The Color Version

Here is my painted version of the peony from the September virtual sketch date. It is done with Derwent inktense watercolor pencils on pastelboard. This was my first time using the pastelboard. It holds watercolor paint like it was an acrylic. It just doesn't move and that was very different from using paper.

This was my first time with the inktense pencils as well. They are surprising. It takes the lightest touch with them, especially with the darker colors. When you put the water to the strokes, they just explode with color

Peonies in Vase

peoniesinvase, originally uploaded by janpope.

I'm participating in the virtual sketch for September. The reference was such a lovely floral that I couldn't resist. Besides it gets me back in the sketchbook after a summer of gardening. If you'd like to see a more detail image, you can look at the Flickr version.

The original reference was provided by Sharon on the Virtual Sketch Date blog. There are links to a larger image on Flickr. This photo had such great contrast that I knew it would make a great black and white image. I'm thinking of doing this in pastels as well.