New Web Page: Additional Graphite Resources

I’m currently adding videos to a new page on the course website called “Additional Graphite Resources,” which you’ll find under the Student Area menu. This page will include videos that focus on some of the more challenging aspects of drawing - such as rendering hairs, shine, transparency, bark, patterns, and more.

I’ll also be posting here about some of the subjects covered. I hope you’ll find these resources both helpful and interesting. Even if you’ve already completed the graphite section of the course, this page will still serve as a useful reference.

Apple Mint, Month suaveolens also known as Woolly mint. The underside (abaxial side) of the leaf is the woolly surface, whereas the upperside (adaxial surface) has sparce hairs.

Beginning with Hairy Plant Parts

I’m starting the page with a section on hairy subjects and have just uploaded the first video, which demonstrates how to draw the underside of an apple mint leaf. I’m also sharing the video here on the blog.

The underside of this leaf has a woolly texture, which can be tricky to capture. When drawing this type of surface, solid outlines aren’t used. Instead, lots of small or loosely layered pencil strokes are built up to create the texture. This can look a little untidy at first, but it develops into a convincing surface. The approach is much less defined than with smoother leaves where clear lines are present.

However, not all hairy subjects are the same, and the technique varies depending on how dense the hairs are - as you’ll see in the second video, which will focus on the upper side of the leaf, where the hairs are much sparser. The key is to observe where the light catches the hairs and emphasise those areas.

Following these, I’ll be adding demonstrations on hairy stems, buds, a seedhead, and even a crozier with its soft, fuzzy appearance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-DIhYxAELo

More about Plant Hairs

Why do Plants Have Hairs

Many plants have hairs, also called trichomes, and these hairs are involved in survival. They can protect against insects, reduce water loss, regulate temperature, reflect sunlight, and in some species even absorb moisture.

What Plant Hairs Are

Trichomes, are tiny outgrowths from the plant’s epidermis. They can be unicellular or multicellular, and vary widely in shape, from simple, branched, star -shaped, or scale-like. This diversity reflects their many roles.

Two main types of hair:

Non-glandular trichomes - are simple hairs that act as physical protection or insulation.

Glandular trichomes – are hairs with secretory heads that release oils, resins, or defensive chemicals.

1. Defence Against Herbivores and Insects

One of the most important functions of plant hairs is protection from predators.

Dense hairs make it physically difficult for insects to move or feed.

Some hairs are sharp or hooked, deterring larger herbivores.

Glandular hairs can burst on contact, releasing sticky resins or irritating chemicals that trap or repel insects.

Examples include aromatic compounds in mint and basil.

Some species (e.g., stinging nettle) use trichomes to inject irritants.

This mechanical and chemical defence system significantly reduces herbivory.

2. Reducing Water Loss

Trichomes help plants conserve water, especially in dry or windy environments.

A dense layer of hairs creates a boundary layer of still air over the leaf surface.

This slows evaporation and reduces transpiration.

It also increases humidity close to the leaf.

This is why many desert or alpine plants appear fuzzy or silvery.

3. Temperature and Sunlight Regulation

Some trichomes, especially white or silver ones, act like minute mirrors:

They reflect intense sunlight and UV‑B radiation, protecting leaf tissue.

This prevents overheating and helps maintain internal temperature.

This adaptation is common in plants exposed to strong sun, such as Mediterranean or high‑altitude species.

4. Water and Nutrient Absorption (Specialised Species)

In some plants, trichomes do more than protect, they absorb water and nutrients.

Some epiphytes, especially Tillandsia and Bromeliads have scale‑like trichomes that take up moisture directly from the air and rain.

5. Chemical Production

Glandular trichomes can produce:

Essential oils

Resins

Sticky substances

Defensive toxins

These chemicals deter herbivores, attract pollinators, or protect against pathogens

I hope that you will find this new page helpful and the extra information interesting. Remember to keep an eye on the website for the second video which will be uploaded this week.