On the Easel: Rococo

On this page, I discuss my current project. Check back frequently; as I make significant progress, I add new pictures.

Ready to color. The photo is just for reference when doing the rough sketch, which is barely visible in white on the paper. Acid-free tape keeps the paper flat and firmly secured to the easel.

The Star of the Show

On the easel is a 17"x21" drawing of a Rococo iris. They are, if the Internet is to be believed, a relatively rare iris, which is a true pity. They are spectacular.

Rococo's petals are reminiscent of a flamenco dancer's skirts, bending and folding over themselves and each other in lavish frills. Their snowy beard and orange-yellow throat invite you to step closer and admire the exquisite freckles on the outer petals, and the watercolor-soft blend of purples and blues of the inner ones.

My photo-ready table of pencils.
Unfortunately, it's never this neat when I'm working...

The Supporting Cast

The paper:

• Strathmore Mixed Media Toned Gray

The pencils:

• Caran D'Ache Museum Aquarelle
• Caran D'Ache Supracolor II Soft
• Faber-Castell Albrecht Dürer Watercolor Pencils
• Faber-Castell Polychromos (very sparingly)

All pencils except the Polychromos are watercolor, so they can be blended with water instead of solvent.

Progress as of June 5.
The drawing is actually upside-down on my easel right now, which is why the lightest area is at the bottom of the photo. This is a technique I use frequently.

The Production Specifics

The pencils are mostly being used in their dry state. Some sections have been lightly water-activated to either blend colors together, to create thinner lines with a brush than the pencil can produce, or to lift small sections of color to create highlights.