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.
[Illustration: Plate 13]