2D design: paper/found imagery illustration.

We have been looking at illustration/animation that is constructed using found imagery, this could be photographs, paper, newspaper cut outs etc. However, the challenge was to evoke a particular scenario or phrans.

Aextinctionctionlooking through some examples of similar work I found a few artists that influenced my work and ideas surrounding the subject area.

Ashley Edwards uses found imagery, contrasting colour, shape and text to bring across a certain message. 

Richard Vergez uses mainly found imagery, collage, and clever composition to give his work impact.

Mathilde Aubier, who uses a whole range of media and has a very delicate/pretty feel to her work.

JP King, this work for me was different as there was a common use of cut out's and colour in the images, which creates a whole new dimension to the work (new figures, negative space).  

We were then set the challenge of creating 8 A4 'found image' illustrations corresponding to a word/phrase we were given. I was given the phrase 'off the grid'. I struggled at first, but managed to create 4 images - 

(extintion, lost, curves, extrovert).

2D Design: Colour Palettes.

In the 2D block we're currently experimenting with contrasting/matching colours and colour palettes. Part of the work for this week was to create explore three different colour palettes, and then create three compositions corresponding to those colour palettes. I used three leaflets collected from the last exhibitions I visited.

The first was from the Laura Buckley exhibition, the mix of warm/bright pinks and cooler dull blues and greys worked really well, and was used throughout her work too.

I used a camera and blind/left hand drawing to do the composition. I liked the grey messy pen line, however I think as a whole the images were washed out by the white page. I could have filled the background better. 

The next was from Nicolas Deshayes' exhibition, the colours were quite industrial mixed with more natural blues and greens. 

I used a toy figure and blind drawing for this composition. As before, I liked the pen lines but as a whole it was washed out.

For my last one I used a leaflet I picked up about art in sheffield. Unlike the other two this colour scheme used neon yellows and oranges, and contrasted it with plain black/grey.

I decided to use a button and collage for this piece, as I didn't feel the last two had worked out too well. Looking back I am kicking myself for not using a background, the whole thing is just too plain.

Overall, I wish I had experimented with materials a little more, and less on just using pen and watercolour. I feel the white background overpowers the majority of the compositions. I think had I used background the images would be far more interesting. However, I enjoyed experimenting with different colour palettes, colour is something I really enjoy playing around with and I am beginning to notice the use of colour palettes/themes much more in everything around me! I enjoyed exploring this task, but I am not as happy with my outcomes.

Recent Exhibition Visits: Laura Buckley/Nicolas Deshayes.

I visited a few exhibitions recently, and as I used them towards different parts of my work and in my sketchbook, I thought I should briefly blog about what they were like/what I thought of the work.

The first exhibition we went to was at Site Gallery, and was titled 'The Magic Know-How', Laura Buckley. It was incredibly interesting and atmospheric. Described as a '3D sensory sound and light collage', the pieces were displayed in a pitch black room, while projections of film/digital image clips were projected through different 3D structures and reflected off mirrors. It was all accompanied by loud music/sounds. The projections were amazing, and the structures and use of mirrors to reflect the images back on itself/onto surrounding walls was very clever.

The next exhibition we visited was at S1 Artspace, and was titled 'Crude Oil', Nicolas Deshayes. This collection of work was a little different as it was composed with both his work, and a collection of other artists work he'd chosen to include in the show. There was a running theme, using synthetic materials/processes to create his work, but contrasting this by creating images depicting nature and water (where the oil originates). I enjoyed the collection of different pieces, my favourite pieces were the large tables, the tops of which looked like an oil spill in the sea. On top of these were two traditional sculptures he had chosen to accompany them. The layout looked really great, and although you wouldn't think it, the works really complimented each other. 

2D Design: Drawing techniques

We worked on drawing various objects just by outline, in restricted time, and trying to vary colour, position and scale. The results were certainly interesting! Although at first I though my drawings were ridiculous, they have grown on me. I found as time went on I became more conscious of factors like composition. I quite enjoyed this task!

Life drawing/Mixed media

I had my first life drawing class today, I learnt a lot in only a few hours and I think you can see the difference between my first and last drawings. Later, we focused in on one item and practiced scale, mixed media and repetition. (I chose my open draw from the previous day).

2D Design: 7/10 Things

We were set a challenge to find 10 things and document them, I only managed 7, including some flowers/plants from the garden, my dinner, and an open draw! I tried to work with lots of different media when documenting. However, I wish I'd done more drawing as I think I largely focused on collage and collecting items. 

I chose to focus on the open draw because I thought the shapes/folds and mix of colours and materials were very interesting. Also, the idea that was you see is an aftermath of a moment, getting ready or a morning rush.

The texture of my bathroom wall reminded me of crashing waves and the sea, I did some rubbings in my sketchbook, trying out different colours and strengths. The page on the right is a collection of flowers and plants from the garden and stray bits of material.

My dinner.

2D Design: Scavenger Hunt

Some photos from today's brief, you can spot several pictures of various fonts and yellow items, including an abandoned lemon water bottle!

I liked the way the filing cabinet doors overlapped from the angle, and also I've included some pictures of our first sketchbook work. I tried to do some collage/paper work and then some sketching in the library and main room.