Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to another edition of THE PENCIL CASE! As always, each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. This week let's discuss Sharpening Your Drawing Skills. ♥︎

DRAWING IS PART OF THE DESIGN PROCESS

Garden graphics (or landscape graphics) is how we communicate our designs visually. Drawing (whether by hand or digitally) is integral to the design process as it allows you to explore a flood of ideas conceptually all the way to crafting final landscape details. We use these drawings to explore concepts for our own gardens, plus when sharing final designs with a client or contractor.

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When I started teaching landscape design back in 2011 I discovered that we all have the ability to draw, but sometimes our lack of confidence gets in the way. At its core, drawing is a set of skills that we can all learn. Repetition refines it (yes, lots of practice)...and that’s pretty cool. 

JUST START DRAWING

The best way to feel comfortable with drawing is to start drawing, imperfections and all. Don't get caught up in something not being "perfect" and letting that stop you. Practice really is the key, as well as, picking up a few simple drawing tricks along the way...which is something I always love to share with you.

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One way I share these drawing skills is via my annual 8-week course, GARDEN GRAPHICS TOOL KIT. Enrollment only opens once a year in January, so I want to give a heads up to those wishing to join me in this next round. Below are the categories we cover each year. We always start simple (note: this class is for beginners), then build up each week so you can layer skill on skill and gain confidence along the way. Whether you are joining our annual class or not, please feel free to take advantage of the free resources I've also included. 

Drawing Garden Lines. One of the most important skills of graphic communication is using proper line weights. Line weights are using different line thicknesses to add depth and clarity to your drawings. Check out Line Weights for Landscape Plans to learn more.

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Drawing Garden Floors.  This module focuses on drawing garden floor elements in plan view (birds-eye view), such as wood, brick pavers, flagstone, lawn, water, and groundcovers....while applying what we just learned about line weights! Here is a post that touches on this a bit: Drawing Ground Textures.

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Drawing Garden Walls. In this module we draw elements that typically create garden "walls", such as perennials, shrubs, trees, fences, and yes, even walls! We draw these in both plan (birds-eye view) and elevation (as if you’re standing in front and looking at it). Learn more about Elevation to Plan drawing.

Drawing Garden Ceilings. In this module we draw elements that might overhang a garden room such as lights, pergolas, tree canopies, and umbrellas...then use our trusty new line weight skills to draw in layers.

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Drawing Garden Furniture. This module shows how to draw furniture, plus use line weights to properly layer it over the details of the garden floor.

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Drawing in Color. This module covers the basics of using color pencil and color marker. Here is a post I wrote on Marker Swatch Sheets and one on Rendering Plant Symbols with Color Pencil.

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Drawing in Perspective. This final module showcases a simple and quick approach to drawing your garden vision in perspective. Some of my quick perspective drawings can be found on Instagram here + here + here. 

LET'S DO THIS! 

If you're ready to sharpen your drawing skills, please join our waiting list and learn more here about GARDEN GRAPHICS TOOL KIT. Enrollment for 2025 is January 7-16. BTW, this is more than a class...we also form a strong community and have lots of fun. You will not only learn from me, but also from other students. It's pretty magical.

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My free masterclass, 5 TIPS FOR SIMPLE GARDEN GRAPHICS, is another way to tiptoe into graphics. I offer these during the enrollment period above so you can get some free tips, plus learn more about my 8-week drawing course. I typically don't open registration this early, so if you plan to attend, I encourage you to add it to your calendar as a gentle reminder.

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If you know someone that needs design inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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Happy holidays and happy drawing!

All my best, 

Lisa 

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP

Thank you to Mandy Orgler for designing the lovely graphics in all these newsletters.