Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Illustration Friday: Layer


Well, I was really tempted to do a drawing of one of my hens, my layers, but my chicken-drawing skills aren't quite ready for public consumption.  Then, I remembered my post last month in which I chatted about David Tanis' cookbook, The Heart of the Artichoke. From the moment that I saw Maren Caruso's gorgeous cover photograph, a cross-section of an artichoke, I've wanted to draw a similar view.  So, I went to the grocery store and bought an artichoke, whacked it in half and started looking at it. Its layers are quite beautiful - the way the greens lighten into yellows as they move inward, ending with the little magenta "brushstrokes" on the innermost creamy petals. It's easy to get a little lost in the details (sort of like drawing a pinecone), but once I had the basic parts and pieces botanically correct (sort of ), I was able to take a little artistic license with the details. Artichokes are just so beautiful...and delicious.
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31 comments:

  1. Lorie GongFebruary 23, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous.

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  2. Andrew FinnieFebruary 23, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    Sarah you made me laugh with that hen comment. Heh :) Your work is so delicate eh - you have a masterful eye. And I loved the kiwi!

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  3. AfsanehFebruary 23, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    Love your charming and neat style! Very pretty illustration :)

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  4. Malka Michaela BarshishatFebruary 23, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    I was checking your site this week several times to see if you drew this week's challenge yet. :) I love your drawings so much. This is an excellent choice!

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  5. Cindy PaulFebruary 23, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    Really beautiful colors. I like the artistic license you took. This reminds me of a flower in a way. Thanks.

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  6. dosankodebbieFebruary 23, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    So that's how they look. You don't see many (any, actually) artichokes where I live. I ate one once thirty years ago. (drool)

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  7. SUZANNE LEWISFebruary 23, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    REally beautiful Sarah. I love how you handle the color, spot on. And the depth of the leaves. Super!

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  8. heikeFebruary 23, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    This is wonderful. How gorgeously you captured the complexity of that artichoke. You do such great things with plants and fruit (I liked your kiwis of last week too and found it so intriguing to think of their furry outside as a sweater.)
    Thank you for your nice comment on my post.

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  9. Linda HensleyFebruary 24, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    Just gorgeous! Love it, and love artichokes too :)

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  10. PoshgitFebruary 24, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    Beautiful as always! I was waiting to see what example form the botanical world would qualify for 'layer'...and this is perfect :) lovely work!

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  11. Cathy HoltomFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    I agree artichokes are beautiful and this has made a lovely piece of art. (I was expecting the chicken!)

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  12. ShirleyFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    Oh, Sarah! This is SO beautifully illustrated..you are SO good. : ) I love artichokes and you've captured the essence of it all right here. Beautiful!

    I missed your sweater illustration..oh my goodness gracious, your kiwis have divine little brown sweaters. Excellent concept and execution!

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  13. Sarah MellingFebruary 24, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Thank you all for your kind comments. After I post my drawing, I allow myself the luxury of going through the list of entries and trying to "visit" as many as I can...it's such a treat to see the range of interpretations!

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  14. Dayle's Painted Diary-Dayle DodwellFebruary 24, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Very appetizing. Lovely drawing.

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  15. DeirdreFebruary 24, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    This is really SO gorgeous, as are ALL of your drawings. I have no idea how on earth you are able to produce such exquisite work with pencils. That just floors me. I must admit, I'm jealous! :)

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  16. harry bellFebruary 24, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    *Very* nice!

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  17. HannahFebruary 24, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    Wow, your work is absolutely beautiful?

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  18. Laura G. YoungFebruary 24, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    Excellent piece! I thought of depicting chickens, as well. How funny. ;)

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  19. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2011 at 7:14 AM

    Amazing!

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  20. ruthFebruary 25, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    This is so gorgeous. You have an amazing talent!

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  21. DoodlestreetFebruary 25, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    this is so beautiful! well done :D

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  22. jenniferFebruary 25, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    I just came over to see your drawing.. I'm blown away, it's beautiful, the artichoke is a perfect image for layers. The drawing is delicate and lovely!!!! ( your others as well!)

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  23. Kristin G JacksonFebruary 26, 2011 at 8:37 AM

    Your work is absolutely beautiful. I love the delicate details.

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  24. "JeanneG"February 26, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    I really like your artichoke. I haven't tried to draw one and can't draw a pine cone. I have tried them and failed. And I have a tree with many to use.

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  25. Bella SinclairMarch 8, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Gorgeous! All those leaves can be quite daunting to draw, but you have drawn them like a master. And your kiwi are beautiful too. Great texture on them. I can practically rub my fingers over them!

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  26. Brine BlankMarch 8, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    That being said...you do awesome colored pencil work...you're going on my list lol...

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  27. Ces AdorioMarch 8, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    This is so beautiful!!! I am like a kid in a candy store. :)

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  28. SueMarch 25, 2011 at 2:00 AM

    A perfect choice for the subject of ‘Layers’. It’s not easy to find this one-of-a-kind vegetable, here in Australia. But I do remember the monster artichokes grown in Salinas, California, and peeling back the layers in a unique eating experience.
    I found my way to your beautiful illustrations via your comment on Melissa’s Blog (http://melissamackie.blogspot.com/).We’ve both been studying Graphic Design for the last two years, and are now indulging in our love of illustration.

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  29. gvsSeptember 6, 2013 at 5:47 AM

    I just recently started following your blog. I love your work. You are a great inspiration to many, I know i'm inspired every time I look at your work. My goal is create works of art in colored pencils like yours.

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