Hello Colored Pencil Artist:

What does the color Violet, commonly known as Purple, mean to you?  In ancient times it was the color of fabric that was reserved for royals…I’m so glad those days are long gone! Don’t you love to wear violet! I also like to use touches of violet in almost everything that I pencil so this basic beginner project was fun to design.

From My Sketchbook – Study of Violet © Janelle Johnson 2009

Please reference to previous “Free Monthly Instruction Packet” category for the  prep instructions and final finish-up.

Supplies needed for this project:

Prismacolor Colored Pencils

• White
• Sunburst Yellow
• Pale Sage
• Kelp Green
• Lilac
• Violet
• Indigo Blue
• Colorless Blender no. 1077, do not confuse with the Colorless Blender in the marker form.

The size of the square outline is 3 1/4"x3 3/4".

Periwinkle Petals

• High Light/ White
• Light/ Lilac
• Medium/ Violet
• Dark/ Indigo Blue

1. Using the linear motion base in each petal with a light application of Lilac. Linear motion is applied in a back-and-forth motion from the tip of the petal to the base of the petal. This will cover the entire petal and will go to the graphite line.
2. Using White and the linear motion apply the light value around the center of the flower in the five-pointed shape. From each of the points draw a line of White into each petal. Apply a line of White on each side of the petal. If the line becomes to thick, skinny it down with Lilac. The point of the White pencil must be very sharp and you must stay up on the point of the pencil. If you can’t get the pencil sharp enough with your sharpener, rub the shaft of the point on a piece of sandpaper to sharpen it to a needle sharp point.
3. Using Violet shade on the petals next to the center and up around the white lifted edges. Violet is a strong color so apply very lightly. It’s easier to add more than to take away too much.
4. Using White and the linear motion apply a light value on each petal. The application of White will blend the colors underneath into the texture of the paper. Apply White in a lighter value on the outside edges of the petal where it lifts up.
5. Using Indigo Blue strengthen the dark value at the base of each petal next to the five-pointed center.
6. Using the Colorless Blender apply the clear wax over each petal. This will assist in smoothing and blending the colors into the surface of the paper. White may need to be applied again in the light value areas after using the Colorless Blender.

Five-Pointed Center

Sharpen pencils on a piece of sandpaper to obtain a really fine needle sharp point. This will aid in doing the detail on the center.

1. Using Sunburst Yellow, sharpened to a really good point, apply a circle in the center.
2. Apply Lilac around the yellow center and to the inside edges of the five-pointed center.
3. Using Violet shade around the yellow center and around the inside edge of the five-pointed center.
4. Using Indigo Blue shade around the inside edges of the five-pointed center.

Leaves

• High Light/ White
• Light/ Pale Sage
• Medium/ Kelp Green
• Dark/ Indigo Blue
• Accent/ Sunburst Yellow

1. Using Pale Sage and the linear motion apply the light value through the center of each half of the leaf. This will not touch the outside edges. Apply a thin, fine line of Pale Sage down the center vein line.
2. Using Kelp Green and the linear motion start on the outside edge of the leaf and stroke in and across the Pale Sage. The pencil will lift after every stroke; it’s not a back-and-forth motion, it’s a single stroke. Apply Kelp Green from the center vein line stroking into and across the Pale Sage.
3. The Pale Sage will probably need to be applied again.
4. Highlight the center of each side of the leaf with a light application of White.
5. Shade each leaf at the base where it goes underneath the flower petals with Indigo Blue.
6. Accent the outside edges of the petals with a small amount of Sunburst Yellow. This color is very strong so apply sparingly; it’s easier to add more than take away.

Speaking of taking away – if you need to remove unwanted pencil lay a piece of Scotch tape (red or green label) on the offending color. Use either your fingernail or a pencil and stroke over the top of the tape. The pencil underneath the tape will adhere to the tape and will lift off. Some color will remain but it will get you back to where you can begin again.

Thank you for your interest in my colored pencil designs! I hope that by introducing you to basic beginner projects this study will enrich your experience with this great medium. The next lesson in the “From My Sketchbook” series will be the study of green.

Blessings to you,

Janelle

For all your colored pencil supplies check out – www.janellejohnson.com