Category Archives: Spring

In my sketchbook: Magnolia

Last year I started a magnolia illustration in Adobe Illustrator, but I wasn’t happy with how it was coming along, so I put it aside for awhile. Recently I decided I’m ready to go back to it, so I started a preliminary study in my sketchbook.

First, a pencil drawing, to get the rough shapes in place.

Next, I traced an outline in pen and started adding color.

Finished adding color. I’ve used Prismacolor markers in the past, but I tried these ones from Windsor and Newton and was really happy with the result. They are very pigmented, and give good even, non streaky coverage and blend easily. They are also slightly less expensive than the Prismacolors.

My finished sketch. I really love this, and hopefully, I will soon have a finished digital illustration based on this sketch to share.

Craggy Gardens, Spring and Fall

During the last week of October, I once again took a trip out to the Blue Ridge Mountains, to see the fall foliage. Below are two photos taken at the same location, Craggy Gardens, elevation above 5000 feet, on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. I love the bright pink rhododendrons and the green foliage in the spring. But I also love the red berries in the fall.

What do you think? Do you prefer the spring or fall (or maybe you like summer or winter) best? Where is your favorite place to see the seasons change?

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Craggy Gardens, Blue Ridge Parkway, October 2016

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Craggy Gardens, Blue Ridge Parkway, June 2016