How To Draw Greens Without Using Color

Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday!
And welcome to my back yard. I have always lived in the city, and now moved to the edge of a smaller town, with the forest close by, and a back yard to step into any time I want. And I love being surrounded by greens! So that's a reason in itself to draw greens in my sketchbook. However, what if I didn't use color? Can I still capture greens?
Let's use a black pen and a pencil, making marks to capture all the different leaf shapes, and to create contrast and depth. We'll pay attention to what's in the foreground and what's in the background, which will help to create a sense of depth.
Your assignment this week:
Make a drawing using a black pen (can be a fountain pen, fineliner, marker, whatever you like) and a simple pencil. Use the black pen to draw the foreground, and the grey pencil for the background.
You don't need to draw greens for this exercise - just make smart use of your tools and have fun!
One more thing: the fact that you can erase pencil lines, doesn't mean you need an eraser! For making art there are no rules, but I have one rule: no erasers allowed!
Just use your pencil as a tool for drawing, and instead of erasing "mistakes", just keep going. Erasing is one of the most disruptive things you can do to pull you out of your flow, rather than just enjoying the act of drawing!
Materials used in this video:
-Stillman & Birn Beta series Premium sketchbook 8.5"x5.5" / 21.6 cm x 14 cm
-Lamy Safari nib B with Platinum Carbon Ink
-Caran d'Ache Blackwood HB pencil
....
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Get a copy of my book "Life is better when you draw it": www.koosjekoene.com/book
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Copyrights Koosje Koene
www.koosjekoene.com
/ koosjekoene

[@plarsen2654]

An unfinished drawing, is also a drawing! Amen.

[@KoosjeKoene]

Amen!

[@angelad1843]

Koosje, I'm such a fan...I'm new to drawing (at 55 years old!) and just love the way you demystify it and make it accessible. Just ordered your book and I can't wait to get it in my hands. Big thanks from Toronto Canada ❤

[@KoosjeKoene]

Awesome, thank you! I hope you'll like the book.

[@AleeshaSattva]

I totally agree... "don't be afraid of the dark" when you are adding contrast!

[@AleeshaSattva]

such a beautiful back yard!!!

[@KoosjeKoene]

I know right?

[@carriekorb46]

Another helpful video--love your whole catalog--I still watch your videos from years ago; they are all really great!

[@KoosjeKoene]

Thank you so much!

[@lindsayalcock5593]

I struggle with trees, especially simplifying. this is helpful! And yay to back yards 🌳🌿🌻

[@KoosjeKoene]

Yay and yay!

[@OkieSketcher1949]

Still watching you draw and still picking up tips on how to be a better sketcher. Using pencil for background foliage does add depth. On occasion I will use pencil behind ink to establish depth. Then I might use a lighter (harder lead) pencil behind that pencil for added depth. Now I will have three layers of depth and a picture with dark, medium and light contrast values. -OkieSketcher1949

[@KoosjeKoene]

Even more depth, great idea.

[@agu3425]

I like the way you do it: "it is an adventure without knowing where it is going and at the end, a beautiful result". Thanks for your contagious enthusiasm. After watching your videos, I get ideas and I have a go at drawing :-D

[@KoosjeKoene]

I am so glad to was that!

[@tgnben]

Always love your videos! Thank you for inspiring us, Koosje!

[@KoosjeKoene]

You’re very welcome!

[@bobbieherron6972]

Brilliant as usual. Thank you so much for your generous and instructive enthusiasm!

[@KoosjeKoene]

You’re welcome!

[@nicky9187]

Thanks Koosje. Looking forward to experimenting with this this week.

[@KoosjeKoene]

Have fun!

[@susancook1617]

A lovely drawing Koosje, thank you so much for sharing😊

[@KoosjeKoene]

Thanks!

[@mechesansores1779]

Great composition! I got your book and enjoy it so much! thank you

[@KoosjeKoene]

Oh that’s great, I am glad you like my book. Enjoy!

[@kellyro77]

Love it. I never thought of using grey pencil or ink for background fill in my ink drawings, always resorting to hatching and the like to try to express depth. I'll have to give it a try! Thanks!

[@KoosjeKoene]

Have fun!

[@karenjackson5049]

Thanks Koosje, you make it look so easy I always struggle with leaves but I'll give it a go 😊

[@KoosjeKoene]

This might help. Have fun!

[@annipetratos9401]

Beautiful

[@KoosjeKoene]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@caro1591]

Great video…. Im definitely going to try this one today.

[@KoosjeKoene]

Have fun!

[@albertine2169]

As usual a brilliant video. Waiting for a difficult work meeting and your film uplifted me. Thank you Koosje🌻

[@KoosjeKoene]

I hope the meeting went well!

[@albertine2169]

@@KoosjeKoene helping children in danger, so always necessary.🌻

[@user-hy8qd9uq4u]

Thank you for your inspiring videos! I have a question: I have asked for waterproof ink for my Lamy at my local art shop but the say the don't sell it because it destroys your pen. Do you clean your fountain pen after each use?

[@KoosjeKoene]

If you would use India ink, that would destroy your pen. But these are inks that are specially made for fountain pens, and safe to use: Platinum Carbon Black ink, SketchInk by Rohrer&Klingner, and Deatramentis document ink. The last two brands sell several colors. They come in bottles so you will need a converter for your Lamy.

[@user-hy8qd9uq4u]

Thank you for useful information!

[@lynnetiltman1001]

I didn't catch the name of sketch book?

[@KoosjeKoene]

It’s in the description of the video but here it is again: Materials used in this video: -Stillman & Birn Beta series Premium sketchbook 8.5"x5.5" / 21.6 cm x 14 cm

[@glenn7723]

Promo*SM

[@kayraynjugunah]

Maybe next time pause the video