Another snowy weekend kept me indoors, so I decided to revisit a tree drawing in my sketchbook. This pen sketch was made in Toronto at the bottom on a hillside overlooking Grenadier Pond. This area is home to High Park’s famed Japanese Sakura trees which attract thousands of visitors each spring to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Many of the Sakura were planted here in 1959, and judging by the deadwood and hollows, some of these trees appear to be reaching the end of their lifespan. I think some folks may see the cracks and lumps as imperfections, but to me, these are the most exciting features of any tree to draw. In my opinion, Sakura trees become more beautiful with age and wear.
I followed the original sketch very closely as I scaled up the image and reworked it with my home-made Black Walnut ink. Since Sakura trees are native to Japan, it seemed fitting to use Japanese drawing tools: an HB grade, Mitsu-bishi Hi-Uni pencil (an exceptional drawing pencil) and a Nikko G nib in a wooden Kuretake pen handle.
Most of the tree was built up by overlaying tightly spaced lines using a technique known as hatching and cross-hatching. I also applied the ink in transparent washes with a brush to give depth to the shadows.
Overall, I’m really pleased with how the drawing turned out. The more I use this brown ink, the more it grows on me; I think I’ll pay another visit in the spring and look for more old trees to draw.
Both the Hi-Uni and G nibs were purchased at a local mom & pop shop in Toronto called Wonder Pens. The customer service at this pen store is outstanding; all of the staff I’ve met really know what they’re talking about when it comes to pens, inks and stationary.
- Alan