Blooming Flowers

Hi, I am Arindam Gupta, Indian Born Artist. I have been a Featured Artist for the Dutch Art Box previously.

In the modern world, there have been radical changes in the annexation of automation, which has been influencing our realm of life; however, some things are better enjoyed in a classical way. I prefer to stick towards the surrealistic and the traditional way of drawing, creating output with an idiosyncratic motive and a pragmatic approach. I would like to share some steps in which I do my works of art, but always remember; creativity is the key and keeps your emotions to the point.

View Aridam Gupta’s step by step tutorial here

Step 1: Papers and References

I used the Fabriano Artistico 300 GSM Hotpress Roll paper for my drawings. You may ask whether this kind of paper was important, and my answer would be yes. The grain and the quality of the paper define the structure of the drawing. I used a paper of 40×33 inch and attached it to a plywood board. I attached the plywood board to a Master Easel with 2-inch wide masking tapes. This is to make sure that the paper does not move while we are drawing on it.

Step 2: Outline

The next step is vital. You can use temporary grid lines to fix the position of the subject matter. However, after some time, you can easily do it without drawing the grid lines and can get a perfect size while draw the outline. I started drawing the outline using a Nitram Charcoal HB Stick. I drew the key figure using a simple line drawing technique and after finishing it; I added other objects to the painting like the bird and the designs to enhance the subject. Once the outline was finished, I used a drawing sponge to blend the line drawing and have a softer line.

Step 3: 1st Blend

After the blending is done, it is important to start with the detailing. You must always start with the eyes, as it is the primary factor of the portrait. The eyes will help to guide the continuity of the drawing. You can also use stumps or tortillions to smudge the darker parts of the character, especially under the eyes and the chin. As for advice, I can say that you can start with the eyes, then the nose, cheeks, lips, and the skin. Avoid harsh dark lines and try to get a little more texture on the skin as it will make the drawing realistic. I used the Nitram Liquid Charcoal to paint different parts of the drawing and create some cover-ups. To do this, I added the liquid charcoal to water and made a thin consistency so it becomes easy to complete the first tone, just like that of a watercolour painting. I used multiple arrays of brushes, which included flat and round ones, to get the look I wanted. For some additional effect, I sprayed some liquid, scattered it all over the paper, and created some small flowers to differentiate the subject from the background.

Step 4: 2nd Blend

For the second tone, I used a little thicker consistency of the Nitram Liquid Charcoal. I used this blend of liquid charcoal for the skin and the hair of the subject. It is important to dry out the charcoal before continuing further; otherwise, it will smudge and make dark patches all over the drawing. I started detailing parts of the face using a Nitram Charcoal Stick. I used a variety of strokes using the HB, B, H, B+, Nitram Baton. I used H sticks for lighter strokes and B+ for deeper and denser shades, using heavy hand and soft hand pressure whenever needed.

Step 5: Indistinct Elements

The third tone must contain all the detailing factors in the painting. It is very important to understand perspective so you can keep the subject distinctive and the supporting objects obscured. I have also used the same approach. I started with the flower and I tried to focus more on the subject and not on the flower or the bird. In this scenario, I have used a thicker consistency of Nitram Liquid Charcoal, so it becomes easy to generate a good depth on the subject and get the most out of the woman’s figure.

Step 6: Details

I started working again on the details where I was using the liquid charcoal and the charcoal sticks to create a distinctive human skin texture. This time I had the thickest consistency and did not use water at all. I also worked on creating different textures on the flower, birds, and other aspects of the painting. I tried drawing the hair of the woman casually, as I wanted to show the hair of a thinner and a softer style, which shows the elegance of the woman in the picture. Remember that detailing must not be too much as it can remove the emotions and the feel from the subject. Then I started creating the highlights and the mid-tones in the picture by using a putty rubber. I use a long-handled baton alongside during the detailing process.

Step 7: The conclusion

I have continued detailing as per my requirements on the subject and tried to add some emotions to the picture. Using the product by Nitram is very easy and they have an extensive set of products to use in different circumstances. It becomes very easy to create skin textures with Nitram charcoal. I have used this product as a pencil, a liquid colour, in oil painting and many other types of drawings. To have better depth in the skin and the hair, you can use the B+. Nitram is the best product I have used and you can make masterpieces with these. Finally, I can say this that the liquid and the charcoal by Nitram can help you feel the “AFFECT the EFFECT”.

There you go. I have used these steps for finishing the drawing. Please try using the products and be creative in your approach. Last of all, keep drawing, stay safe, and have a beautiful day. If you want to learn more about the drawing or any tips, send a mail to arindamgupta.gupta@gmail.com. I will also teach some people, so if you want to join my class, just put on the request in the above mail.