Drawing Prompt #6: MP and Jean

MP was first!

When I sent out this prompt on Sunday night, the weather had been beautiful, crisp and sunny all weekend - and then in typical Melbourne fashion the clouds and rain arrived. I despaired of any of you being able to get outside and do some drawing.

But the miserable weather did not deter MP! Near her front door is a box of azaleas that she sees everyday, and noticing they were entering bloom she sat down and drew them. She sent me this drawing yesterday afternoon telling me that it was created in her A4 Canson drawing pad, 220gsm paper with Prismacolour watercolour pencil washes and dry overdrawing with Prismacolour Premier pencils.

This is a nicely composed work that is well balanced. The pot of colourful azaleas has been placed well on the page, not directly centered but offset in the left third. Attention to the background frames the pot plant well, placing it in situ. The horizontal lines of the bricks grounds the pot. MP has not put a background behind the top growth of the plant and I think this was a good decision. The white of the paper makes the bright leaves and pink flowers the focal point. Our attention is focused on the bright pink blooms, our eye roving over the plant and following the cascading branches up and back into the plant. The planter box perspective is good as is the shadow and shading over the entire work. The only suggestion I would make is to remember that you need not draw leaves individually, think of leaves as clumps of darks and lights to create bundles of leaves, and use detail where emphasis is required. MP deserves praise for braving the bleak cold weather to create such a nice work. Well done!

Azalea near the Front Door by MP

Drawing tips for trees and leaves by Diane Wright HERE.

Jean

Jean says she struggled to find anything of interest in her garden, but I think she is mistaken. The striking white and black bark of her silver birch trees is a great drawing subject. She has used The Strathmore Toned Tan 118gsm paper again with Staetdler Mars Lumograph and Carbethello pastel pencils. This drawing of two trees at the end of Autumn has a lot going for it. The contrasting white and black bark glows on the tan paper. I really like those last few golden leaves clinging to the branches for dear life. If you don't mind Jean, a few things that I think could have improved this work, from 'good' to 'great'. First, the black of the ground is too black and draws your eye to it. A lighter brown, a dark olive green or even a heap of golden leaves would, IMO, have worked better and not be so dominating. Second, the trees are both the nearly same height, by making the left tree a bit taller would create a more dynamic relationship between the two. And finally - more bare branches! See the link to Diane Wright above and her tips for drawing a winter tree.

Don't be discouraged by this critique. This is a good drawing and has a lot of drama and thought put into it. Your handling of the medium is instinctive and sensitve. These pencils really suit your style of work. It is nicely done, and you as well are congratualted for braving the elements!

Silver Birches by Jean

Anyone else?

It is a beautiful, sunny morning here down south. If you have not been able to get outside to draw due to the weather, today is an excellent chance! I plan to be on my drawing board for most of the day, but please post your efforts when you can and I will critque and upload tommorrow. Have fun!