plate no. 7021

Cyclamen

Grace Albee, 1932

wood, engravingRegionalismflower paintingflowersplantpotleavesstill lifefabric

experienced study

Recreating this engraving will help students understand how to use hatching and cross-hatching to create form and depth. It will also improve their ability to observe and translate complex shapes into simplified lines.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the cyclamen, pot, and surrounding fabric.
step 02
Identify the darkest areas of the composition and begin filling them in with closely spaced lines.
step 03
Use hatching (parallel lines) to define the form of the flowers, leaves, and pot, varying the spacing and direction of the lines to create different values.
step 04
Add cross-hatching (intersecting lines) to deepen the shadows and create texture.
step 05
Pay close attention to the direction of the lines to suggest the curves and contours of the objects.
step 06
Use a sharp tool to refine the details and create crisp edges.
step 07
Add highlights by carefully removing lines or leaving areas untouched.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance of light and dark, making adjustments as needed.