Thursday, 12 November 2015

Sculpture Samples ( Photos and Documentation )

Papier mache


To make the papier mache model I first used newspaper and tape to make the basic structure of the beast. This was done by folding the newspaper multiple times then using small amounts of tape to keep the paper folded. I continues this until I had the sections of what I needed to complete the creature. I then taped the different components together which resulted in the rough shape of the creature. I then put a layer of papier mache over the top to make the structure much stronger and more able to hold its structure. I am pleased with how it turned out as I have been able to accurately create a 3D representation of my idea from 2D. I struggled to build this creature as papier mache is a tricky material since its comprised of paper and a substance made of glue and water. If given the choice I would choose to work with wire or modelling clay as I find them easier to manipulate and show what im trying to create. and process to use. When using papier mache I found it hard to keep the different components to similar proportions in addition to the fact that when I made mistakes it was extremely difficult to fix it without ripping the paper and having to repair it.





Wire


My wire sculpture was made using long pieces of black malleable wire which I cut down using pliers. I bent the wire and twisted the ends together to form the body which I then reinforced with smaller pieces of wire. I was unable to make the eyes as they needed to be spherical and they were too small to be built. I am still pleased with the way the creature was finished. I found wire a much easier material to use than papier mache as it's much easier to manipulate than papier mache plus its easier to fix problems due to it being more malleable. It is also due to the fact that it can be cut into varying sizes allowing for more accurate shapes to be made with it. The biggest issue is maintaining the shape of the structure.

Reinforcing the structure


To reinforce the wings I added a zig-zag wire onto them to give horizontal support. I then entwined silver wire across the wingspan of the creature to give it more support from the main body of it. I also wrapped silver wire around the length of the legs to make them much stronger and allow the creature's standing position to be much more secure. Once this was done I wrapped more wire down the spine of the creature down to the nose, this allowed it to bend much less both vertically and horizontally. I am pleased with the look of the creature now that the reinforcements have been added. I feel it gives it much more detail. I found that the silver wire was a much tougher wire to use yet it was surprisingly more malleable. This allowed the placement of the reinforcements to be much easier than I first anticipated.  
Modeling clay



When modelling my clay sculpture I found that it was a very easy material to use. It can be reworked at any time provided it hasn't dried up. Unfortunately I was unable to construct the legs for the creature as they were unable to hold the weight of the creature, especially the back legs as the shape made it extremely difficult to make them support the structure. despite this I am pleased with the result and find that my skills are higher than with papier mache and with wire. The fact that the modeling clay can be changed at any time provided it's dry means that I was abler to manipulate it with much more precision without worrying about errors compared to wire and papier mache. I find that it is a superior material and that details are much easier to create as there are many different tools that can be used to create them, not to mention the fact that the structure itself is easier to maintain, especially once a section has dried as the clay becomes hard and more sturdy.

Final Colour Illustration

Final illustration


I am pleased with the way that my final piece has turned out. I feel that the background contrasts the colours used for the insect itself well and that the background itself works well. The background was made using yellow chalk which then had a layer of green chalk laced over it. The insect was done with watercolour which I then went over in certain sections with a white oil pastel to give it a smoother brighter look and as a method of shading. I think that I could've used a larger variation on colours and due to me not doing this that the insect looks bland and un-inventive. If I was to re-do this piece I would certainly add more variation on colour as well as use more medias like ink on the insect to bring out some of the lines.

I am displeased with the fact that it looks very 2D and flat. I would improve on this by shading much darker areas to give the effect of 3D, and I would also draw the insect from a different angle perhaps the side so that I can have a larger variation on proportions and perspective in addition to more change in tone.    

Mixed Media Studies

2D mini beast colour samples

Sample 1 watercolour

This first sample that I did was a simple watercolour in which I explored a large variety of colour. I am pleased with the outcome as I’ve been able to keep the colours flat and cell shaded.  It has also given me a good idea of how the final piece will look if I use this media in my final piece.



