Irises Around Ann Arbor
A Tour Around Town that Inspired a Unique Illustration
Irises shine in spring, and during the last two weeks of May, they were in full glory around town. While out on walks and runs, I saw so many varieties and colors I just had to document their beauty. As a result, I set out to see just how many different varieties and colors I could find. 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 unexpected color combinations—purples and whites, golds and maroons, pinks and yellows - adding extra beauty to the Ann Arbor streets and neighborhoods. Take a look at the video below. I think you will be impressed!
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
Final Iris - 9” x 12” - Farber-Castell Polychromos on Legion Stonehenge White
