There may be times when only a color rendered plan is desired. This second method of color rendering deals with the application of color on a basic plan, one in which only simple circles and lines are drawn. This will undoubtedly save time, but it will usually require most of the needed copies to be reproduced in color.
When a designer decides to add color to a basic plan, it is important to follow another simple yet important guideline: When coloring a basic plan, use the pencils and fine-tipped markers in drawing a variety of line types to provide visual texture to some symbols. Because there are no textures rendered on a basic plan, adding some texture will produce a more exciting drawing.
Rendering on a basic plan does allow heavier and darker color application, because the textures can be applied after the color is applied. Be careful not to color too heavily, however, because some symbols may tend to become too overpowering.
Following are some of the suggested color techniques used in the plan shown in Figure 15-24:
1. The shade tree is colored with one green color, from light on the top left to a medium on the bottom right.
2. Tints of color are used on the pavements and ground cover beneath the tree, but no texture is added.
3. The ornamental trees are shown as in the similar plan, with some branching added for texture.
4. The evergreen shrubs are drawn as in the previous plan, but no texture is added. This is acceptable.
5. The deciduous shrubs are colored by saving some white, and some simple branching is added.
6. The ground cover is drawn with yellow and green swirls to provide a textural background.
7. The pavements are colored to represent various pavement types.
8. A fine-tipped marker was used to draw in pattern for the concrete, brick courses, and brick edging.
9. The lawn was rendered with a consistent two-directional pattern to provide a visible texture.
10. Potted plants are drawn with simple red and green radiating lines, with some peppered shadowing.
