Thursday, April 8, 2010

Star-Spangled Celebration, A Colored Pencil Drawing by Amy Lindenberger



I've been focusing on larger pieces the past several weeks, which is part of the cause for my time away from posting new images on the DPP blog. If you've seen any of my earlier posts, you may know that I've been setting up a variety of challenges for myself this year, and I'm still enjoying pursuing those things. But I also had the urge to pursue a piece that I'd been considering for nearly a year, using straightforward colored pencil layering techniques and focusing entirely on light, shadow and color. Star-Spangled Celebration measures 6 3/4" H x 24 3/4" W and really offered an opportunity to demonstrate the depth and richness possible with this versatile medium.


Living in a town like Gettysburg where American history plays such a significant role, it's very common to see red, white and blue bunting displayed on homes and businesses year-round. I've always liked the way the sunlight plays off of the folds in this bunting on a bright, clear day, as well as the reflected colors seen in the shadows and folds. One of my main goals with this painting was to convey the weight and texture of the fabric of the bunting and the patriotic swags hung below. This was a great deal of fun to do, and helped me look forward to summer and picnics!
To view more of my work, please visit http://www.amylindenberger.com/ and http://www.civilwarfineart.com/.

8 comments:

Cecelia Lyden said...

Your patriotic bunting is breathless.You acheived all your goals--weight, texture, light, reflected light--what a wonderful piece!

Dianne Lorden said...

This is an astounding work in colored pencil. Very inspiring! I'm going to have to learn more about layering techniques in this medium. I'm thinking it took you a long time, so I'm glad to know you were having fun!

Unknown said...

Beautiful! Flawless perfection. This is what I strive for but haven't gotten there yet.

Pat Koscienski said...

Beautiful piece, Amy. Glad to see your work again.

Maria Kovalenko Leysens said...

Wow, just lovely!

Claire Beadon Carnell said...

Full of light - just beautiful!

Autumn Leaves said...

And this is a prime example of why I love colored pencil work so much. I would never have guessed it to produce just fine works of art and I am so glad to see what you wonderful artists do with it. It is fast becoming a favorite medium for me...well...next to watercolors, that is! LOL Gorgeous piece!!

Amy Lindenberger said...

Thanks to all of you for your supportive comments. I had almost forgotten how nice it is to receive such a positive response from my fellow artists!