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Welcome Becky! I can see why you were drawn to this fruit, it’s gorgeous. You got some beautiful shine on the surface. It shimmers beautifully. Is your light source coming from the upper right? If so, I would tone that left side a bit darker to try to show the overall 3D form. On beautiful subjects with a lot of detail and pattern, keeping the…[Read more]

Thank you for the comment. I was not familiar with this fruit either but found it at the grocery store and was drawn to the color! I probably should have started with a simple round thing (ha!). In any case, a picture is below. I feel that the highlights are a bit of a mess. I wasn’t sure what shape to consider this and how to do the highlight!!!!

Welcome Becky! I don’t recognize this fruit, but you have done a beautiful job! Gorgeous smooth toning and application and wonderful colors and saturation!!!! Does the fruit have a shiny skin? I am wondering if the highlights would be roundish as you have shown or more rectangular in shape. You could definitely use more dark and mid-tone toning o…[Read more]

Ahh, moving on to roots! This is beautifully done. I like the way you have indicated depth though the shadow of the under roots. My one comment would be to sharpen your pencil. (As silly as that sounds.) If only when you are drawing the front roots and leaves. That sharper contrast will help bring them forward in space.

Hi Maureen, This is a beautiful page. I love when I can learn about a plant while enjoying the beauty of a well crafted drawing. Good job!

Is there a lesson here about weeding your garden or enjoying the beauty of wild things? I love the tangle of this. As always, you have done as the best botanical artist do: you have told me a story.

My critique would be that the reflective light should have a smoother transition into the tomato. Also it should be darker and redder. Check out the reflective light on my tomato. Also, add a more distinctive core shadow. I’d use a maroon so the color stays vibrant. Maybe some dark sepia in the darkest part. And one other thing, think about the “…[Read more]

Hi Linda,
This is one good looking tomato. Great job! You have every right to be proud of it. Since you are asking for more critique, I will give it to you, but enjoy your moment. This is fine work!

I know that as teachers you have seen hundreds of tomatos drawn by newbies. Where like mine the reference highlight is not in the right place and the shadow is all wrong and the dark areas are too dark in some places and not quite dark enough in others. This tomato to me represents something I was positive I could never ever do. Thank you for such…[Read more]

@Doug Milne Thank you so much for helping me understand how to do the leaves better. I am working through the botanical basics and haven’t got to the leaf bit yet. 🙂 You are absolutely right about the embossing tool too. I’ll try the things you suggest when I attempt a leaf again. I’ve also just ordered Wendy’s book because I see you guys…[Read more]

Sam, that sounds like a great idea!

You said it Sam! “lost” is a good term.

Graceful, beautiful, calm, elegant, regal. 🙂 Love the contour marks, and the light shimmering.

Gorgeous, Margaret.

YES!

These are such great studies!