04 here, there, everywhere …pulling from diverse places and sources …George Barnard

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book review, Canson XL series (140lb)paper, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, color, drawing, drawing from nature, expressionism, expressionist, expressive, Foreground Drawing, George Barnard, Georgia, ghost town, Greene County Georgia, Native Plants, nature, Painting, walk in the N. Georgia woods, watercolor, Watkinsville Georgia

012 Skull Shoals …toll bridge pier

012 Skull Shoals …toll bridge pier
15×11, watercolor

I decided to continue working up the toll bridge pier influenced by my recent studies and reading. It’s not the definitive painting of this scene but I feel I’m moving in the right direction.

04 here, there, everywhere …pulling from diverse places and sources …George Barnard

Illustration from Drawing from Nature
by George Barnard

I have recently found 2 free e-books on drawing from nature. They were both written in the late 19th Century by George Barnard.

Barnard, George. DRAWING FROM NATURE: A series of progressive instructions in sketching. 2nd ed. London, England. George Routledge and Sons; 1877

Barnard, George. Handbook of Foliage and Foreground Drawing. 1st ed. England: Griffith and Farran; 1870

Both of these books are available from Google Play Books for free and I believe any one who wants to work from nature will benefit from using these two books as a resource and educational tool.

title page
Handbook of Foliage and Foreground Drawing by Geo. Barnard

I haven’t been able find out much about George Barnard, British (1807-c.1890) except he studied under J.D. Harding; exhibited Landscapes at the Royal Academy from 1837 to 1873; lectured at Rugby, and was well enough know to write 3 books on drawing, 2 of which I’m reading and working my way through.

Even though these books are over 140 years old, and the language somewhat archaic, and for those not used to reading material from the late 19th century it might appear stilted and overly formal but these were written for different times and different sensibilities. There is a tremendous amount of information available in these books. It is always easier to reach the stars when we can stand upon the shoulders of the giants who came before us.

From the introduction for Drawing From Nature

“Drawing taught upon sound principles contributes in no mean proportion to the development of the intellectual powers. The habit of close observation, with the exactness and dexterity required in the practice of this art, educates not only the eye and hand, but  materially assists in the strengthening the mind. To accomplish this, however; it is essential that drawing be pursued with the same devotion, and with the same opportunities as other branches of education.”