Start by selecting a high-resolution reference photo of a flower where all the details, highlights, and shadows can be clearly seen.
Gently sketch out the basic elements of the flower with a mechanical pencil.
Lightly erase the graphite lines using a kneaded eraser until there is a faded outline of the sketch.
Use Prismacolor Premier colored pencils to map out the colors of the flower. Lay down lighter colors first to establish values and gradually layer darker colors to build contrast.
Lightly lay down pigment and gradually build layers. Start with a base of light colors and blend deeper and darker colors over top in shadowed areas to create contrast.
To create a seamless blend, combine different colors together with the mid tone of the two colors. At the point where the two colors meet, lightly blend in the mid tone. It may take several layers of pigment to fully blend the colors together, but it’s important to lay down the pigment lightly so that the colors can mix well.
Layer pigments in circular motions to mimic the soft appearance of petals.
Avoid using grays and blacks to create shadows, as this will muddy vibrant colors in your piece. Primarily stick to cool or warm tone colors to create shadows. For example, some cool colors are blues and purples, and other warm colors are reds and oranges. I used a combination of both.
White is an excellent color to use to blend lighter colors together and to create highlights; I used a lot of it in this piece.
Continue to build contrast and blend pigments together. Once a great amount of pigment has built up on the paper, move on to adding in the finer details of the flower, such as petal creases and small highlights.