Hi Emily- there should be some highlights. The petals look like they curve down near the top and I would expect to see highlights at the crest of the curve to enhance that. The highlights should not be bright white unless the petals are very shiny. I see a hint of you doing that especially on the middle petal. When we are illustrating petals that are lying on a surface, we don’t get the same range of highlights and shadows as when we are drawing a whole flower. You could use a little grisailles in areas that are cupped or curve away from the light and also at the ruffled edges. Despite your frustration you have a trio of beautiful petals with the middle one being the most successful.
I’m really struggling with these petals. Should I have an actual highlight? Should I use grissaile?
Hi Emily- there should be some highlights. The petals look like they curve down near the top and I would expect to see highlights at the crest of the curve to enhance that. The highlights should not be bright white unless the petals are very shiny. I see a hint of you doing that especially on the middle petal. When we are illustrating petals that are lying on a surface, we don’t get the same range of highlights and shadows as when we are drawing a whole flower. You could use a little grisailles in areas that are cupped or curve away from the light and also at the ruffled edges. Despite your frustration you have a trio of beautiful petals with the middle one being the most successful.