Yes, that was my workspace yesterday after I cheerfully arrived home from a most satisfying purchase of my first metal desktop sharpener and some pencils. I started sharpening like there was no tomorrow and I literally treated all my pencils with a new pointy “haircut”. As you all know, using the right tools can make a huge difference in your work. I was reminded of that yesterday. I want to personally thank botanical artist and designer –and my teacher!– Jenny Haslimeier for showing me a new way to make art. I was eager then to start using my newly sharpened pencils on the onions and garlics illustration!

After finishing the piece, I realized that it wasn’t only pencils that needed honing. In my illustration, there was one element that I felt was unbalanced with the rest and that was the first vibrant red onion. I could see that it was way overworked by using too much of the white Prismacolor coloured pencil. I normally use it to even out a piece and to blend but in this case, its wax composition had created, at least that is what I saw, an unrealistic look. As you can see in this video of yersterday’s work, I ultimately discarded the first onion:

So, as the title of this post suggest, I was also reminded yesterday that all ideas and processes –much like our pencils– sometimes need a little tuning, a little sharpening so that they can become their best version. You just need to give it time and trim the excess. It will all work out as it was supposed to be.

I hope you enjoyed today’s video and progress! It took me a little longer today to edit the video and finish this post but I find it useful to reflect on what I do. My goal now, in terms of painting, is to work more gently and as I said before trying not to overwork them by adding excessive colored pencil or graphite work. I will do my best.

Yesterday’s pencils remains match the state of my brain right now after finishing this post :)

Wishing you all a happy Wednesday!

Thank you,

Miriam