Tag Archives: flower

Drafting Film

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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

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!

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Light and Shade

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I normally like to take reference photographs for my artwork in the early morning or late afternoon sun. The light seems softer, the contrasts between light and shadow seem to take on a luminous quality. I love to try to capture the effect of light on a subject and hopefully achieve a dramatic impact.

This is a small study of a lily that I completed last year. The reference photo was actually taken inside on my iPhone and the flower set against a dark timber door with the light streaming in from above through a glass panel. It is titled “Towards the Light”.

4" x 4" Prismacolor

4″ x 4″
Prismacolor

Welcome…

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…to my first post! I am currently in the process of setting up my website/blog so am slowly learning the technical side of things as I go. I have had a lot of different interests over the years but art has always been a part of my life and I keep coming back to it. Read more here

Finding the right medium to work with has been a long quest for me. I had done a few coloured pencil artworks in the past, but only started to consider the medium seriously after attending an introductory workshop last year. They are so versatile and suit my busy lifestyle. I have seen some amazing works online and in the past twelve months I have learnt a lot about the medium and the different techniques that can be utilised.

I thought I’d share one of the first pieces that I completed in March, 2012. It is an orange gerbera flower titled “Sunburst” and inspired from a friend’s photograph, used with permission.

5" x 4" Prismacolor & black fineliner pen on Bristol Vellum

5″ x 4″
Prismacolor & black fineliner pen on Bristol Vellum

I create detailed, realistic art so working with coloured pencil is a SLOW process but hopefully this blog will prompt me to keep creating artworks on a regular basis.

Thank you for visiting!