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Forest Landscapes: Rocks
By Rio
Drawing landscapes takes many items and puts them all together in one scene. The next step to drawing a forest is the ability to depict rocks or all sizes and shapes.
Rocks
There's no right or wrong way to draw rocks but here is
some steps you should consider when drawing them.
1) Decide the Purpose and Choose the Shape
You always have to start with what kind of shape your rock
will be but first you must conclude what the rock will be
used for. For example, if you're creating multiple rocks,
will they all be the same shape such as rocks for a wall
or will they be different for those rocks just laying on
the earth in no particular order? Once you've decided what
purpose the rock will fulfill, pick one of the usual rock
shapes below:
A. Rectangular or Square-shaped
Good for brick walls, fences, slab foot paths. Usually has
to be formed by humans to achieve this shape.
B. Circular or Oval
These types of rocks may be smooth or worn around the edges
as shown. Smooth versions may be natural or man-made.
C. Triangular or Conical
Rocks of this kind tend to have jagged edges. Some may be
formed naturally or not. Unnatural edged rocks include arrowheads.
Natural edges may be caused by sudden blows from wildlife
or other sources that split a rock and create a sharp point
which brings me to my next point....
2) Determine What Kind of Edges the Rock(s)
Will Have
We have talked about some causes for how rocks are shaped.
Consider that when drawing rocks in a forest or in another
setting. There are basically three types of edges for rocks:
uneven, sharp, and rounded.
Uneven edged rocks are the most common type out in nature.
Sharp edges may also be found but may be harder to locate
naturally in the wild unless it fits certain environmental
conditions. Rounded rocks naturally form at river-beds as
they are being constantly buffeted by water and other stones
creating a rounded piece. Rounded rocks may also be made
by humans by being polished and shined by machinery. They
can usually be found in flower or arts & crafts stores
to be used in vases, fountains, or pther purposes.
3) Signs of Wear
A majority of rocks have signs of wear from the environment.
Everything from being thrown, throd on, hit against, chipped,
and the elements themselves. Displayed is four signs of
wear that rocks may have.
1. Curved lines - the best way to show the curviness
and impressions of a rock.
2. Straight lines - may be formed due to different
types of rocks piled together with softer rocks wearing
out faster than tougher rocks or may be man-made using chisel.
3. Pockmark-like shapes - Usually caused by direct
blows to the rock that chips or "dents" it.
4. Grain dots - Shows the texture of a rock or
may be used to show minute nicks less visible than the pockmark-like
shapes. Below is how you would add each particular sign
of worn to a rock:
4) In Its Environment
When drawing a rock, you have to consider the surrounding
environment. In terms of drawing a rock in a forest, you
have to consider all the vegetation around it and even on
it. Below you see a rock partially uncovered surrounded
by grass and even a flower. If you look closely, I've drawn
some moss growing up the rock and all around it (no, those
aren't pockmarks ^_^). It has multiple signs of wear telling
you it's been there for a long time.
For rocks in other areas, you have to consider the environment
always. What shapes will rocks have near the beach? What
kind of rocks will you find in a cave? If you're in the
desert or on a mountain, what kind of rocks will be there
and what will be around it? If you need to, study the various
areas if you don't know the answer and above all, keep practicing.