Virtual Sketch Date: Peony in vase

I've jumped a long way out of my comfort zone and used a few spare hours on a cool inter-blog project: Virtual Sketch Date

Here's the result using the gorgeous reference pic provided.  This was provided by fellow artist Sharon K.M. Thank-you.

It's not a sketch (too much detail), it's not a finished drawing (too rough for that), it's a study with a million mistakes that have been taken aboard and not forgotten. 

"Peony in Vase"

10x12 cm, study in graphite

This was fun and definately a much needed exercise.

Looking forward to next months challenge.

Comments

Grangry said…
Nice work Sheona. I set out to do a 'study' too, but I got carried away and ended up, as usual, with a more or less finished piece. I've learned to crop a bit, now I'll have to learn to control myself!
9:27 am
Kari Gibson said…
Wow, I love the cropped image and the depth you have achieved with graphite alone. I too have learned a lot with my (as yet unfinished) attempt.
11:18 am
hbedrosian said…
I certainly don't see the "million mistakes" you mentioned! The detail and contrast are great.
4:23 pm
Unknown said…
Hello and thank you all!
Kay, I know what you mean: when inspiration sets in the best is to go with the flow...
kari, thank you and yes, I agree, the lessons learned are precious.
Holly, well maybe not a million but several major ones. I guess they are more mistakes that I felt as I worked(wrong paper, bad choice of pencils, too much hesitation...) than ones that appear in the finished study:)
7:22 pm
Jeanette Jobson said…
I really like the crop you've chosen for this piece. It adds drama to the piece.

We all learn every day and lessons are always valuable, even if we don't enjoy them at the time.
1:33 am
Stacy said…
Sheona, welcome to the Virtual Sketch Date! I like your crop and how you focused on the vase. You did a great job with the glass and water. I am in the same boat with my graphite drawing - more than a sketch, but not a finished drawing either.
3:09 am
Melissa Muirhead said…
I really like this. The crop really works, that is something that I need to experiment with. I think this is a beautiful graphite drawing.
10:06 am
Andy said…
Hi Sheona, great piece of work. And you've focused exactly on the piece of this ref that I struggled most with. Respect! :o)
10:25 am
Cathy Gatland said…
Your study is excellent - that reflection really shines! I admire how you resisted drawing the peony itself and concentrated on this almost abstract piece.
12:42 pm
cathyswatercolors said…
love this version.
4:03 pm
Jennifer Rose said…
great crop and really nice lights and darks on the vase. Makes it shine.
5:38 pm
Ann said…
Beautiful 'study'. I love the quality of light as well as the composition which suggests there is more without stating everything.
5:39 pm
Rose Welty said…
Sheona...I love the crop, the pattern of light and dark is very effective. I love this about the VSD, everyone has such different ideas. Glad to have you along!
5:43 pm
Kathleen said…
GREAT CROP!!! and well rendered
6:00 pm
Anonymous said…
Sheona,
Your blog is so inspiring!
7:09 pm
joanieART said…
What an interesting crop! Sense of humor, seeing the underseen, fine work.
10:05 pm
Regina Calton Burchett said…
Now I want to try it the way YOU did it - this is beautiful and I think you did a great job and chose an unusual focal area.
10:13 pm
Gail Bartel said…
Sheona, the realism is breathtaking and you focused on one of the most difficult elements, the vase.
Love your interpretation!
1:21 am
Jo Castillo said…
Oh my goodness! You do such beautiful horses and all....

This crop and rendering is just so lovely.

Did you like NM? My home state....
7:46 am
Unknown said…
Million thanks to all of you...the strong response has been thrilling. I've so enjoyed cyberly meeting so many new artists!
Somehow this image was just calling out to be cropped. I've always wanted to explore the intricaties of glass which doen't normally feature along side my usual subjects (canines and equines). Looking forward to next months challenge - pencils are at the ready! Cheers for now :)
8:54 am
Paulette said…
Love the crop and detail.
Lovely pencil work!
3:05 pm
Anonymous said…
This is very impressive!
11:43 am
Quilt knit said…
I loved that you cropped this photo. I love learning how to see more in detail.

Sherrie Roberts
1:12 am
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