Flower Bed Sketch

 USE OF COLOUR

FLOWER BED

SOPHIE WISEMAN

                                                               Figure 1, Photo taken at Sezincote Court by author

I found a picture I had taken of a flower bed on a recent trip and wanted to capture the vertical and linear characteristics of the picture. I knew that I also wanted to experiment with colour and not make the drawing realistic. I feel when drawing vegetation, the lines used can't be too structured as this contrasts against the growing nature of the plants and how they move in their environment, depending on shadows and wind etc. 

   

                                                                 Figure 2, sketch of figure 1 

I used a HB pencil and roughly drew the shapes of the plants without adding too much detail. I liked the shape of the 'Musa basjoo Siebold & Zucc.' - Japanese fibre banana plant- and wanted to make it the focal point.

                                                     Figure 3, final design 

I started by using chalk pastels to shade in large areas as this would be faster than colouring everything with coloured pencils. However, I soon realised that the pastel was smudging and wouldn't stay in one place. I ended up using this to my advantage as after using the chalk pastels I swiped down once from the top of the page with my hand and it drew all the colours out and even look like the tree is casting light on the other plants. This taught me that accidental use of mediums can produce effects that may have not been thought of before. 

I am finding that as I draw more in my sketchbook it is allowing me to practise new methods of drawing and is helping me develop different skills that I didn't know needed improving. For example, if I don't like a drawing/ painting is will often use a black pen to etch out the outlines or a white pen to bring out the highlights. instead, I should be making clear lines to show the form before considering if more shading needs to be added or if the picture is clear enough. this will help me to draw quicker and convey a sense of minimalism easier. 

After finishing this sketch I felt like it was unfinished but decided to leave it how it is as not everything in my sketchbook needs to be perfect. I would like to use my sketchbook to explore more ideas, rather than continuing to focus on old ones, i.e. spending a long time on one piece.