Sample 2 oil pastels

My second sample was made using oil pastels. They have shown to be useful for getting a thick and smooth style at the expense of how easy they are to use. I am considering using them for my final piece in combination with watercolour. I am unsure about how much I like the colour scheme which I used for it however as I feel they don’t work well with each other.



Sample 3 Watercolour and tape

For my last sample I wanted to try something unique.  I put thin pieces of masking tape over the outline of my insect then went over it with watercolour. The aim of this was to make a faint wavy outline for my sample then fill the rest in with the corresponding colours. This however didn’t work as when the tape was removed It left a thick outline with no colour whatsoever. If I were to attempt this again I would try to use less masking tape and in much thinner pieces. I would also use much more water to ensure that the intended effect is achieved.



Pencil Practices



These four images are my initial pencil technique practices. They consist of a simple straight line; curved line; small short line in sections and a random squiggle exercise. In each exercise I had to adjust the pressure I was applying to the paper to give each line a differentiation in tone. I am pleased with these as I feel that although they were part of a simple technique exercise they went well and that I got a good grasp of these four techniques. I am very happy with my ability to use pencil regardless of it being one of the more basic drawing medias. 










  
These four were part of yet another pencil technique exercise. They consist of a small, vertical zig-zag; chevrons; random squiggle and a horizontal wavy set of lines. I didn't find any of these particularly challenging except for the chevrons. I found it highly difficult to keep them going in a straight line. I feel that the objective of this exercise was still reached however as I was able to change the amount of tone that each line of chevrons had.   
These images above are different methods of showing tone with pencil. They are comprised of general horizontal shading; diagonal lines; crosshatch and squiggle shading. I am pleased with the results that I achieved as they all show a clear and slow transition in tone. I also now have a better understanding of the many ways to create tone in drawings using pencil.


In these images I've used a rubber to change the way in which tone can be created. The first one was the most simple as I only had to erase some of the pencil to create a soft transition. For the second one I had to create a transition in tone then drag a rubber across it in straight lines to create these which sections. The third one I had to do the same as the second however I moved the rubber in a zig-zag pattern to create the pattern. For the last piece I placed a ripped piece of paper above another piece and shaded above them both. I then repeated so that the shading would slowly fade. I am pleased with these as I think I have got a rough hold of these pencil methods.

Charcoal Practices


These small pieces where created using charcoal and a rubber.  In the first one I simply shaded in a small area with the charcoal, The second one I Lightly shaded in a small area however I went back over It with the charcoal and created the small lines using the charcoal with mire pressure applied to create the differentiation in tone which is visible here. These last two where created using a rubber to give the lighter lines. I used the rubber to create the long white horizontal lines and zig-zag lines which can be seen on these last two pieces. I am pleased with my use of charcoal and find it to be one of my preferred medias.

Ink Practices


In these small boxes I have used stick and drawing ink as well as glue to create the resisting effect. In the first one I used the ink to create these short lines similar to the pencil ones I did in the beginning. the second one I used the stick to dot the ink in random places but making sure it got lighter as it progressed as to maintain a fade in tone throughout. The third one was similar to the first except I very quickly "scribbled" down the page to fill in more area with a slower change in tone. The last one was created using a resist technique. I put a small thin layer of glue in parts of the area I intended to use, once it had dried I Put the ink above the while area which caused the small white areas to appear since the glue resists the ink. I am pleased with the stick and ink technique as I feel I was able to create these samples with ease and effectively complete the objective.


Texture Practices










These two images where made using various techniques, specifically acrylic; brown paper; tooth brush and finger paint. To create the first one I glued a small piece of brown paper to the surface I was using. I then mixed white and black acrylic together on this surface using my fingers to intentionally create different types of texture. the second one I simply took a tooth brush and put some coffee grains mixed with water onto the end and slowly rubbed my thumb across the bristles so the paint would be flicked onto the surface. I feel that this went fairly well but not perfectly, I think that there is much room for improvement when using these texture methods.



