Peonies on Masa Paper, Final

Not much more to report, but I did say in my last post two weeks ago that I'd post the final version of this piece. All I've added is a little more definition to the bud in the lower left quadrant, and tied the colors and values in a bit more in the partial flower below it. (Incidentally, this posted image is looking somewhat darker, on my screen, than the actual drawing.)

I've started another one on the same paper, using hydrangeas as my subject matter this time. I'll let you see how it goes! If you'd like to see more of my non-Civil War themed work, please visit http://www.AmyLindenberger.com

Colored Pencil/Watercolor Pencil experimental piece, Step 4, by Amy Lindenberger

I believe I've nearly completed this piece. Now that I'm viewing the image in this post, I see a few edges that need some strengthening, particularly on the bud and pink peony in the lower left portion of the composition. One thing I like to do with all of my work, is take it near to completion and then let it rest for a short period, getting completely away from it. Since I am preparing for a conference and will be leaving to attend in two days, it will be the perfect opportunity for me to take a break from this drawing and get a fresh look at it when I return. Though I doubt there will be too many additions, I'll post the final version next week.

This has been a lot of fun, and I'm already tossing around ideas for another demo piece I started in that same workshop!

Colored Pencil/Watercolor Pencil experimental piece, Step 2, by Amy Lindenberger

The masa paper is very delicate, and since it has already taken a fair amount of "abuse" by being soaked, crinkled and unfolded, it's not inclined to take much pressure from the colored pencils. I already knew this about masa paper, but due to the unplanned nature of this experimental piece, this quality is turning out to be a bit of an obstacle in some places where I'd really like to further subdue the unwanted areas of green by applying more pencil layers. So, in my focal point area (undeveloped flower in the upper right), I suspect I'm going to have to go to something more opaque than pencil, to tone down the green enough to allow the building of the flower colors over top. However, in areas that I want to stay more low-key -- like the flower and leaves in the lower right -- the haphazard nature of the green and blue watercolor pencils on masa paper serving as a background are giving it a sort of antique, even mysterious, look, which I find interesting. On to step 3!