Step-by-step Japanese Cherry Blossoms
Here is a step-by-step process I took when drawing this bespoke artwork commission for a fundraising auction. I began by drawing the outline of the subject and gradually built up the mid-tones of white and grey throughout the petals. Without giving away too many secrets of an artist, as I went along I added in the background which helped me to decide on the tonal factors for the rest of the detail.
​
Click through each image for a description of the steps.
Sketched outline of subject, working from left-hand side
Built up background as well as foreground
Filled in same colour in other petals, added to background
Added more detail
More detail and background
Finished underlayer of background
Added butterfly detail
Added highlights/dark detail to create depth, intensified background.