Sunday, January 6, 2008

Cymbidiums - completed

I used my HB, 2B, and 5B graphite pencils for this drawing of some Cymbidium orchids I received from my close friend Charlotte. I used Strathmore Bristol Vellum paper that takes graphite better than any other paper I've used (except my moleskine sketchbook, of course). This drawing is about 8"X10".

24 comments:

wagonized said...

Oh wow Joan. This drawing alone justifies your blog and its name! The patience you must have had to do this -- you didn't lose any proportions along the way.
To me, it's one of your best. Darn.

MILLY said...

I think breathtaking is the best discription for this drawing. It is really beautiful. I will study your drawing for a while and admire all the detail, it is wonderful.
Best wishes Eileen

Kathleen Rietz said...

Wow Joan! This is absolutley EXTRAORDINARY!!! Honestly, it's awesome!

Unknown said...

This is just fantastic! They pop right off the page, like you could pick them up. Absolutely awesome!!

Anonymous said...

This is really beautiful. In my last blog post I wrote about how I don't want to draw botanicals anymore, but I think I might try some in graphite after seeing this piece. I draw in much the same way, as in not spending too much time planning and working on drafts. I don't think there is anything wrong with whatever works for you.

Joan Y said...

Thanks France. Means a lot. Yes, it took a bit of time but I was too impatient so I stayed up to finish it! :)

Eileen, I sit and study your drawings too! hehe. Thanks.

Kate, thanks! You reminded me that it had been awhile since I did a more involved drawing. I'm glad you did :)

Thanks Ryan. Sometimes it is hard for me to set flowers back in shade cuz I like their look, but I'm glad I did in this one.

Carolyn, mahalo! I once drew a bird in graphite and a friend asked about the red bird I drew. It took me awhile to figure out he was talking about the particular one. I guess you can convey color in graphite too! Good luck!

Teri said...

Stunning was the first word that came to my mind when I saw this. WOWEE, is it gorgeous!!!!

Anita Davies said...

Simply stunning!
I have made you a starpost on my blog. ;)

steve said...

Hey Joan, love seeing how this progressed. This turned out wonderfully! By the way, THANK YOU for the beautiful Star Wars card!!! I had nooo idea it was for me! You rule Joan!

tink said...

Joan, this picture is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing it with me. You have immense talent and you are a very special person. Tink

Joan Y said...

Thanks Teri! I appreciate your wonderful support! :)

Anita ... Wow, I'm honored! Thanks for adding me as a starpost!

Steve! I'm glad you like the card! And thanks for your comment! :)

Tina, it means a lot that you'd visit. Please stop by often and don't be a stranger! :) Hugs!

Kym :) said...

I had to come back to check out the final work, the flowers are really lovely. And on vellum. You have done a great job Joan....

OK- is it up for sale :)hehehe
8 x 10

juj said...

Simply stunning Joan - the values, the composition, the details - all of it - just wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing.

Sharon said...

Exquisite!

ELLA ELVIANA said...

joan, i think you're a pro! amazing drawing.

Joan Y said...

Kym ... Thanks! I'm glad you stopped by again (thanks for the pics! :)). Aw, unfortunately, this drawing is not for sale. It's for Charlotte's birthday ... belated, as usual. I'm hoping she's not reading this. I might consider selling other drawings tho'. :)

Juj ... I am always tickled when you comment. Thanks.

Sharon ... Mahalo! I am slowly working through my 7 facts. ;)

Ella ... Thanks! Wow, that means a lot to me! :)

Serena Lewis said...

WOW! This is absolutely beautiful! They must look magnificent in your house.

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful! The detail and texture was nicely captured.

Unknown said...

Beautiful orchids!! Awesome drawings you have!

Joan Y said...

Thanks Serena ... They look wonderful in the house and they also last a long time so I get to enjoy them for another couple weeks, at least. I'll post some pics on my Potluck Sunday blog later today.

Janet ... Thanks! I love the veins on the orchids. :) Thanks for stopping by.

Pamyla ... :) Thanks, I really appreciate the comment and the visit!

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Bloddy hell Jo, this is STUNNING.

Making A Mark said...

Very impressive Joan - and thanks for your opinion about the paper too.

It's really nice to see somebody doing botanical art in graphite.

Anonymous said...

I am so ammazed. I will try and copy it but it will never be as good as yours. I am going to publish my website soon (a drawing one)so check out my drawings!!!!

Inky Leaves said...

This is beautiful. Only just found this blog - can't believe it. Fabulous work all the way through.