Tag: drawing

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Discovering exciting Colors and Creating an creating beautiful Gradations in a Bonsai Mixed Media Artwork

In Part 5 of my ongoing series on creating a mixed media artwork featuring a White Pine (Goyomatsu) bonsai, I take a deep dive into the process of developing a color scheme and applying watercolor gradation. This step brings new life to the transferred image and lays the groundwork for the visual mood of the piece.

Finding Color in the Marble Paper

The color scheme is first inspired by the colors already present in the marble paper. By selecting color cards that reflect the natural hues in the paper—like light yellow and mid-tone grey—I begin to define a palette. As I explore the paper more closely, additional colors are identified: a warm yellow-orange and a cool yellow-green. These become the basis for a broader range of complementary hues.

Using the Color Wheel and Value Study

With the key colors selected, I use a color wheel to find their complements. By drawing one triangle with primary colors (red, blue, yellow) and another with secondary colors (green, orange, violet), I can map where each selected color lies and find its opposite. From there, I look at each color’s value—whether it’s light or dark—and its temperature—whether it feels warm or cool.

This exercise not only supports the development of harmony in the artwork but also allows me to make informed choices before adding any paint to the surface.

Inspiration from Ukiyo-e Prints

As I reflect on historical influences, the art of Ukiyo-e Japanese prints comes to mind. These works often use strong gradations of color to guide the eye and focus attention on the center of the composition. Drawing inspiration from this technique, I begin applying watercolor washes from top and bottom edges, gradually lightening as they reach the center.

Applying Watercolor and Creating Focus

With the color decisions made and Ukiyo-e in mind, I start painting. Using watercolor, I work from dark to light, blending the tones smoothly across the paper. This not only enhances the background but also builds a visual rhythm that supports the bonsai and kanji elements.

The result is a gentle yet powerful transition of color that centers the viewer’s attention and begins to reveal the emotion and atmosphere of the final piece.

Watch the Full Process on YouTube

You can see the entire process step-by-step in my latest video, including the tools, techniques, and reasoning behind each choice:

📌 Watch here: YouTube @rreekers

📌 Support the journey on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ronreekers

📌 Explore more of my artwork: www.reekersart.com

📌 Join me on Instagram: @ronreekers

Let me know what you think about the use of color and gradation. Your feedback helps shape each new step in this creative journey!

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The Reward of Sketching a Bonsai Tree for Mixed Media

Creating art is a journey, and every piece begins with understanding its subject. In Part Two of my mixed media series, I focus on a detailed charcoal sketch of the Raft Style “Goyomatsu” White Pine. This step helps me connect with the tree and refine the vision for my final artwork.

To start, I revisit the rule of thirds, a fundamental tool for achieving balance in composition. Positioning key elements accordingly, I can thereby ensure harmony within the piece. Next, I define the trunk line, evaluating what works and what needs adjustment. This exploration allows me to make thoughtful decisions about the tree’s structure.

Moving forward, I lay out the secondary branches while considering traditional bonsai styling principles. These branches play a crucial role in conveying movement and natural growth. Then, I explore the base of the trunk, or nabari, observing how it meets the ground and interacts with the clam-shell pot. The final stage of the sketch focuses on the foliage mass and texture, bringing the tree to life.

Each step in this process is intentional. Sketching allows me to refine my approach before committing to the final mixed media piece. This study will guide me as I transition to pastel drawing in Part Three.

Why Sketching Matters in the Artistic Process

Sketching is the bridge between inspiration and execution. It allows an artist to observe, analyze, and interpret before committing to a final piece. For this artwork, I needed to study the bonsai tree in depth—its structure, movement, and balance—so that my final mixed media composition would not just depict the tree but capture its essence.

By creating this charcoal study, I familiarize myself with the trunk line, explore how it interacts with the ground and pot, and refine the branching structure. These foundational decisions will guide the next phase—bringing the tree to life in pastel.

Building on Composition: The Rule of Thirds

A strong composition is key to creating a compelling artwork. I begin this sketch by referencing the Rule of Thirds, a classic compositional tool that ensures balance and harmony within a piece. This method helps me position the tree in a way that feels both natural and aesthetically pleasing.

Breaking Down the Sketching Process

In the video, I take you step by step through the process of sketching the tree:

  • Defining the trunk line – Establishing the flow and energy of the tree.
  • Laying out the secondary branches – Exploring how the tree’s movement is expressed through its structure.
  • Outlining the base (Nabari) and pot – Connecting the tree to its environment.
  • Shaping the foliage mass and texture – Giving the tree depth and life.

By carefully working through each element, I ensure that the final artwork is not just an accurate representation but a dynamic and thoughtful interpretation of the tree’s unique form.

Looking Ahead: From Sketch to Pastel

This charcoal sketch is not the end—it is a stepping stone. In Part Three of the series, I will take this study and translate it into pastel, further refining the tree and deepening its presence within the composition.

Join the Journey

Art is about process, exploration, and continuous learning. I invite you to follow along as I document this creative journey, sharing insights into how an artwork takes shape from concept to completion.

🔹 Watch the video here: YouTube @rreekers
🔹 Support my work on Patreon: Patreon @ronreekers
🔹 See more of my art: www.reekersart.com
🔹 Follow me on Instagram: @ronreekers

Have you ever used sketching as part of your creative process? Let me know in the comments!

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Drawing the Basic Conceptual Layout of exciting Bonsai Artwork

Finding Inspiration

I began this project with a deep appreciation for the Goyomatsu bonsai. Its multi-trunk form symbolizes strength and balance. The idea to pair it with the elegant kanji for “Goyomatsu” came naturally. I wanted to create a dialogue between tradition and nature.

