Ann Arbor Irises
My Tour Around Town that Inspired a Unique Illustration
Irises shine in spring and during the last two weeks of May there were in full glory around town. While out on walks and runs, I saw so many varieties and colors I just had to document what I was seeing. I set out around town to see just how many different varieties and colors I could find and I think you would be impressed.
I found bearded irises with ornate falls and standards. Siberian and Japanese types with slender, graceful blades and even iris in bogs covered in snails. What impressed me most were the most unexpected color combinations—purples and whites, golds and maroons, pinks and yellows all adding extra beauty to the Ann Arbor streets and neighborhoods. Check out the video below and let me know what you think!
Illustrating My Own Iris
If you were paying attention that was 25 different colors! All of this documentation was inspiring so of course, I was energized to try my hand a drawing one. Check out some of the process below which features a few photos of different stages of my Iris botanical illustration in development from sketch to final drawing as well as a couple of videos. Do you have a variety or color I didn’t find? Send me an email or tag me on one of my posts, I would love to see it!
Sketch on light table ready for transfer
Progress using Faber-Castell Polychromos
Foliage taking shape
