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Hi Pam- It would be good if you could take another picture of this. Closer and from above with less shadows. The paper looks very textured and I am wondering if you are using a cold pressed watercolor paper? This paper might actually help with achieving the orange’s texture, but hot pressed watercolor paper is preferred. I would say you could u…[Read more]

Yes I agree this paper does look very textured!! I have taken a further photo. Thanks for your comments.

I think leaves are the hardest to illustrate and you are off to a good start. Leaves require a lot of observation and you can decide how much detail you want to include while still conveying the essence of the leaf. Be aware that the secondary veins usually do not stop at the leaf edge, but curve up near the edge. I like the toning of your leaves…[Read more]

Elizabeth- the shadows look better now that they are lighter. I think you could go farther and even eliminate some of them. I don’t think you need the shadows on the top between the persimmons. Also the shadow doesn’t need to go up so high on the right side. The right persimmon could use a little more shading on the left where it meets the oth…[Read more]

Hi Elizabeth- good start on your rose. Judging from the rose stem and the leaves it looks like your light source is coming from the left, but the rose looks like the light source is from the right. I would shade the right side of the rose more and lighten the left side of the rose. Especially lighten the right edge of the left petal where it meets…[Read more]

Hi Doug. Thanks for this. I really struggled with this lesson and so I will get another rose and try again. Ill then reference your comments as I go along. My big problem was the rose changed shape as I drew it over a couple of days as it unfolded. I’m starting with pictures first before I draw.

I’m going to delete this drawing. I’d prefer you not discuss it with the class. Many other wonderful submissions to review 🙂

Isn’t it amazing how a drawing of a single leaf can have such impact?! I love how the stem curves up and the rich, dark colors! This leaf has presence!!!! A couple of things to consider. If your light source is coming over your shoulder at a 45 degree angle you would not have shadows on both sides of the leaf. Lastly, I wonder if the veins were a…[Read more]

thank you Doug! Yes, the veins are actually yellowy green, but I embossed directly onto the white paper before realizing I should have put down some colour. I’ll work on the shadows – I don’t understand light and shadow too well yet.

Thank you Vern. I did it – think it worked.