I've started a new candy piece. Here's the reference I'm working from:
The actual candy bar itself is about 2 inches wide - it is a Mini, after all. But I'm doing the art at about 8 inches wide, like I did with the Twix.
I start with a drawing that I do on my lightbox. This is about 1,000 times darker than the actual drawing I made - I had to darken it up so it would show up here. I use a graphite pencil, H or F or B, and do a really really really light drawing of all the major shapes of type, shadows, etc.
Then I start the rendering. I'm using Polychromos on Stonehenge for this series. And no, I'm not using the "Silver" colored pencil in the box, ha ha, as tempting as that may be. I'm starting with greys - a Warm grey IV, and a Cool Grey III and VI. Here I'm just starting to establish some pattern and value, which will of course get developed way more as I go along.
This is all very slow and a little tedious. OK, no, very tedious. One's eyes can cross doing this, looking at all those little teeny tiny shapes. I'm also doing some editing as I go. I do make decisions about leaving out some of the teenier bits, or things that are just weird photographic hiccups, etc.
There is some nice reflected color in this - some reds and blues, which I'm looking forward to putting in. Also, I chose a 'silver' wrapper this time, since the Twix piece was gold. Kinda needed a change.
So that's it for now. More to come.
Also working on some little black and white children's book pieces. I'm doing them traditionally, but plan to scan them and fiddle with them on my Wacom. I'm trying to get more 'digital' with my work, at least some of the educational type stuff, as that seems to be the way to go. I will still do lush colored pencil pieces when its appropriate. Trying to wear as many hats as necessary to survive in this current shaky illustration world! Feeling like a one woman band.
Love the reflected colours in the reference. It's going to be a fabulous piece! Your reference to a one woman band suddenly brought to mind the Gong Show! :-) Not that I ever watched it mind you...ha ha.
I love the way it is looking already. Very impressive!
Fascinating Paula, I like to read how you work. Some lovely reflections in there - can't wait to see how you get that silvery look with the greys. I'll watch and learn! Twill be interesting to see your digital work too :)
Will looking at really really impressive renderings of chocolate make me fat?
I'm just fascinated about how realistic these look. What a talent you are.
Another amazing job Paula!! You draw the BEST candy I've ever seen!!!! Totally realistic!
Amen Sister! to feeling like a one woman band. The first thought that came to mind was that there are many of us out here who feel that way and thinking of us all together, we make one really grand marching band ready to take on the world. As always, I get so much out of seeing your process. Thanks for taking the time to show us.
Melissa
Can I eat your reference when you're done? Can't wait to see this!