Last Wisteria of 2015- Wisteria floribunda With Colored Pencils

I was very lucky to obtain the last wisteria blossoms from a friend's friend--Connie, and finished a wisteria with colored pencils commissioned by friend Bill for his mom as a birthday gift. I hope this painting brings Ms. Yukiko warm memories of her home country Japan. When I think of the creation of this painting, it seems magical that it is not a straight line but actually is woven by threads of different friendships, fates, and geographic memories.

Following are some pictures of the drawing process:

The models I got to bring home from Connie's yard. They are just elegant.

On-site sketches

Color testing after I got home

Working on leaves

Here I'm using Caran d'Ache Softcolor, Dark Green #229

Leaves finished. After this I added the vine, one more blossom and buds.

Close-ups:

May The Bb Power Be With You,

Ellie

Caran d'Ache Pablo Series Colored Pencils

I use Caran d'Ache Supracolor II Soft series colored pencils a lot. Their rich colors come out easily perhaps because they are watercolor pencils. Today I'm finishing up a sand verbena drawing with some new Pablo series pencils. The colors are elegant but the pencil itself feels harder than Faber-Castell. I have very light hands so I have to press more when drawing. It also means that I have to build up more layers to obtain the desired value. One good thing about Pablo series being harder is that they stay sharp a bit longer than Supracolor series. Overall I like the series and it will take me another drawing or two before I decide whether I love it or not.

May The Bb Power Be With You!

Ellie