dahlia | Pencil Portfolio

A couple of years ago, I was honoured to be asked to develop a step-by-step tutorial for two floral drawings on drafting film. It was a daunting prospect as I haven’t done anything like that before, and I wondered if I would be able to adequately describe all the processes that go into creating an artwork. I decided to give it a try and I chose close up views of a red poppy (see previous post) and a pink dahlia, using Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils.

“Pink Perfection” Faber-Castell Polychromos on drafting film, 8″ x 7.5″

Having two jobs, it took me a long time to do, but it was finally released last week on Ann Kullberg’s website. The project kit includes information on drafting film, tips and techniques, lists of supplies and colours used, the reference photos, thirty scanned steps in total, and line art to trace for both drawings. It is available for sale as a PDF download or in print form for $12.99 (US) here.

Project Kit Cover Design © Ann Kullberg

Be sure to check out Ann’s website for some great resources for coloured pencil lovers!

I had seen some pencil works online done on drafting film and was intrigued to learn more and try my hand at it. Drafting film is a smooth, semi-transparent, polyester support which allows for the appearance of rich, luminous colour. It is not without its challenges though – the film only accepts a few layers of colour and it is more difficult to blend. Oil based pencils tend to adhere best to the surface so I purchased a set of Faber-Castell Polychromos. One of my workmates brought some beautiful dahlias to work one day – they were a lovely lemon colour tinged with pink on the edges. I knew I had to photograph and draw one!

Below are works in progress of “Dahlia Delight” – my first attempt on drafting film. I have a tendency to work from left to right to avoid smudging the colours.

10.5″ x 7″
Faber-Castell Polychromos on Drafting Film

I was thrilled to have this piece published in the showcase section of Ann Kullberg’s CP Magazine (November 2013 issue). Ann has a great website packed full of information on all things coloured pencil – tips, techniques, a monthly magazine, tutorial kits, books, and she features some amazing artwork.

I also entered this drawing into a local flowers and gardens exhibition in September. It didn’t sell but I can enjoy having it around just a little bit longer!