Landscape Project

This project was my personal favorite.

First, I selected a photo from which to work; I chose a picture which I took on my trip to Jamaica. In planning for this project, I did a marker sketch of my composition using sharpies. I painted from background to foreground, painting in objects after the landscape was finished. Atmospheric perspective is used to make objects/structures appear to be farther away - usually achieved by using shades and tints. By placing shadows beneath my objects, and creating a lighter surface in one portion of my painting, I indicated the light source. I used an analogous color scheme in my landscape (yellow, green, blue, blue green) and value (shadows) were used to show depth in my ocean, as well as the direction of the light source (sun).

Ceramics Project

This piece was created with clay, is approximately 8" x 8" in dimension, and is 3/4" thick. Radial design was used on this roll-out clay piece; it included the use of Navajo Indian themed patterns. I personally use my piece as a loose change holder, and key-catcher. To create the design for this piece, I first drew out a radial design in my sketchbook, then transferred the design to thin, translucent paper. Then, I laid the paper over the clay and, using a toothpick to punch through, I transferred  that design onto my piece. Ceramics was not my strongest point, but I believe it gave me a firmer grasp on the art-style; If I were to repeat the project, I would roll my base out thinner, and would layer more red-clay paint onto my designs.

Pastel Still Life Project

The composition for this piece was planned by using a series of thumbnail sketches - small, quick sketches of the objects in various arrangements used to visually find the best positioning. A viewfinder was used to isolate areas of similar arrangements, further aiding the composition process. Items were made to appear 3-dimensional by the use of highlights and shadows, and the use of contor line shading. A light source was created by using tints (lighter shades of the same color) and white pastels.