2017-230: Primrose Mandala Version 2 – Day 1

My coloring progress for today:

[Select an image for a larger view]

1 – we start here

Primrose #2 Day 1: 2 - carefully detach mandala from paper

2 – carefully detach mandala from paper and scrape glue off back

3 – work the three pink petals on the left side

4 – close up view of the petals I just did

5 – add blue shading to pink petals on right

6 – add warm dark salmon color to shading to pink petals on right

7 – add warm lighter salmon color to smooth shading to pink petals on right

8 – add yellow highlight to pink petals on right

Primrose #2 Day 1: 9 - add white "texture" to yellow highlight to pink petals on right

9 – add white “texture” to yellow highlight of pink petals on right

10 – add white highlight to folder over portions of the pink petals on right

11 – full view of today’s progress

I first created this second version of the Primrose Mandala in 2006. I did the first one in 2002. Image #1 shows where I started today. I carefully removed it from its paper backing and then scraped off the glue. I also scraped off the wax coating on the front side without damaging the art in the process. Yay! I had put it on the front a couple of years ago so I could display it without glass.

While I removed most of it, a thin layer of wax remains over the coloring. So I decided to color over it with copic markers. For today I started on the six pink petals, giving them more depth, definition and texture.

As it turns out, yesterday I had an art expert looking at my local exhibit of mandalas and he suggested that I put more values into my paintings/colorings (darker darks and lighter lights). He also suggested repeating colors throughout the painting. For instance, instead of yellow just being in the center of Primrose, I could also use it somewhere else in the painting. So today I tried out both suggestions. (Compare the pink petals in Image #1 to Image #11).

I look forward to playing some more with his valued feedback.

BTW: I’m mostly self taught when it comes to art, so I appreciate any input that will help me strive for excellence with my mandalas.

Read about the “Primrose Mandala” as this week’s Mandala of the Week.