Bleeding Hearts

[TeresaW]

I've always loved this flower, so wanted to give it a shot... I know the approach is heavy-handed, but I couldn't resist trying to capture the three-dimensionality of the flowers with the contour technique I've been experimenting with.



005Micron and XS Pitt pen on smooth Strathmore 500 bristol. 6-3/4" H X 8-1/4"

I need to increase contrast a bit; still deciding exactly where to go darker and by how much.
C&C always welcome.

Thanks for looking!

[Bluegill]

Well, perhaps it does look heavy-handed when seen in person; but here on my computer screen, it looks amazing. I like this very, very much! And I don’t have a problem with the contrast.

[katwalk]

I think your bleeding hearts look great, not sure how or where you could go darker than you already have. My guess is that you would have been happier with it if you had left more light areas in, but really it looks good as is, and unless you pull out some white paint getting the light back isn't feasible.

[TeresaW]

Thanks, Mark and Kathy. I agree: I would have been happier if I'd left more light areas. Ah well, maybe next time. I really appreciate the comments!

[mayhaps]

Awesome. I like the contour look.

[valchina612]

This is terrific work Teresa. I love it just as it is.

Val.

[BettiePage]

Amazing! I just love the lines.. great work.

[TeresaW]

Cindy, Val and BettiePage, thanks very much!

I've been practicing with a dip pen so I can vary line widths more for this technique, but my skills aren't quite up to par yet...

[Blah]

Superb!

[TeresaW]

Thank you, Blah!

[paintcrazy022]

I love the way that you used the contour lines! It adds a richness & great texture especially to the leaves... flowers are great too...!

[TeresaW]

Thanks, Mary!

[gef05]

Great work, and the contours are nice. I think more light would have been good - and might have helped with the sense of overall depth to the picture, and the sense of shape of individual flowers. But really nice detail.

[TeresaW]

Totally agree with you, Gary. I tend to go overboard and not leave enough white areas... working on it! Thanks for commenting; I really appreciate the feedback.

[Buck B]

You must have some experience with topographical map making. The contour lines are very effective. Nice work!