Still Holding On

[kwheller]

Also, Mike, I meant to add a thank you regarding your comment that I captured the bark and foliage textures very well. I learned how to do foliage from you, Mike. A big thank you!!!!

[LindasPencils]

oh what an amazing subject to draw! How much fun was that!!
A good drawing of a fabulous tree, and Mike has given you heaps of advice to help you progress further with it. But just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy seeing your drawing of such a magical tree.

[kwheller]

Hi LindasPencils: Thanks so much for your encouragement! I am back to working on it and making changes with the wonderful advice I have received. It is such a magical tree and fun to draw!! (Sorry if I misspelled your username earlier on a different post. I think I left out an s). Thanks again!

[kwheller]

Here is my latest revision of "Still Holding On". It is actually darker than this picture and there is a light sky that is washed out in the attached image. I tried to darken the cave, make the roots with sharp edges, add cast shadows, and add more shading where I think it would be indicated. I also tried to have more banding on the rocks to identify sandstone (or sedimentary). I think the changes improve the work. I am really intrigued on how this tree keeps holding on (and I'm rooting for it - No pun intended). After every winter with the violent Pacific storms that keeps enlarging the cave below the tree, there is always a question if the actual tree is still with us. Thoughts?

[PogArt-Ttoo]

I liked it previously, so now after retouching my feelings are very same - it's such interesting drawing and the real story behind!
Now having some bunch of advice of Mike and other artists you could really dig into it even deeper, and improve some areas even more.
Very good indeed!

[kwheller]

Thanks so much PogArt!!! I am so appreciative of your kind words and ideas. I feel that I am really learning on this website with everyone's help!

[PogArt-Ttoo]

I feel that I am really learning on this website with everyone's help!

It's because it's the best place to keep improving the skills

[Mike Sibley]

It is actually darker than this picture and there is a light sky that is washed out in the attached image...

More like this? Affinity Photo's histogram suggests this is closer to your original's values.

KATHY-Tree-2.jpg

The greatest improvement to me is the depth in the roots. I can now instantly understand which root is behind which. And the roots at the left, that disappear out of sight, fulfil my wish to know what's supporting the tree. Now I know it has a hold on the ground further back than the eroded front face of the cliff.

The cave has so much more depth too. You could increase that more but possibly not on the paper you're using. There are white pits in your shading that do no harm lower down, but they dilute the intensity of your darks at the top. I know Diane uses a 0.5 mechanical to layer such areas, because the thinner lead fills those holes in the tooth. I'd use an HB with a fair amount of weight and small circular shading - although I'd use a smoother paper, so the problem wouldn't exist.

And the sandstone now has lovely texture and form. It looks hard and solid, and I can run my hand over that right-hand section and feel it turn the corner to recede into the cave. And the rougher left-hand side works really well too.

You're really telling your story well now.

[kwheller]

Hi Mike:
Thank you so much for all of your help on this and your wonderful feedback. I see your point about the tooth. My paper may not let me fill with the HB and more weight, although I will try. If that doesn't work, I'll try a 0.5 mechanical pencil to layer those areas. I see how the paper influences this! (This adds to my paper experimentation and understanding about the impact of paper).

I am learning so much for you and the others. This forum is fantastic!

[Laurene]

Yes, although I liked it before, it has much more depth and dimension now. I feel like I can walk right into the scene. Well done!