Wednesday 18 August 2010

Sun Lover

Pen and coloured pencil

Everyday Matters 285 - Draw something that loves the sun.

When I went to the Botanic gardens this turtle sat for the whole time on the edge of the water lily pool.
He sat so still, head stretched up towards the sun, that I thought he wasn't real...but then he blinked!
Definately a good life, sunbathing all day and no need for sun cream either.
I had a problem getting the shine on his shell...I think I should have left the lightest bits completely blank?

18 comments:

Gillian Mowbray said...

Fabulous turtle - what a great subject too. The shinyness (is that even spelt right?) looks fine to me - I think you've really cracked that shell (sorry about bad pun)......I'll just get me coat ....

Shirley said...

You achieved a wonderful shiny shell surface - really cute turtle....

Vicki Holdwick said...

Cathy,

I think you've captured him perfectly.

xoxo

Patsy Taylor-Craw said...

What a handsome fellow and you have captured him wonderfully. I think the shine is just right. I envy him to sit in the sun and do NOTHING!

Lucia B. said...

Beautiful! You have perfectly rendered the shine on the shell, just looking at the turtle one gets the idea of a sunny day! I really appreciate your wonderful technique with coloured pencils.

A tired retired recluse @ Swallowcliffs.blogspot.com/ said...

I had a desert turtle when I was a kid. He just hung around the yard with us, lol. Your drawing is lovely and thanks for recalling a childhood memory!

kazumiwannabe said...

Oh, it's beautiful! And the texture and the light are greatly rendered!
Great subject, too, this little turtle looks really cute.

Ann said...

He's perfect! I love your colored pencil work. Your sketchbook project drawings are fantastic too! I'll be looking forward to following along with what you do :-)

E*phi said...

Wowee! I admire your work so much! The turtle does look shiny! And its shell just looks as if it would *feel* like a turtle shell. I'm so impressed! <3
It's incredible that you draw so perfectly from "real life". How long does one of these take you?

Janene said...

Your turtle drawing is beautifully rendered. I think you captured the sheen very well. I especially like that little shiny hump on his/her shell on the lower right. All of the drawing depicts dimension, light and texture well.

Angie Willis said...

Lovely turtle. I think your treatment of his shell is fine. I love the way he's looking up at the sun. You'd think he'd be hot as hell inside that shell wouldn't you :-)

Alex said...

He's simply gorgeous! Really beautiful control of lights and colors, and the lines are just perfect. You never stop amazing with your artistic pencil and pen works ^^

Unknown said...

I don't know how you have the patience to crank out one fabulous pencil drawing after another like this! At least for me, it seems like pencils take a long time to get this quality. This is another fantastic drawing!

Cathy Holtom said...

Thank you for all the comments on my turtle!
Raena - Most of the time I use a layer of watercolour pencil first, that saves time...and also I just love doing them, c.pencils are relaxing and addictive!

debra morris said...

Lovely Cathy!

Alex said...

Cathy, thanks for the comment and yes of course I don't mind sending it to Italy. Just let me know which one you'd like to have and I'd need your address as well. Just write me an email and give me those info okay =)

Unknown said...

Great drawing!I think you have managed the shine very well.

Louise said...

Oh I just adore this! I have a turtle (Bob), so I'm pretty partial to them already, but this is such a great drawing, and so well rendered. You've got the coloring on his skin just right. Great post!
Louise