article written for the best of drawing Magazine
“Alice” is a colored pencil drawing named after the notable chef and activist, Alice Waters. A pioneer in a movement calling for local sustainable agriculture, Alice’s voice has made a substantial impact worldwide. To honor her, the hellebore featured in this drawing were locally sourced. These simple and leaf-like flowers were left unadorned, in a stark composition, so as to shine light on their innate beauty.
The drawing was crafted with oil and wax-based colored pencils, applied in many light layers to create depth and luminosity in the subject. Colored pencils have an exceptional ability to render fine detail, and offer a relatively new approach to fine art work. They pair well with the hardy quality of sanded pastel paper, which can stand up to the layering of pencils quite well. “Alice” is a nod to the incredible strides that Alice Waters has made in our global efforts toward sustainability, and the drawing itself reflects my love for color, subtle value shifts, and texture within a simple still-life setting.