Hummingbird & Columbine – Retired but Not Forgotten!
You never know what treasures you will find hidden away within your own “safe place stash!” I fell in love with this one several years ago and placed it in that “safe place.” Have thought about it, looked for it and finally, this past week, found it! Oh, so happy! And so many other exciting older, retired stamps! I feel like an old kid getting a new toy!
Having used colored pencils for over 25 years, I have developed a passion for multi-color blending. My first challenge was considering the color combinations for that delicate little hummingbird. Their color range is beyond my normal blended color palette ideas. Also, I want to try to capture that iridescent appearance.
Basic Materials:
• Stamp from Whimsy Stamp by Dove Art designs - retired.
• Strathmore Watercolor ready cut – 140lb – 5x7 in.
• VersaFine Clair – Morning Mist
• Colored pencils by PrismaColor
• Shimmers by Aqua Shimmer Glitter Gloss
• Micron 01 Black
Hummingbird: Selecting the colors was easy – just put my hand into my pencil box and select! Green/blue/yellows! More?
First, apply a light coat of Lime Peel (greenish yellow) over portions of the head and back. To that lightly apply Peacock Blue to the same areas. Now, lightly apply the Lime Peel over the remainder of the body. Highlight with the Cream and Canary Yellow. For a little more life, highlight the body near the wing with a touch of Scarlet Lake (red) and Mineral Orange. The wing and tail feathers use a soft touch, randomly stroke yellows, orange and lime. Keep them very light. His beak is Mineral Orange with Canary Yellow highlights.
Still wanting to get that iridescent appearance, I used Aqua Shimmer Glitter Gloss over the entire hummingbird.
Columbine: I was amazed as to the vast variety of color within the Columbine family. I had been thinking of the traditional red and white combo but sort of changed my mind. Softly, using overlapping circular side strokes blend the Scarlet Lake (red) with Mineral Orange, then highlight with Cream and White. Add Lime Peel for the stamen with a touch of Canary Yellow.
Detailing: This is optional – Use Micron 01 Black. Refer to photo.
Background and trim: background colors are Peacock Blue and Lime Peel. I used my finger to blend and soften the background.
Thank you so much for stopping by.
If you have any comments, I would love to hear from you.
Remember:
All of us do not have equal talents,
but all of us should have
an equal opportunity
to develop our talents.
(John F. Kennedy)