Exploring Nature´s Microcosm - Part 2
Using the Stippling Technique
In the first part, "Microcosm of Nature - Drawing Plants using a Binocular," I shared the story of my fascinating workshop weekend where my friend and I delved into the small wonders of the plant world under the binoculars.
You can catch the whole story here.
Back home, without the binoculars and Yasumin's guidance, working on my chosen swiss chard seed proved to be quite a challenge.
But, spoiler alert: I did it!
My drawing was even featured in an online exhibition and is currently on display again.
Dive in for more details!
Procrastination and Lack of Time
After the weekend workshop, I was super motivated to continue working on my drawing, but life happened, and I just couldn't find the time...
You know how it goes—life gets in the way, and there are more urgent things to do than finishing a painting.
The energy and motivation from the workshop eventually gave way to procrastination.
I kept thinking about the drawing, convincing myself that it wouldn't work without a binocular.
Then I pondered if I really wanted to commit to this paper for the final drawing. What if it doesn't turn out the way I want, and all the work is "wasted"?
Kids getting sick, I got sick, tasks piling up... The list could go on endlessly.
Today, I can't pinpoint exactly when or why I finally picked up the drawing again. Probably just because there's no justification for having a drawing board in A2 size set up in the bedroom without actually using it.
So, I had to do something. In the beginning, I simply taped my rough sketch onto the drawing board (with masking tape), laid out my tracing paper and materials.
It's really those small steps that push you forward and eventually lead you to your goal.
Challenges
The drawing process is a unique challenge. Do I create an outline around the object? If so, should it be a solid line, a dotted one, or a combination of both?
It's about finding the perfect balance between light, shadow, and mid-tones to give the drawing depth – that's been part of the learning curve.
Each challenge has taught me something valuable. And each of these lessons has contributed to the uniqueness of my final finished drawing.
Especially with such precise work, scheduling breaks is crucial.
Opting for stippling with fine liners – the "dotting" technique, also known as Dotwork – can strain the eyes over time, making it challenging to work accurately.
Taking a moment to simply gaze at the sky and clouds, something calm without focus, really helps me. It's a refreshing break.
Plus, my hand and back appreciate the downtime, allowing the muscles to relax. It's like giving them a little vacation.
In the gallery below, you can see how the drawing evolved step by step. From the pencil sketch to transferring it onto the final drawing paper, all the way through the actual drawing process to the end result.
Stippling: A Meditative Way of Drawing
Diving into the world of stippling, a technique as meditative as it is precise. It's like building layers of shadows, gradually bringing out the contours and depth in your drawing.
Just imagine meticulously revealing the delicate textures of a chard seed through this method.
Now, some folks might think they're too impatient for this kind of drawing, and I get it—I'm not exactly the poster child for patience either. My husband even has a nickname for my lack of patience, but that's a secret between us.
The point is, even if you're not the most patient person, you can totally embrace stippling.
It's not about how quickly you finish; it's all about the flow. With this technique, you effortlessly get into the zone, losing track of time.
Picture this: you're making a multitude of manageable decisions while drawing, so you're not constantly fearing a mistake that could ruin the entire picture.
Trust me, I've been there.
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For my chard seed drawing, I went with the Sakura Pigma Micron 005 fineliner in black. Learning curve alert: Next time, I'd experiment with different sizes.
The 005 is fantastic for those super light and intricate areas, but in the shadows, you might spend hours trying to achieve a dark tone.
Why did I do it then? Uncertainty.
Lesson learned: Also use some thicker pens next time.
Growing with your art, that's the beauty of it!
Stippling demands time, precision, and focus, which creates a unique connection to your subject. It's a symbol of dedication and love.
Now, deciding when your masterpiece is done is always a tough call. Is there a perfect moment?
I don't think so. It's a deeply personal decision, and over time, you learn to listen to yourself. If in doubt, let your drawing rest and return when inspiration strikes.
And if you feel it´s finished, frame it and hang it on the wall—a daily reminder of what you've crafted with time, dedication, and focus.
Beauty in the Detail
Right after finishing my piece "Planet Chard," the Association of Botanical Artists (ABA) put out a call to apply for their online exhibition "Beauty in the Detail."
I mean, if this chard seed isn't about beauty in the details, then what is?!
“Planet Chard” by Carina Irlbacher
So, I scanned my drawing and applied for a spot in the exhibition—and guess what? They accepted my piece!
It's not that I needed validation for my artwork personally, but I just love sharing this style of drawing and these rather extraordinary subjects with others.
My goal is to get more people to take a closer look and maybe, hopefully, pick up a pen, brush, or whatever suits them, to capture this beauty.
It's like encouraging more eyes to appreciate the details and inspiring them to create something beautiful of their own.
Inspiration and Community
If you're now in the mood for more inspiration and botanical beauties, take a look at Botanical heART on Instagram and see what I´m most currently working on.
I´m also always excited to get ideas, suggestions and question that I´d love to answer!
Hope to see you soon 🎨
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I´d love to hear from you!🌿🎨
