Scratchboard updates

Just a quick update. I worked a bit more on this fellow. I'm working on getting the iridescence in, but there is more scratching and coloring to do.

I also worked on the hippo, but he looks like I'm just repeating over and over again, altho I can see some progress. It is difficult to get the inks smoothed out without streaks.

Peonies- my first floral/still life

I love peonies and I have a few plants that I got from my grandmother along with several others I have purchased. I can never wait for them to bloom each spring and they are gone all too soon. So a year ago I decided to take some photos, and recently decided to try painting them. Here is my first attempt. I think I will be cutting more this spring for more photos. :)
The background looks nearly black in real life. I can't seem to get it the correct true color here.

The size is 2 5/8's" x 2" - inks on board