Layers and Transparency

I have made various experiments using chalk and oil pastel on different surfaces to see which has the best results. I have used surfaces such as scrap paper, sugar paper, stretched paper and emulsion and photo paper.

Scrap paper was successful as I would have to adjust the proportion of my drawing according to the size of the paper as it was ripped and in different shapes. I found some scrap paper with small black paint splashes on which made my drawings appear discarded and not looked after, which relates strongly to my work.  

Sugar paper did not make much difference to the appearance of my experiments although using black sugar paper with chalk presents a bold contrast of colour and really stands out. If I was to use this in my final piece it would only be in minority combined with other surfaces. 

I created a few stretched paper surfaces covered with emulsion. On these I completed some artist studies using chalk to get a feel for the surface. As the emulsion was painted on using a brush, it had dried with lined indentations. This make my drawings to have lines in them and as I was using chalk, the dust would gather in the groves and make fine marks which made the experiments look messy.  A positive about the emulsion is that the chalk shows extremely bold and it is possible to make harsh strong lines, alike Scheile. I will consider using this for my final outcome. 

I created some small chalk drawings on photo paper but these looked messy, unclear and dusty. I decided to try and smudge the chalk dust to create shade and this worked fantastically. It created a soft look to the bone which contrasts well against the harsh lines I have been using in my experiments. Also as the paper is translucent, I can layer it on top of my work to exaggerate on that contrast. 

I created a few small experiments with this and layered it onto my previous experiments in my sketchbook. I hope to use this technique in my final outcome.
Additionally, I hope to use inspiration from Cornelia Parker's suspended pieces, to create a mobile effect to my final piece.

Bone experiments

I believe the timed experiments worked well for my project as it relates directly to my chosen artists but has helped me interpret my own style into the work. When timed I am obstructed from achieving fine detail so this prevents me from trying to perfect or mimic Scheile's style. I am forced to move quickly so the way only I achieve form and shade are achieved. 

These experiments show a clear link with my previous work as the choice of bright, bold colours shows the positivity in my mental state and that being alone and starved of company forces me to find the joy in my own company and is actually helping me become a stronger and more independent person. 

Studio Tasks

During lesson time, we were asked to complete times 30second - a minute drawings of objects to do with our projects. As my projects is now focusing on using the size of the human body to represent mental damages I used different parts of a skeleton. We were instructed to used chalk and scrap paper and to think about scale and where we would position the drawing on the paper. 

After the task was completed, I continued with these chalk experiments and tried using oil pastel and charcoal also. The experiments gave me the outlet I was looking for for my work as I was struggling for ideas about my final piece. 

As I developed more and more experiments I added them to my sketchbook to discover that I could perhaps begin experimenting with collage. 

Sketchbook work

After the exhibition, I have decided to take a turn in my work as I have been very inspired by Egon Scheile. He represents himself as malnourished in his pieces and this could relate to my meaning as I can show how being mentally starved of company and human interaction can make you feel. I can do this my making my sketches/sculptures to appear extremely skinny. To start experimenting with this, I used some of the photos I decided not to display in my album with oil pastel and turpentine on photo paper to create an overlay of skinny parts of the body. Although the mannequin in the photos looks intact, the layer over the top suggest that mentally he is not. 

Egon Schiele Artist Studies

I have found a new artist called Egon Schiele. He creates pieces of the human form but exaggerates the bones making them look tall and skinny. He creates almost creepy portraits by exaggerating how bony aspects of the body are such as hands. I believe this shows malnourishment or even a mental state. This could link to my work well as I believe I could make my sculptures similar to this style as it makes the figures appear to be neglected physically. 

I have created pieces in my sketchbook experimenting with his style. I have also tried to figure out how he ads colour to his figures and body parts by watering down acrylic to create a wash and I have used oil pastels and thinner. 

I believe o achieved the way he creates line by using either pencil or a compressed charcoal pencil. 

Isaac Cordal

As Cordal works with making small sculptures of the human form, I thought it best to make numerous observational studies of people to get to grips with form and line. 

New Artist - Egon Schiele

Egon Schiele “Osen mit überkreuzten Händen” / “Mime van Osen with crossed arms” 1910
 "Hand Study" 1912