Artist's Drawing & Inspiration
Glittering Amethyst
Each facet of the crystal is closely examined for its colourings and shadings to ensure the artist captures the full beauty of this amethyst.
STEP ONE
Choose a reference photo. In this case I have chosen an amethyst crystal. For this piece I have one reference photo, but ultimately you can use as many as you like. I often use many images to piece together the final image.
STEP TWO
I begin by picking out as many colours from my pencils as I can see in the reference photo/s. With the chosen pencils I will then start a test sheet so I can see exactly how the colours will look against each other. From here I can eliminate or add in more colours as I go.
STEP THREE
I start by mapping out the subject in a light colour to use as guide lines. In this case I have used lavender as the final piece will be completed in purple. I don’t use grids or anything like that as I judge proportion purely by eye.
STEP FOUR
I start mapping out the light and shade of each facet with a faint layer of colour. This makes it easier to picture where the final piece is headed and gain a better sense of what needs to be done.
STEP FIVE
I then begin to fill each facet of the crystal with a light layer of colour. Studying the image intensely I will colour in small areas at a time as opposed to filling the whole subject with a layer of colour. I feel that completing small sections at a time makes the whole subject less daunting to complete.
STEP SIX
I continue the process of filling in each facet at a time. My pencil strokes are light at this stage, as I gradually build up the colours layer after layer.
STEP SEVEN
Now the whole subject is filled with colour, it is time to go over each facet with pencil blend. I don’t use this for all my pieces, but for the crystal I felt it would add to the effect of portraying the smoothness. After this I will then go over the whole piece again, adding in the detail. For this step pencils must remain sharp. I often find myself with pencil in one hand and sharpener in the other, lightly sharpening after every few strokes.
FINAL STEP
The final step is difficult for me as I never feel quite finished. Generally I will stand back from the drawing or walk away and come back a few minutes later. This helps to readjust my perception and see clearer what details still need to be added. This process can take weeks but for me is a very necessary step.