Trying to draw with pencil without color was difficult at first. I was used to imagining my projects in color, so I had to transition into thinking more about values using pencil. The last project I had done with pencil was in Art 2. After several attempts of getting comfortable with pencil, I decided to practice my composition and subject one more time. |
In the photo above, I looked at a reference picture of an orchid. I sketched it in my notebook quickly to get an understanding of the lines and curves inside the flower.
In the sketch of my composition and subject, I was inspired by the sketch style lines, that gave the branches a rough texture. I like how loose the style is, meanwhile it represents the values and textures very well. I posted below, a picture that inspired me to do this style. This inspiration also made me think of trying pen, which I have not attempted since Art 3.
In the sketch of my composition and subject, I was inspired by the sketch style lines, that gave the branches a rough texture. I like how loose the style is, meanwhile it represents the values and textures very well. I posted below, a picture that inspired me to do this style. This inspiration also made me think of trying pen, which I have not attempted since Art 3.
I incorporated the white highlights in the orchid and the hummingbirds, to bring the piece together. Then, I used the loose pen technique, from my inspiration, to create a rough branch texture. The pen was a great medium to emphasis the lines, and dark shades by cross-hatching.
Working with the major and minor composition I was able to fill up the space. The branches curve around the hummingbirds as I tried to bring focus to the piece. I felt that it was loosing focus, because the birds faced away from each other, so to fix this I used the branches to unite the subjects. The lines that the branches create, are used to bring focus to the piece, and not divert attention away from it.
At first I was just going to work with pencil, but then I included prisma to add highlights and dimension to the water droplets. After seeing the piece that inspired me, I chose to add the pen as well. It became mixed media by the end. I like how the different mediums worked together to add a different feel to all the objects in the piece.
Studying the way water catches light was great, as I was able to sketch droplets over and over to understand the position and shapes of the shadows. I really wanted to make them look realistic, so that my piece would have more dimension.
I am so excited at how this turned out and looking back to my previous art classes, I am so glad that I have improved. Next year, I hope to gain confidence. I do get nervous and shy showing my work to other people outside my art table, and I hope to overcome this shyness next year. I have so many goals and ideas planned for this summer to continue drawing and painting. I want to improve so much more, to where I can be creative without having references at training wheels, have a better understanding of composition, as well as other mediums. I love art the more I get a chance to practice it!
Working with the major and minor composition I was able to fill up the space. The branches curve around the hummingbirds as I tried to bring focus to the piece. I felt that it was loosing focus, because the birds faced away from each other, so to fix this I used the branches to unite the subjects. The lines that the branches create, are used to bring focus to the piece, and not divert attention away from it.
At first I was just going to work with pencil, but then I included prisma to add highlights and dimension to the water droplets. After seeing the piece that inspired me, I chose to add the pen as well. It became mixed media by the end. I like how the different mediums worked together to add a different feel to all the objects in the piece.
Studying the way water catches light was great, as I was able to sketch droplets over and over to understand the position and shapes of the shadows. I really wanted to make them look realistic, so that my piece would have more dimension.
I am so excited at how this turned out and looking back to my previous art classes, I am so glad that I have improved. Next year, I hope to gain confidence. I do get nervous and shy showing my work to other people outside my art table, and I hope to overcome this shyness next year. I have so many goals and ideas planned for this summer to continue drawing and painting. I want to improve so much more, to where I can be creative without having references at training wheels, have a better understanding of composition, as well as other mediums. I love art the more I get a chance to practice it!