Trees: naturally inspirational

Arts & Activities, Oct, 2003 by Cynthia McGovern

There is nothing so inspirational as the beauty and stature of a tree. Poets Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost painted trees in words: "Forever cherished be the tree ...," "Stopping by Woods Oil a Snowy Evening," "The Birches." Visual artists have celebrated the tree's texture, movement, balance, variety, color, line and form in painting, drawing and sculpture.

Trees are often the inspiration in my art classes. I have a favorite tree project that I share each fall with my fourth-grade art class. The students and I take a short walk out to our school's front yard and examine our large oak and elm trees. We discuss balance, shape, growth, overlapping branches and light source.

We also talk about how blessed we are with the beauty that the trees give us each season. So often we take nature for granted, especially if we become accustomed to the scenery around us. It is very important to take time to share thoughts on how the beauty of nature enhances our daily lives. It is our responsibility to protect and guard such natural treasures. I feel children need to "see" the world around them so that they know its value and its importance in their lives.

We then discuss the effects of light and shadow, and how a sunny day and its bright contrasts in light and shadow have been the inspiration for so many artists. We also discuss how fog softens the tree shapes and sets a different mood, and how wet, heavy snow clinging to tree branches is a decoration unmatched by human manufacturing. My goal as a teacher is to help open my students' eyes to their world and gain a greater appreciation for nature.

This project is a simple one, but it is extremely valuable in teaching students how to look at an object, interpret their feeling, and utilize shape, balance, value and texture.

Begin by looking at trees and discuss their shapes. I like to do this project in late fall because the trees are nearly leafless and the branches easily seen. Photographs could also be used. Discuss the mass of the trunk and how branches grow and form, allowing for tree balance, unique shape and variety. Our drawings are done on 18" x 24" tan or white heavy paper or tag.

Observe how the thickest branches are attached nearest the trunk, the secondary branches less in size and weight are attached to the major branches, and then tiny branches grow off of the secondary branches. I often relate this to our bodies. We have our main trunk or torso, our arms are attached to our trunk and they are thinner than our torso, and then our fingers, tiny branches, are attached to our arms.

Back in the classroom, have the students draw their own interpretations of trees. I always emphasize that variety is the spice of life and their trees can be branched in whatever direction they wish. They should not be overly concerned with trying to perfectly duplicate the trees they have just seen.

Draw the trunk first. Suggest placing it on a slight slant so as not to perfectly split the picture. Remind students that tree trunks differ: pine trees are very straight and oak trees have trunks that split and twist.

Draw secondary branches. Demonstrate how some branches are attached to trees. Also remind students to overlap their branches and draw some behind the tree trunk. Students get very excited to see the dimension begin to take shape.

Draw minor or tiny branches. Like fingers, have them spread out. Discuss light source and on which side of the trunk and branches the light would be brightest. We shade in pencil. Demonstrate value, how to gradually shade from lightest to darkest. Students enjoy seeing their trees take on three-dimensional qualities. We did value shading on a cylinder shape previous to this project. This helps in understanding shape (which develops with shading), using one light source.

Finally, students give a soft watercolor wash to the trees and sky. To show depth, some students chose to lightly watercolor in trees in the background.

This project allows students to observe, discuss and express their personal feelings and style. Students develop skills in value, overlapping shapes, balance, texture and depth.

MATERIALS

* 18" x 24" white or tan heavy weight drawing or watercolor paper

* Drawing pencils (soft or ebony)

* Watercolors and wash brushes

* A walk outdoors (if not possible, photographs of trees and branches will suffice)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will ...

* increase visual awareness with a greater appreciation for natural beauty and quality of life.

* advance their drawing skills in value shading and overlapping shapes to achieve representational three-dimensional art.

* gain the ability to personally choose to create more complex compositions, and seek a challenge.

* increase their understanding of how light affects our perception of texture, space and distance.

* express visual qualities such as line, shape, pattern and movement in a natural environment.

Cynthia McGovern teaches pre-school through fifth-grade art at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, Minn.