Aspect and Attitude
In too many instances the first aspect of the subject of study is recorded, even without any regard to natural attitude. It may be a spray of blossom taken by the student from the parent tree or shrub, which is fixed up in any position that comes handy. For this there is no excuse; the spray should not only be placed consistently, but to the best advantage, the object being to record aspects that are suggestive of decorative development.
In design it is conditional that each individual detail should be primarily effective as a silhouette, surface interest being of secondary consideration.
Any leaf or flower that does not conform should be so arranged as to satisfactorily comply with this condition, and this can easily be achieved by slightly shifting the point of view, as it is generally due to extreme foreshortening, or perspective that is confusing in appearance.
No. 285. Natural Aspect of Various Leaves.
Those in outline unsuitable without adaptation for ornament. The silhouette versions shew natural aspects that readily lend to decorative purposes.
Points of study to be noted are the stem growth, junctions and angles of branching and articulation of leaves, the difference in development of leaves on main stem and those on flower stalk, and phases of the flowers. The drawing should be explanatory as far as possible, and any detail not quite clear should be expressed in separate lucid diagrams. When readily accessible, a series of studies should be made of the same plant or growth at differing stages, so as to form a record of the life history and development.
Care should be exercised to arrange the study with its explanatory details on the paper so as to satisfactorily occupy the area, not necessarily symmetrically, but with a view to desirable balance. Those with a natural faculty for design will probably do this instinctively, but the observance is important in developing the sense of arrangement.