Figure Evaluation
The figure project is based around the body, and consisted
of life drawing, print work, 3D sculpture and graphic design, using this
variety of media to capture the essence of the subject you are drawing, painting
etc.
Throughout the project I have come to learn new techniques
and processes in order to recreate the subject I would be drawing in a more
accurate and precise way. For instance, the point and line technique, using a
ruler pencil, stick, or your hand to measure, get angle references and mark a
structure almost resembling a stick person, after which going over it to add
detail, tone or colour. I enjoyed learning all aspects of the different
techniques and believe it has helped me to incorporate to my personal practice
and improved my drawing skills on the whole.
The different aspects of the project intrigued me, specifically
the life model sessions, being able to draw a nude model helped me to
understand more about the structures and compositions of the body. Having a
variety of media available allowed me to experiment and allow myself to capture
the tones and qualities of the body in different ways. For example, the
conte crayons, I did a quick sketch of
the model on sugar paper using black and white conte crayons, which I believe
turned out great, I was able to capture the light as well as the dark areas of
the body, which gave an effect greater then when using other media, such as charcoal,
pen and pencil, although it is easy to clearly tone the image with these other
forms, being able to highlight in a variety of different shades, it brings a
new texture and contrast to the image.
Although I have enjoyed all aspects of the course, I still
get disappointed when an image I whether drawing, or sculpting, I am doing goes
wrong or not the way I have imagined it. I am working on this issue and have
been helped to use the mistake as a way to create a new piece all together.
I did three main studies during the project, a personal
study, a study of friends and family, and a study of the eyes.
The majority of the project involved personal studies; drawings,
sketches, ink work and printmaking, I found it easy to work this way due to the
fact I'm always here to draw, and I wouldn't have to rely on another person to
stay still, this made it easier to practice different way of capturing light
and tones. My favourite personal study piece I did was when I notice myself in
the mirror and the light had hit my face in a way that fascinated me. When doing
these images, I thought it would be best to leave the eyes so the viewer could concentrate
on the difference between black and white and how the different shades would
contrast with each other, rather than looking at the image as a representation of
me.
The study of my friends contained drawings of classmates in
college. I also did a study of my mum. I am proud of the way the image turned
out, at the time I was painting; there was an electric heater in the living
room emitting a yellowy, orange colour which created a great colour effect
which I believe I have captured.
My favourite study by far was the study of the eyes, I found
myself infatuated with eyes, and how the slightest movement in the face can
change the mood of the subject sometimes drastically, I am particularly proud
of the way the Anthony Hopkins study turned out, as he has very distinguished
eyes, I found it interesting to draw.
If I were to change anything in the future, it would be my
time keeping, although I manage to stay on top of my work, I find myself getting
slightly flustered at times due to leaving something unfinished.
