The strokes and touches used upon plate [21] are more delicate than any previously given, though similar in character. No. 1 is drawn with the side of the chalk, the accent being with the left end. Allow the hand to tremble a bit and the texture desired is more readily obtained. Stroke 2 is produced in the same manner. After these are drawn add the shades, stems, and leaf with charcoal, and high lights with touches of white chalk.
Stroke 3 is exactly like that at No. 2, plate [20], though drawn with a much smaller piece of chalk. A series of these strokes, with the addition of touches with the charcoal and point of the chalk, as indicated in the sketch, will produce the caterpillar.
Strokes 4 and 5 are valuable in sketching a butterfly or moth. They are gray strokes with the side of the chalk, the pressure being upon the end forming the outline. In work of this kind study nature very carefully, as no sketch or copy can do what nature can for the teacher. After the general form of the butterfly is drawn with these light gray strokes, add the details, using touches of chalk or charcoal, and occasionally blending them with the tip of the finger.
Plate 22
PLATE 22
A very few lines will often indicate the pose or action of an animal. Try lines similar to those at 1; study other animals and try a few characteristic lines. See No. 1 for the squirrel and for the fish.
After practicing the pose, try 2 without sketching the lines with the point of the chalk, but by using the side, as in previous sketches. To finish the sketch add the few details necessary, as shown in the other drawings.
The strokes used in these sketches are given on several other plates. They are produced by using the side of about two-thirds of a stick of chalk, and by accenting or letting the pressure be greatest at the end of the chalk which is to form the outline. This type of stroke is perhaps most evident where the pressure was upon the left end of the chalk, as in the squirrel’s back.