Of the many thistle species, the one shown here is the cirsium muticum. It’s a popular, purple-flowered specimen that can be found in fields and low-lying pastures. The prickly sides are a drawing challenge because you must render a wide range of surface textures. The side of the flower is prickly while the flower is soft and delicate. Use both HB and 2B pencils in this exercise, and draw on plate-finish bristol board.
When you reach step C, make a light grid by drawing lines in the directions indicated by the arrows; this grid serves as a guide for drawing the intricate side pattern. Round off the top corners of the grid squares to bring out the prickly side, and begin shading with a sharp-pointed 2B pencil. Notice the areas where the shading is darker and how they enhance the overlapping effect.
