A bit sketchy

What can I say?  I couldn't rest until I had the chance to start preparing for my painting.  I started out by sketching the open cotton flower.

Open cotton flower

I was challenged by drawing a white flower.  It has beautiful white veins.  I decided that I needed to do some shading to make the details of the flower come alive.


Open cotton flower

As part of the collage, I wanted all the stages of the flower.  It was only fitting that I sketch the flower after it had been pollinated and as the petals were starting to roll in and dry up. (This picture was on the same white paper.  But the lighting in the hotel room where I took the picture adjusted it's color.)

Cotton flower day 2

I should have had my colored pencils with me.  I only travel with a sketch pad and charcoal pencils.  After all, I never know when I might be overcome to sketch something.  I love the way this flower turns such a beautiful shade of pink.

Cotton flower day 2

I know! This next picture looks a little bit creepy.  Again, a colored pencil would have been nice for this picture.  But part of it is getting a similarity.  I am wondering if I should try this in oils or in watercolors?  If I choose oils, then I can create a black background and allow the white pinks and green colors to POP off the canvas.  (I am publishing this as a second post in one day.  You will understand why with tomorrows post.  I think that God is prompting me to follow through with a desire of my heart.)

Cotton seed pod

I will need to study some of the leaves more closely to see how I want to paint the leaves into the picture.  I am hoping that I actually get cotton from the plants this year.  I am a bit concerned as the weather has been floating around 60 degrees this week and that will stunt their maturity.  There is still 6-8 weeks left of the growing season which gives me high hopes.

Cotton seed pod