The first of these two texture samples was created using coffee. I mixed coffee grains with water to create the solution for my exercise, I then used a large paintbrush to spread the coffee solution on the paper and create this rough texture. The second was created using coffee once again but once it had dried I put white acrylic paint onto one side of a sponge and dabbed the sponge in random places across the area. This caused the creation of this white dotted texture fairly similar to ceilings from the 1970s.




The first of these images was created using a small quickly applied layer of coffee. Once it had dried I dipped a cotton bud into the coffee and continued to dab it around the previous layer of coffee to create this dotted pattern. The second one was made using a layer of black acrylic paint and waiting for it to dry. When it was dry I used a sponge which had white acrylic paint on one side which I dabbed across the surface to create the finishing texture.



This first texture was made using a thin, diluted layer of tea which I applied using a paint brush. I the took a tooth brush and sprayed yet another thin layer of coffee across the surface to finish with this lightly, dark dotted texture. To create the second one I painted a later of black acrylic to begin with. I then used a tooth brush to spray white acrylic on top of the layer which led to this lightly sprayed finish. 



This first blending technique was made using a glue spreader. I applied white acrylic paint and painted one side of the area them did the same to the other using black. I then attempted to blend the two together in the middle. The second was a similar attempt however I decided to do I ton a diagonal angle using my finders to blend the colours. I feel that they could have been executed better but that may be due to a lack in practice when using these medias and methods.




The first of these two textures was created by gluing a small piece of newspaper which only consisted of text to a small area, this was followed by applying a layer of white acrylic paint above it to make the text in the background look faded. The second one was made by gluing a piece of brown paper to a small area them applying a thick layer of white acrylic paint on top using my finders. I feel that these two textures where successful as they both show out to be different textures. I think that my skill can improve in these two areas however.


Acrylic (Colour) 

This image shows my practices at creating different colours using only the primary colours red; blue and yellow. I simply painted two lines of the colours I was mixing them painted a small square of the colour they created next to them using a standard paint brush.



These small blending techniques where created using the primary colours and white acrylic. The dotted samples on the right where created using cotton buds, I dipped them into the given paint them dabbing the small squares which I drew out. As I got towards the middle of each square the colours began to mix into the colours purple; orange and green. The squares on the right where created by Filling each square with a primary colour then adding white acrylic to one end which lightened the shade of the colour. I feel that I was highly successful at both of these practices however more practice Is requires if I wish to continue using these medias.


Watercolour



The first sample of watercolour on the left was made by gradually mixing the primary colours as I progressed downwards. The sample on the right was made using a number of different colours. Once they dried I went back over them using the same colour but much thicker to create these small vertical lines. I am highly pleased with these two samples at I think the colours where very well blended.


These four images where made using watercolour and oil pastel for the resist technique. The first one I applied a swirl of white oil pastel which I painted over with blue and yellow water colour, blending them in the middle, the oil pastel resisted the watercolour which is why the swirl is visible through the paints. The same technique was used for the next one which I created however I used  a random squiggle for them. To make the third one I glued some pieces of string to the paper and painted over them. when the paint was dry I removed the pieces of string which lest the empty straight lines. The last one was made by putting small pieces of masking tape onto the surface then painting over them. The outlines of the masking tape show thickly because of this. 


Oil Pastel



These four pastel samples where made by putting a layer of one colour into the squares which I drew before hand. I then chose to put colours which contrasted the base colour and scratched patterns into the surface. By doing this the top layer of oil pastel was removed allowing the lower layer to show through the scratch marks. 

Alternative Design Ideas

Design idea 1 (tailed Ant)

For my first design I added a small number of components to my secondary evidence drawing of an Ant. I added the wings of a Bee and a tail from a Dragonfly. I am not pleased with this as I feel I would have done a much better design, which is more unique and resembles an already existing insect much less.  I would certainly improve the overall number of components, which I add to the insect to make it a much more interesting design.



