Chrysanthemum [WIP]

While browsing through some illustrations earlier on today, I was reminded of the direction that I had originally wanted to go in through school, but didn't because I felt pushed in a different direction. The way I have been drawing up until now requires very minimal to no reference at all-- which is nice sometimes, but what I really want to do is use reference! I love just looking at something and drawing it rather than pulling it out of my mind... it is one of the things I have missed in my life for a while now. I feel like through school I relied to heavily on reference so I just stopped all together. I think I need to get over that and accept the fact that maybe reference is good for things I am not particularly strong at! So I am going to try this way-- a more realistic rather than cartoony line drawing. I have been looking at cameras recently (DSLR to be specific!) and I am really excited about how I can pair photography with my illustration! The thought of taking my own reference pictures is really exciting!! What isn't exciting is the price of these things, but I will worry about that when it comes time to purchase one. :P

As for this picture in specific, I kept seeing photos of really pretty Chrysanthemum flowers, and thought it would be lovely to incorporate into an illustration. I plan on doing more to it later, but I thought I would just add this now to prove that I am indeed still here! :P

This is the picture that I first saw while browsing, so I hope it is indeed a Chrysanthemum flower, either way it is a beautiful photo and a beautiful flower~ 

http://ceriaz.deviantart.com/art/Why-is-a-flower-44610659

^That photo belongs to that page :)

Hope to add the completed work soon!