Illustration

A short project we did during our first 4 weeks at college was illustration.
We were asked to create a character out of our chosen objects however, with my object being a deer-an already living object with characteristics, I was asked to select another. I chose a cocktail umbrella and began experimenting with selecting the look and thinking into the type of personality he would have. We were also asked to experiment with different tools to produce interesting backgrounds and illustration techniques. I drew using ink and a fine stick to produce images that resembled that of Quentin Blake and used equipment of my own; walter colours, oil and chalk pastels etc. to add to the images. I was also introduced to a new product called brusho. This is a type of powder that, when sprinkled on a water covered surface or has water added to at, disperses to reveal a vibrant ink; perfect for backgrounds.

Continuing Observation

My realistic observation of a deer.

Everyone else may have chosen to continue to just observe their object but I wanted to do something different.
I really enjoy attempting to draw animals in a realistic style or, my style.
As my object was a deer, I thought this was a good opportunity to draw an actual deer. I went through the process of a simple water colour wash to get base colours and then moved on to pencil crayon, acrylic paints and even a black biro pen to achieve finer lines and to create the texture of the deers hair.
I then finished by using green pastel to create the surrounding haze.

The Begining

So, the first 4 weeks of the Art and Design course was mainly just to get an idea of the things we can expect and we can do over the next two years. It was a chance to experiment with new tools and equipment under a range of methods such as: clay work, 3D models, illustration etc. and to understand what is required of you and the progression from school to college.

The task was to chose an object and this would be your focus for the first 4 weeks. Unfortunately, I did join 2 weeks into the course so missed out On clay and producing a 3d model of my chosen object which, as you can see below, was a small ceramic deer.

3 observational images of my initial object.

I wasn't told what others had done in this first 2 weeks so, took this as an opportunity to use my initiative and independently come up with some ideas to start off my book.

The first thing I did was some observational drawings of the object; I did this using the photos I had taken as I feel I work better working from photos rather then life.

Observational Drawings

I initially drew the deer with the intention to make it look realistic however, as i started to paint with water colours, the image bled. This could have ruined the result but I decided to work with it and created 3 abstract images. I think it is a different approach and something else I will use in the future.

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Introduction

September 22nd, 2013 23:06

I guess you could say I've chosen to write this at an unusual time; it's getting a little later but I feel I'm more capable of producing better stuff as the night goes on (as long as I'm not tired) purely because, as I lie here, there's nothing to distract me and my mind is constantly racing.

I joined, I believe, on the 3rd week of the course? My main reason for doing so is that I lack confidence in my own decisions- even before my first year of Alevels, I felt I would have enjoyed a college course better but, I didn't feel I was capable. However, after just one day of year 13, I knew I was ready, I couldn't handle one day so I didn't see how I could handle another year?! The environment, the people, even the lessons; it's wasn't helping me to progress at all. So that's why I'm here now- maybe a bit late but, I'm still here and I'm enthusiastic and already enjoying the tasks we've been set and working to deadlines and trying new things and it's all so different but I think that's what I needed. I needed a change, I needed to see if I could cope and I now need to see if I can learn something new; discover a hidden talent and get the opportunity to work with new tools; I get excited at the thought of what I could do and just what this course has to come and to offer us all!

So I know this doesn't show or promote any of the art I've done so far but I understand that this is also a place to reflect and to think about what you've done and what you're doing. Also, it's a place for me to understand myself and understand what I'm thinking- to get my ideas, thoughts and worries down on paper!
I think I'll enjoy this quite a bit.

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