This demonstration focuses on basic layering technique in colored pencil. The goal is to get cool tones of the flower contrasting dark, color combinations of the background.

Basic Colors: Black cherry, dark green, indigo blue and chocolate (the background color mix);

 true green, apple green, lime green, yellow ochre, Spanish orange, poppy red, mulberry, process red, powder blue and white.

Before I start drawing I always print out a black-and-white version of my picture to judge the values (lightness/darkeness) of my subject with accuracy. It helps me pick and mix colors of appropriate lightness/darkness in a drawing.

Step 1:  I draw an outline, after evaluating the values in my grayscale picture. The outline is important and you should spend time drawing it out to make it as perfect as you can.

The lightest area is the flower’s center and the darkest area is the background. Orchid is placed at slight diagonal on the paper.

 Step 2:  I block in the background with varied strokes and heavy pressure of “black cherry,” “indigo blue” and “dark green.” Despite its density, the foundation layer still shows the overlapping of these colors.

Step 3: This step establishes basic layout of light and shade using cool colors. With a sharp pencil point and varied pressure I block in all the shadows in the orchid with “black cherry.” I blend the entire painting surface with a turpanoid and let it dry. After this step the orchid should look three-dimensional.

   Step 4: This step is about “warming-up” the orchid, using “Spanish yellow” and “poppy red” over two lower petals of the flower.

Step 5: I work on the focal point now. With dark colored pencil I outline the orchid’s center. Notice, how many warm and cool colors I have in one area. Use the same colors of “poppy red,” “mulberry,” “Spanish orange” and “dark cherry” to create the dotted texture of the flower at this time.

Step 6: Add the cool tone of “powder blue” or “light cerulean blue” over petals. Light blue hue mixed with “process red” creates visual tension between the cool upper petals and warm lower petals.

Step 7: I draw the closed orchid with a warm mix of “poppy red” and “apple green.” Previously applied cool dark layer still shows through. I reestablish lost edges with “black cherry.”

Step 8: I darken the background even further with the same dark color combination. I burnish it with the mineral spirits. I use colorless blender in the orchid to finish blending in my drawing. 

 Final drawing: Pink Orchid · 5x6 inches (13 x 15 cm) · 2008

 This is a preview demo from my upcoming book on realistic drawing techniques in colored pencil. I have also published my catalog "life in colored pencil," available online for sale at www.veronicasart.com/catalog .