Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Trillium - Done!

Here is a scan (not just a photo as I had posted before) of the final version of the trillium in ink and colored pencil:


I continued to work on the shading and dark areas with dark indigo, but most of what I did was "paint" with my kneaded eraser by lifting out areas of color where there are highlights and then doing a tiny bit of blending after that.

Here is a detail shot of the center (per Irene's request!) :) I am embarrassed at how much clean-up I need to do around the edges!! However, it is helpful indeed to see a close-up.

 

I really like how it turned out. Is it perfect? No, but it feels "done" to me. I don't want to compare it exactly to the reference photo, but rather just look at it on it's own merit. I know from past experience that I will set it aside and catch a glimpse of it later and continue to be very pleased with the end result.

I have a second reference photo and line drawing in ink of another trillium - this time with an open blossom. So, that will be next on my list!

What do you have on your drawing table or workbench this week?

13 comments:

Vicki Lee Johnston said...

It's really lovely Carol - a lot of lovely light and the greens are beautiful. Well done!

Feathers said...

Hi Carol, Your Trillium turned out really well--bet you can't wait to do it in full flower! It won't be too long now. :-)

By the way, have you ever tried what is called "complementary grisaille" for darkening colors and still keeping them natural looking? It uses greyed complementary colors under the local colors, such as a greyed red underneath a green for a darker green--There is a book Masterful Color by Arlene Steinberg that explains it better than I. It's a great technique, especially for those darkened shadow areas.

I finished my Mixed Nuts project, and am now moving on to sweet peppers in a glass cylinder.--Excited to start something new.

Sarah Sequins said...

I love how it turned out! Beautiful. :)

Sigrid Frensen said...

I love it too, Carol. It's always so nice to see other botanical artists working in coloured pencil. I really love your style. Very different from mine but that's just what makes it so charming.

And I LOVE Trilliums ;))

Carol Creech said...

Thanks to all of you!

Anita - no, I haven't tried a complementary grisaille. Sounds really interesting! I'll have to look for that book. Thanks! Your projects sound really fun. Always feels good to complete one! I am definitely looking forward to doing the trillium in full flower.

Sigrid - thank you so much! I always feel my style isn't quite up to par when I see yours or other botanical artists and illustrators work. So it's really fun and encouraging to hear your comments! And yes, trilliums are gorgeous, aren't they?!

Carol

Janene said...

Hi Carol, Trillium is such a cool plant, isn't it! You did a great job of depicting the veins and interesting topography of the leaves. I look forward to your next Trillium!

Carol Creech said...

Thanks, Janene! Yes, I do love trillium! I am looking forward to doing the next one, too.
Carol

Unknown said...

This is beautiful! the color is so vibrant!

MILLY said...

Hello Carol,
I have had lots to catch up on, and just enjoyed seeing your gorgeous drawing of the Trillium , beautifully done in your neat precise style.
I have been reading about your book making , last week had a day course on book binding. We made two books and now want to try some with my own ideas. I was thrilled to complete the two books, a stitched spine and one over tapes with fabric cover. I also followed your link to the leather books, thanks.
Lovely to see you drawing again. Millyx

Anonymous said...

Wonderful piece, looking forward to when they really begin to bloom. xox Corrine

Carol Creech said...

Thanks, BlackPumpkin and Corrine!

Thanks, Milly! How fun that you have had a chance to do some bookbinding. I actually bought a small piece of leather and the instructions at a local store to make a leather-bound journal. I can't wait to experiment, too! Glad to be drawing again as well. :)
Carol

Ildiko said...

you did wonderful job with the leafs!congrats!
and congrats for the beautiful natural inspired jewelry!
i'll sure come back to see more drawings and bracelets!!!

Carol Creech said...

Thank you very much, Ildiko! I'm glad you are enjoying my art and jewelry. Yes, please stop back often!
Carol

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...