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 explore drawing shadows in celebration of Groundhog Day. ♥︎

SHADOWS ADD CONTRAST + DEPTH

Shadows are a magical addition to a landscape plan and something I would highly encourage you to try. Adding shadows makes an impact in two ways: they add contrast and depth to your drawing.

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Good contrast is a balance of lights and darks. When you have good contrast your drawings are easier to read. Shadows are a quick and easy way to add some of this contrast. Ground texture is another way, but we'll save that for a future discussion.

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Shadows also add depth. Gardens are a three-dimensional space that we draw on a flat sheet of paper. Shadows have the ability to lift up the garden and provide the opportunity to see ourselves in it.

A FEW SHADOW GUIDELINES

Keep shadows on the same side of all plants and objects.

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I typically place shadows to the bottom right or bottom left. I was taught to place the shadows towards the bottom otherwise the plants looked like they were falling off the page! I still do that out of habit. Whatever you choose, just be consistent.

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When I'm creating a black and white drawing I only include the ground shadows, but when my plants are in color, I include shadows on both the plant and ground.

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On black and white drawings I typically use a gray (10-30%) chisel marker for my ground shadows (you can see this in the video above).

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On color drawings (both marker and pencil) I use the same color for the shadows that I originally used to render it. If it's marker, I allow the first application of color to dry, then reapply the same color for the shadow on the plant. For pencil, I render it, then reapply the same color for the plant shadow by pressing slightly harder.

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Don't forget to add shadows to your hardscape elements including fences, tables and chairs, walls, stairs, etc.

SHADOW INSPIRATION

To learn more about adding shadows take a peek at this post I wrote on PLANT AND GROUND SHADOWS.

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A couple of weeks ago Emily at Monrovia Nursery interviewed me for this post on HOW TO LAY OUT A GARDEN...and though not exactly shadow-related, it does include my illustrations with lots of shadows! Go take a peek. :)

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And now I'm really stretching it...but wanted to share this podcast interview on THE HORTICULTURATI where we discuss The Art of Graphics. Again, not focused on shadows, but we do discuss landscape graphics to give you a broader perspective.

LET'S DO THIS! 

Draw some plant symbols, add some ground shadows, then tag me on Instagram or hit reply to this email to show me your lovely sketches.

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A little over a month ago I moved into my dream studio space in Downtown Des Moines and am now dreaming about future in-person workshops (kids and adults). If you are within driving distance of Des Moines and would like to be on my in-person workshop list, please sign-up below.

IOWA WORKSHOP LIST

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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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Thanks for letting me visit your in-box. I look forward to seeing you so very soon. 

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.