Dragonfly (update with more stages)

A few months back my wife asked me if I could possibly draw a Dragonfly for a friends birthday. I was honored and proud that she asked me and intruiged that I had not thought of drawing an insect. I started and realized most of the drawing until I reached a point where I thought I was done but was not very happy with the realism. So I turned to the extremely helpful experience of a few folks at Artpapa.com - (thanks again guys). Below you will find my process/progress,...

I started with a freehand outline which bares being mentioned since until then I had always used a grid matrix to transfer an image.


Once the eyes, thorax and front nodes of the wings were established the shape started showing itself.


The wings followed but I got a little carried away with the minor nodes in the wings and they turned out to be darker than intended so I had to lift/erase some of the graphite.


I completed the wings and then the abdomen but it seemed a little thick. However I continued with the wood fence boards as background since to be honest I really did not know yet what to do with the 'think' abdoment other than erase and redo.


Finally I turned to Artpapa for help and as is evidently shown their help was invaluable. Darkening in the right places (to thin out the abdomen), applying shadows (to add realism) and making the wings semi-transparent (which they are), just makes this Flame Skimmer Dragonfly simply pop off the paper (at least I think so).


Finally it was presented to my wifes friend (on 7/22/09) and here it is in the frame. Unfortunately the glass is reflecting the light and myself as I photograph this but I have to admit I am proud of this piece.


Happy Birthday Marsha!