The marble paper provided the perfect background. Its organic patterns complemented the bonsai’s fluid form. Choosing the right floating frame was also essential. I needed a frame that would elevate the finished piece and give it the attention it deserved.

Planning the Composition

I carefully laid out the composition using the Rule of Thirds. This approach helped balance the elements within the artwork. Sketching the bonsai in charcoal allowed me to capture its dynamic structure. Next, I positioned the kanji to maintain visual harmony.

Developing the Artwork

A value study came next. This helped assess the light and dark areas to ensure depth. Compressed charcoal added bold, rich tones. I experimented with different background textures and marks to create a layered, dynamic feel.

Inspiring Creativity

This video series aims to be instructional. I hope to inspire viewers to create their own artwork or simply enjoy the process. There’s beauty in both bonsai and creativity, and I’m excited to share this journey.

Stay tuned for more updates as this project unfolds. Let’s explore the creative possibilities together.

Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Don’t forget to check out my other videos and subscribe to my channel for more art tips and tutorials!

To return to the Blog Home Page go to https://www.reekersart.com/blog-feed/

To view other bonsai related YouTube videos go to https://youtu.be/_FlDrnQdkkI

For post of Bonsai Related work visit my Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/ronreekers/

If you would like to support my work you can become a patron at https://www.patreon.com/ronreekers

Visit Reekers Art for more insights and to view my latest work!

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Value Structure – Separating Light from Dark

This video describes for you in detail how I structure my values within a Charcoal drawing. Value Structure in a drawing is a measurement between light values (high key) to dark values (low key). By modulating your those values one can create drama, textural effects and depth of space. The name of the drawing I’m demonstrating on is “Walk Bridge”. My charcoal drawing is for an art show at the San Diego Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. The exhibit is from November 2021 to January 2022.

These are the materials I used:

Strathmore 400 Series Smooth Surface Paper

General’s PurePowder Charcoal

Winsor Newton (vine) Willow Charcoal Sticks

Chamois

Kneaded Rubber

I like to start out with my area of focus; in this case the walkway bridge. I begin removing the charcoal with the chamois. I work in this method in this as a way to not “fuss” with detail, much like using a large brush will do. From the bridge, I begin removing charcoal to create a circular composition. This is a classical approach where you can move the eye around the subject. The chamois creates a nice soft edge. Soft edges will produce the illusion of light wrapping around objects. These edges will create transitions (passages) from background to foreground.

I hope you enjoy this video. Feel free to contact me if you have any question.

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Bonsai Drawing Series – Perception

Instructional video on understanding Perception in Bonsai Drawing

Perception is a subject studied by Philosophers and Artist throughout the ages.  Maurice Merleau-Ponty in his book ‘Phenomenology of Perception’ writes how Perception is the background of experience.  Artist looks at Perception as a relationship between what we see and a clear understanding of that experience; in our case the viewing of a Bonsai Tree.  In this video I take on that subject of Perception and how it can help you understand ‘what you see’ and translate that to a drawing descriptively and clearly.

One way of understanding “Perception” is to explore the phenomenon on how we see an object and how we interpret it in space.  As a child we draw the world flat and symbolically, whereas when we mature, and experience the world 3-dimensionally, we begin to “describe” the world more in terms of space; this is reflected in how we approach drawing.  The drawings created by the child is therefore much different that of an adult.

This video illustrates that they’re learnable tools that can help us define a descriptive space such that overlapping items, removing ambiguity, detailing and value shifting in the motif can better illustrate the tree we are drawing in a mature way. 

I sincerely hope this video clarifies your understanding of Perception in drawing and furthers your interest in our goal to help accurately draw your Bonsai tree.  Most importantly further your enjoyment of the beautiful Art of Bonsai.

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Bonsai Drawing Series – Types of Drawing

Instructional video on methods for drawing your Bonsai

In this video I discuss the 3 types of Bonsai drawings; Symbolic, Imaged and Descriptive. The video uses a Femina Juniper Bonsai as our ‘model’ and discusses the method for drawing in these 3 particular types, as well as the Pros and Cons for these methods.

In drawing a Bonsai Tree (or anything for that matter) we use all three types of drawing in one way or another. This video, and subsequent videos, will show how to recognize your approach and ultimately give you a good understand on how to do your own drawings within your own aesthetics.

My method is to tilted towards the descriptive way of drawing for getting a better understanding of “seeing” and a better method for understanding and visually experiencing your tree. The goal is to increase your appreciation for the beautiful world of Bonsai and help you develop the tool of drawing to increase your experience of Bonsai.

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Video Blog – Developing a Etching Plate

This is a video blog that goes into detail how I approach an etching for my Japanese Garden Series. The video shows how I develop the plate by first etching into it the motif, then to develop the value structure through aqua-tinting.

This is Part 2 of a 2 Part video series (see https://www.reekersart.com/video-blog-prep-work-for-an-etching/)

Thank you so much for checking this out. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions and be sure to subscribe to my mailing list. If you a interested in purchasing a print please go to https://www.reekersart.com/product-category/prints/

Cheers

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Video Blog – Prep-Work for an Etching

This is a video blog that goes into detail how I approach an etching for my Japanese Garden Series. The video shows how I use photos that my wife or I took of our travels through Japan and how in my sketchbook (along with other sketches) I create a motif. I subsequently transfer that motif to bond paper in order to create a detail pen and ink drawing. The P&I drawing helps me define my line-work and textures that will be drawn on the plate. I then create an ink-wash painting to help me with an “aqua-tinting plan”. The video will describe the medium and tools that are used. From that, all is complete to create the etching motif.

This is Part 1 of a 2 Part video which will cover the actual development of the plate and how I used the prep-work to accomplish it.

Thank you so much for checking this out. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions and be sure to subscribe to my mailing list.

Cheers