Image as Documentation
The Painful Brevity of Life
Week 2 | #oneperday18
Documenting the Passing of Time: Flower Nonsense
The
Technique: Graphite and Charcoal Pencils on Paper
Since the theme is "Documenting the Passing of Time", I decided to draw a flower decaying/wilting as a nod to Vanitas and memento mori.
Process: I placed two carnations in a vase without water and set it in a sunny spot. I chose carnations as they are hardy can will last without water for about a week. I started with a sketch outlining the key structures of the flower and stem using the pacer I normally sketch and write with. After that, I used a soft 8B pencil to draw the rest of the piece starting from the darkest point of contrast. I decided not to render the glass vase as I would rather focus on the flowers. I didn't smooth any of the shading as I wanted to keep the texture looking rough and natural.
Reflection: It's been a long time since I've drawn traditionally do I am rather rusty. The petals could use a bit of work. I chose not to draw the vase.
30 July 2018
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Documenting the Passing of Time: Flower Nonsense
Painful
Technique: Graphite and Charcoal Pencils on Paper
Process: I left the vase and flowers in the same position each day. I would then come back and draw it again. As these flowers are top heavy, the bud fell first. I waited an entire day before drawing this image and the decay was much more drastic especially since I didn't give the flowers water.
Reflection: I'm happier with the petals on this drawing.
31 July 2018
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Documenting the Passing of Time: Flower Nonsense
Brevity
Technique: Graphite and Charcoal Pencils on Paper
The decay of the flowers was very prominent in this drawing.
Process: I started with a sketch outlining the key structures of the flower and stem using the pacer I normally sketch and write with. After that, I used a soft 8B pencil to draw the rest of the piece starting from the darkest point of contrast. I made the shadows more intense as the flower head moves further away from the light source.
Reflection: Some of the leaves are a bit stiff and the size and shape of the vase seems to change each time.
1 August 2018
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Documenting the Passing of Time: Flower Nonsense
Of
Technique: Graphite and Charcoal Pencils on Paper
Process: I'm still sticking with realism and form shading. Again, I started with a sketch outlining the key structures of the flower and stem using the pacer I normally sketch and write with. After that, I used a soft 8B pencil to draw the rest of the piece starting from the darkest point of contrast.
Reflection: Not much change here, however, the flowers are clearly drooping more. I tried to keep the two flower stems defined with darker shadows as a border. The petals aren't really defined in this one.
2 August 2018
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Documenting the Passing of Time: Flower Nonsense
Life
Technique: Graphite and Charcoal Pencils on Paper
Process: Finally, I started with a sketch outlining the key structures of the flower and stem using the pacer I normally sketch and write with. After that, I used a soft 8B pencil to draw the rest of the piece starting from the darkest point of contrast. I decided to leave the flowers for a couple of days before drawing the final image so that the decay would be more noticeable.
Reflection: Again, I chose not to render the glass. I suppose I should practice that in the future. It was very relaxing to just draw something everyday.
5 August 2018
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