Enjoy life now... it has an expiration date.



Saturday, June 21, 2008

Virtual Sketch Date for June


An Experiment...


For this month's virtual sketch I decided to use colored pencils. This is my first time out with this medium so I wasn't sure what to expect... but thought it good to let it be a learning experience and not worry about results. I also wanted to use this project to experiment with some choices I might not normally make.


I knew from reading a little about CP's they are a slow medium so I kept the image small (cut the paper to 4x6 - Stonehenge) and uncomplicated by using a really close crop.


I did the cropping in Photoshop and while there applied a Curves adjustment layer to bring out detail in the large blossom since some of the fine detail was blown out.


Some of what I learned through this experiment:



  • CP's are as laborious and time consuming as CP artists say! Wow. My hat's off to all of the CP artists! But I have to admit.... it was fun to "color"! I felt like a kid again. I thoroughly enjoyed laying down the color with those richly pigmented pencils - it was actually relaxing.

  • I do like the fact that CP's allow you to think as you go. No large swaths of color plunked down without thinking that are later regretted. Because it takes a while to cover an area you can adjust the color before you get too far. That's nice.

  • I think I'd like to experiment some more with CP's. I read about an artist who uses mineral spirits (I think that's what it was?) and many, many layers with her CP pieces to achieve a deep rich glow that looks a lot like oil. That experiment would definitely be kept small!

  • I don't usually do "edgy" crops and dark backgrounds. I tend to like a soft, vignetted look so this was a stretch for me. But I'm glad I tried it.


10 comments:

Stacy said...

Teresa, I like your close crop and dark background very much! And I think you did a great job on your first colored pencil drawing. It is a slow medium, but like you, I find something relaxing about the process.

"JeanneG" said...

Looks really nice in color. I just saw from your picture that i forgot to add the polka dots. The cps get easier as you get more used to them.

Lin said...

It turned out GRANDLY, Teresa!!! I love the rich colors in this -- and with yellow, I can only imagine how long it must have taken and with so many many layers!!! It's beautifully done!!!

Rose Welty said...

Teresa, this is really nice, I can't believe it is your first CP piece! Good to hear about your reaction and process too.

Grangry said...

Your first go with coloured pencils? Hats off! You got lots of nice colour in there, lovely highlights.

Lilly said...

I spend a lot of time watching HGTV. This reminds of me artwork that professional designers seek out to display in their finished rooms. This image, matted and framed, would be a wonderful accent or possibly even a focal point. The colors and contrast are delightful.

I have been working mostly in colored pencil for several years now. It is so versatile that I actually got rid of my oils and acrylics. I think the more you work with them the more you will like them.

Jennifer Rose said...

This is a really nice first CP piece :)

Belinda Lindhardt said...

Hi
For your first cp piece you did really well. You also reminded me what i love about cps :)
Like your blog i will be back :)

Jo Castillo said...

Teresa, this is exceptional for a first CP. I am trying them, too, with no patience. Great job.

Paulette said...

Hi Teresa,
Wonderful job! It's fun to experiment with new mediums and styles.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...