Anthophobic dreams

Paper: Derwent Lightfast Hot Press, 305 x 405mm, 300gsm
Pencils: Derwent Lightfast
Background: PanPastels (Spectrafix fixative)
Reference: Keiko Tora Iwawaki, used with permission

Ever since buying some of the recently launched Derwent Lightfast paper, I have been wanting to draw something combining the pencils and the paper of the same name. Just as Derwent's fiendishly clever scientists envisioned of course, plus it appealed to my inner feng shui.

Materials chosen it was on to reference photo selection and this is often a tricky phase for me, I can take ridiculously long to decide but I knew I wanted to try a still life. I searched all four corners of the globe and from the land of beautiful cherry blossom, I came upon an absolutely wonderful photographer who very kindly granted me permission to use her fabulous work. Thank you very much Keiko, seishiki ni arigatō!

I wanted to alter the background slightly and, as is often the case when I am trying something out, I do that bit first before I have too much time invested to see if the shoe fits.

PanPastels out... colours chosen, sponge in hand and liberal applications of colour down and blended, some on my face for good measure. Then subject area masked, I opted for Spectrafix and applied with the fine atomiser bottle which gets 10/10 for maximal enjoyment, resembling a water pistol of sorts which appealed to my inner two year old. Cotton bud on hand to quickly wick any stray droplets, 3 thin layers applied and allowed to dry in between. It was all very scientific, naturally with coffee in hand.

Switching to Lightfast pencils, a quick aromatic appreciation moment, then pencils swishing... starting on the fig as that was not intimidating. Eventually I ran out of simpler elements to do and had to tackle that mass of petals.

Whilst I absolutely adore flowers, I do not generally relish drawing masses of them... but what better way to tackle such a feeling than to face a bazillion such petals head on! Add a wicker basket to that and I have to say this tested and grew my ability to see and to break down complexity.

The lighting that Keiko achieved in the photo was superb and I really wanted to convey some of that luminosity in this piece, taking care with the value range and warm and cool areas, using the Lightfast layering capabilities to try and get those elements across.

The paper and pencil combination was an absolute dream for me... it is expensive paper, it really is, but it performs wonderfully. Taking plenty of layers, tooth can be covered or allowed to show through as textures demand... just a very flexible, resilient paper. Rich, vibrant colour is so easily achieved with the Lightfast... they are pencils that seem to come with colour pencil cruise control built in and I wouldnt put it past Derwent to have done so!

So there you have it, my caffeine fuelled Lightfast journey is complete and I hope that you enjoyed the results 😊