In this lesson, Glenn will bring you back outdoors to sketch foliage. Using graphite and a carpenter’s pencil, you will learn how to break down foliage into simple shapes and tonal masses. Glenn will then work from foreground to background, building layers of depth in the foliage, allowing you to explore the gesture and character of the branches and leaves, without getting stuck on distracting details.

This lesson belongs to the course Sketching on Location. In this 8-week course, join master artist Glenn Vilppu as he guides you through the time-honored practice of sketching on location. Through live demonstrations and in-studio sessions, Glenn will teach you practical methods to distill complex subjects like landscapes, figures, and animals into their essential components, equipping you with the skills to turn any subject into an expressive and compelling sketch, even those that won’t sit still! You’ll explore a versatile range of mediums like watercolor, graphite, and fountain pens, focusing on tools that can be carried in your pocket, allowing you to make art anywhere, any time. Throughout this course, Glenn will show you how a sketching practice can serve both as visual notes for the working artist and as a beautiful art form unto itself. This course is ideal for all artists who want to bring their experiences and observations to life wherever they carry a sketchbook.

Throughout this course, you’ll have access to the NMA community for feedback and critiques to improve your work as you progress.