H Cassandra, I think this drawing could use a bit more sense of light on form. I’d like to see some shadows, especially on the leaves behind the flowers, so they will stand out more. Also the paper seems textured. I think you will have better results working in details on smoother paper.
Thank you Katy!! I will definitely do that, I am totally struggling with the light on this because I am (no one look at me) using a photo instead of a proper light set up. Gosh that makes it harder! I really appreciate your advice- it’s so hard to know what to do next as a beginner
30 September 2021
Haha, Cassandra. 😉 Sometimes we do have to work from photos, but it’s best to have one that does show a distinct light source. When that’s not available, then the challenge is to try to IMAGINE how something would be shaded if there was light coming from the left or right. Try laying a piece of tracing paper over your drawing and do some experiments to see where you might be able to add some dark tones to give this a little more dimension. Use what you know in your head about how light behaves on different forms. Grab a stalk of leaves that is kind of similar and prop it up under your light source to get an idea of what the shadows might look like. When you don’t have the real plant, that calls for some experimentation and problem-solving! 🙂 You’re doing a great job here. I really enjoy the delicacy of those yellow flowers.
H Cassandra, I think this drawing could use a bit more sense of light on form. I’d like to see some shadows, especially on the leaves behind the flowers, so they will stand out more. Also the paper seems textured. I think you will have better results working in details on smoother paper.
Thank you Katy!! I will definitely do that, I am totally struggling with the light on this because I am (no one look at me) using a photo instead of a proper light set up. Gosh that makes it harder! I really appreciate your advice- it’s so hard to know what to do next as a beginner
Haha, Cassandra. 😉 Sometimes we do have to work from photos, but it’s best to have one that does show a distinct light source. When that’s not available, then the challenge is to try to IMAGINE how something would be shaded if there was light coming from the left or right. Try laying a piece of tracing paper over your drawing and do some experiments to see where you might be able to add some dark tones to give this a little more dimension. Use what you know in your head about how light behaves on different forms. Grab a stalk of leaves that is kind of similar and prop it up under your light source to get an idea of what the shadows might look like. When you don’t have the real plant, that calls for some experimentation and problem-solving! 🙂 You’re doing a great job here. I really enjoy the delicacy of those yellow flowers.
Super helpful, thanks so much for all of your encouraging words and advice!!