I am lucky to have a husband that enjoys gardening and is chairperson of our local Ngataringa community organic gardens (affectionately known as NOG). A week back he brought home some Seville oranges with the intention of making marmalade and might have, had I not said, ‘I’d like to draw those,’ as the orange of the fruit contrasted perfectly with the green leaves still attached by short stems. I hauled out my very heavy drawing easel ( circa 1960s! with a metal base) and started to arrange pencils and paper needed for the job. Three closely drawn pieces of fruit takes a while, so I started, hoping not to have many delays.
Yes, I needed thirteen pencils for the job – all Faber-Castell polychromos artist quality. I don’t use graphite for this type of sketch – only colour. I begin by using a middle tone of orange (for the fruit) and sketch their position in lightly. I then do the same with the leaves choosing a light green, apple green in this instance. I work slowly, gradually building up the tones I observe, working softly layering the colours, burnishing (with a clean fingertip) when needed. I leave the sketch overnight and return to check if I need extra depth here or there. I keep in mind that the colour pigment is is difficult to erase, so go carefully at this stage.
I checked the foliage to decide which leaves to fill in and which to leave loosely sketched, ensuring there was a good tonal balance over the whole ensemble. At some point, I just stopped, thinking ‘that’s it or I’ll spoil things’. Colours used: dark orange, light orange, orange yellow, canary yellow, vermillion, ochre, burnt ochre, permanent green, green olive, apple green, olive green yellowish, chrome oxide green and dark sepia. Voila!
And now, there’s the marmalade to be made. How wonderful that we can now enjoy the fruit in an entirely different way. Thanks Kerry,
ARTISTRY 
A fine sketch.
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Thank you, always nice to know someone enjoys a post.
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So interesting Vivienne, to learn about your choice of colour and choice of pencils. I know so little about drawing technique, so am happy with every bit of information. Great sketch. The oranges look delicious. Enjoy the marmalade.
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Thank you Yvonne. I always enjoy learning the processes different artists use, so appreciate your comment.
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Beautiful sketch.
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Thank you Kate, I’m pleased you liked it.
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Thank you for sharing the process and materials used, Vivienne. Nice sketch of Kerry, though to prevent lower back pain issues, I would advise him to bend his legs more when in a standing position!
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Thanks Jason. I appreciate your comments re the processes, and will try and educate Kerry on how he should look after himself better. Mind you that’s a harder task than drawing oranges!
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Those are both very fine pictures, Vivienne. You are much more diligent than me; I have a lemon in my studio that has waited so long to be painted that it is beginning to look like a (slightly mouldy) reflection on the transience of existence.
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That has happened to me many times before when I think I should do a still life. Somehow rotting fruit doesn’t have the same appeal to artist or viewer.
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Beautiful work.
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