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This ia my first time drawing flowers with pastel pencil, so I'm not sure whether I should add my detail in the background petals and also whether I should emphasize the white in the foreground petals. Any suggestions with respect to this and also with respectto what else needs to be done would be appreciated

Happy New Year, Jean! I'm 99% certain that this image isn't doing your work the justice it deserves. So, I've let Affinity Photo do its thing: Now - assuming that is closer in appearance to your original...

This is my first time drawing flowers with pastel pencil...

It IS??? Crikey! You seem to have a natural passion for it. It's dynamic and full of life.

...so I'm not sure whether I should add my detail in the background petals and also whether I should emphasize the white in the foreground petals.

I think it works superbly as it is. There's detail in the top background petal that's facing us, and the detailing has two effects:
1: It dulls it a little, so it tends to blend in with the background, so my eye doesn't seek to look any higher.
2: Its dullness (due to the detail) emphasises the brightness of the white foreground petals lower down. They really GLOW. It appears they are so bright that my eyes cannot stand the glare - which explains why I can see detail in the darker petals above, but not in the lower ones. All very believable and natural.

I find the two halves balance each other perfectly. And the rich colours in the background also serve to make your whites shine brightly.

In brief: I think it works perfectly well just as it is.

Happy New Year to you, Mike and thanks so much for your comments. It's amazing the difference the Affinity Photo makes and yes, it is closer to the original. I don't have the program, but will have to go back and have a closer look at your video, as it definitely looks as though it is worthwhile having.
Thanks again
Jean

Picasso2 wrote: Mon Jan 06, 2025 10:49 am It's amazing the difference the Affinity Photo makes and yes, it is closer to the original.

I thought it would be - and I only used Affinity's AUTO CONTRAST feature. If you're thinking of getting an image program, I can thoroughly recommend Affinity. It's relatively cheap and NOT subscription based: AFFINTIY.com.

I'm taking a short break, but I'll have new videos available very soon.

Mike Sibley wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2025 12:00 pm In brief: I think it works perfectly well just as it is.

I agree completely! It's a lovely drawing Jean! I've always been tempted to try pastel pencils too.

Thanks Laurene. I am definitely a fan of the Stabilo CarbOthella pastel pencils and also the PanPastels- much less messy than the pastel sticks!!

looks great Jean! love CarbOthello's myself.
will I see you this Monday? or are you off travelling this term? I have forgotten

Thanks Linda
Sorry I missed your post as we actually left on the 30th January for 6 weeks. I was on the waiting list for Term 2 but unfortunately have missed out, so now am on the waiting list for Term3 !!!! Fingers crossed that I will get in this time !!!