Pulling Light from Dark
I recently went to a demonstration by an artist who specializes in charcoal drawings of figures and drapery. Totally not my interest, truth be told, but the elegance of light on dark paper inspired me to try using toned paper. The results surprised me. I liked the simple, back-to-basic quality of working with just dark (in this case, dark umber) and white to render the Eastern phoebe.
Pulling light out of the toned paper felt like such a magical thing. I wanted to see how it would be to bring a mostly white subject to life– hence, the common tern (below, with a plug for my Arts and Birding Workshop in 2015—registration is open!). Again, the simplicity of form and light really appealed to me. Since I usually work in just the opposite way— building up darks with watercolor on white paper— this change of pace is refreshing and fun.
(Prismacolor colored pencils—white and dark grey, with a touch of yellow and red for the bill, on Strathmore Artagain gray paper)
Drawn In 
Again you have outshined even yourself – the tern is evocative and beautiful, especially on this gray day here in Bremen!!!
Juanita
Thanks Juanita. Your extraordinary work makes it all come together. I couldn’t be more excited about next year’s session!
Your Eastern Phoebe has surprising personality….
Of course I love all your work, Jean. I’m biased, I know. But the gray paper gives a different quality of texture and light to your birds…it’s terrific. Would love to see more!
Thanks John! I’ll keep at it.
Another amazing bird painting! Wow, I need to get to sleep, but I keep scrolling through. So impressed with your composition, palette and beautiful flowing style.