Design idea 2 (spotted Ant)

For my second alternate idea I decided to use the original drawing of the Ant and modify it by adding different components from other insects. I added a dotted pattern, which a Ladybug has. I also wanted it to be a flying creature, as it would give me a slightly larger number of options to work with.  I added more eyes and some butterfly wings.  I am not completely pleased with the result of this as I feel there aren’t enough components to the creature to make it a completely original and unique design.  If I were to do this again I would certainly change the body of the creature, as it is clear to see that I’ve simply modified an excising creature.



Design idea 3 (butterfly body)

My third design is one of the ones I’m most pleased with as it is a completely unique and original design compared to my first two. I feel that by combining different components to make a new insect all together was a much more successful method of making a creature as It is much more unique and original which is what I intended to make.



Design idea 4 (Ladybird body)

For my forth and final design idea I wanted to make something slightly larger than the previous design so I came up with the idea of using much bulkier components. I used the body of a Ladybird and the wings of a Butterfly, which made the structure of the insect already much larger than the previous idea. I am very pleased with the way that it came out as it is larger and has much more in the way of components just like the previous design. My two strongest ideas are ideas three and four. They’re the two strongest as they are both completely unique and original unlike the first two. I will definitely choose one of these last two to use for my final piece. 



Secondary Source Sketches

Beetles

This first drawing of a beetle was done using a pencil and simply contains no shading what so ever. This was to allow me to explore the different lines and shapes which the Beetle was comprised of. I am not particularly pleased with the outcome of this first image as the lines are fairly wavy which makes the whole insect completely out of proportion,the proportions are also off as I struggled to fit the image accurately into the A5 sheet of paper. I feel that for a first attempt it could be better but that it isn't a complete disaster as it is still comprehensible as a beetle. If I was to redo this piece of work I would take more time to make my proportions more accurate as well as adding more detail to the over all shape of the insect.







Shaded Beetle

 This second drawing that I did was of the same beetle however I shaded it in. The aim of this was to capture texture and tonal details. I feel that I captured this well and I am comfortable using the pencil medium. If this was to be done again I would add more of the noticeable lines around the edge, or remove the ones which are currently there. I would also make sure to accurately draw up the proportions to ensure that it looks more accurate and realistic. I am pleased with the way that the drawing has ended up. Although there are things which can be improved, I think that it is clear to see what the image represents.



Butterfly Outline

This image is a drawing of a butterfly which I drew using a pencil. There isn't any shading as I wanted to capture the shape and size of its aspects. I think that this can be improved as the size and proportions can be adjusted to make it a more accurate representation of a butterfly. I think that some of the details like the wings can be drawn to be more symmetrical. I am overall pleased with its result and feel that it shows a relatively accurate amount of detail, especially in the wings.



Shaded Ant 

The shaded Ant was drawn like all the others, from a secondary source image. I began by drawing out a faint outline with B pencil. This was then followed by the initial shading which was very light, this was to make it easy to erase any errors which may have occurred. Once this was done I went back over the previous layer of shading to add darker sections and soothe the transition from dark to light. After the shading was complete I went back over the outline of the Ant to bring out its shape. I am pleased with the result of this piece, I feel that it shows my skills as well as a clear and accurate variation of tone and texture. If I was to do this drawing again I would make it much larger to allow me to add more details. I would also try to make the shading of a higher quality.



Shaded Cockroach

I am highly pleased with the final outcome of my shaded cockroach, I feel that it shows my skills with pencil well and my ability to use the rubber to create a larger variation of tone.  The image could’ve been drawn bigger looking back which would allow me to add more detail to frontal section of the insect.  If I were to re-do this drawing then I would make it larger and I would also try to make improvements to the head of the creature. I think that this is one of my stronger drawings in comparison to the other samples, which I’ve done.