Figure Evaluation

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.