12
In sketching trees, one should bear in mind the general attitude of the tree, its characteristic form and branching, and the stroke which will best produce these.
One teacher can best draw the tree by using such strokes as those at No. 1 to give the trunk and branches, and then applying the stroke for the foliage; while another teacher does better work by massing the tree, as at No. 2, and then adding trunk, branches and details. Either method is good.
The strokes above the trees show the manner of representing the foliage of these particular trees. See plates 6, 11 and 24, for other trees.
Apply either of the methods described above, using half a stick of chalk placed flat upon the board and moved rapidly in the direction suggested by the stroke. For the elm it is a curving motion; for the poplar up and down; for the pine, back and forth; for the oak or apple, an irregular and slightly slanting stroke, etc.
After the mass of the tree is drawn, accent here and there with the same stroke, and add branches and details.
When working upon a gray background or against a light tone for the sky, use black chalk or charcoal in the manner described above.