Value Study - Pink Rose

This is actually my second value study (my first one was done with apples) but this one was more refined and finished than the last, which was simpler. This was definitely a challenge because of the intricate shape the rose possesses! It was definitely a learning experience that I'm glad I went forward with.

So basically, looking left to write, I started with a simple pencil drawing using a real rose as my subject. This was definitely more of a challenge than the apples! Once I finished the drawing, I started blocking in values using a sepia tone, which was basically using Bronze Yellow - lights, mediums and darks - in both the rose and leaves. That alone was a study in values, but for this exercise I wanted to take it a step further and go full color.

Looking at the middle drawing, I decided to paint a 'mottled background' which is actually reminiscient of what the Masters used in their paintings to make the subject pop-out better. This is my second try on this and it could work out better if I had used a Slow Drying Medium, perhaps next time. I actually learned this from a YouTube video rather than the book! Then I started blocking in color for the stem and leaves, and the yellow areas of the rose. I basically followed the values I had already established.

The last painting, of course, is the finished one. Here I finished blocking in all the color on the rose, first going over the values, then coming back and blending colors. In this particular exercise, I used two brushes: one for lighter color, one for darker color, and it really helped with the blending! One thing I've learned about colors is to avoid using white or black when creating shades and tints, since it can look washed-out. For example, for shades, or the darker values, I used Ultramarine Blue instead of black. It gives it a more natural feel and looks richer. And lastly, I went over the background once more to darken and refine it, especially the bottom part around the stem and leaves. Then to go one step further, I added drops on one of the petals (which I had planned from the beginning actually). I also learned this on YouTube as well. There's not a whole lot of videos on technique on YouTube but there are some that helped with this particular study!

And that's that! I was pretty pleased with the outcome, especially the highlight area on the leaves, which surprisingly came out fairly realistic. It's interesting how while you're painting, it doesn't look 'real' because you're so focused on technique, texture, layering, etc. But, if you've done the job correctly and got the lighting or shading correct, it definitely shows in your work once you step away for a bit and look at it with fresh eyes!