Project #4
Observational Self-Portrait Size: 23x28cm Medium: colored pencil on paper Date: November, 2017 This piece is an observational self portrait done with varying squiggles of colored pencil. In making this, I attempted to create a recognizable face with every color of the rainbow and lots of line. I also wanted to experiment with drawing on different colored paper. By using black paper as a base instead of white, I was able to experiment with a different atmosphere. |
Artistic Inspiration
I gathered inspiration from Milwaukee area local artist Melissa Lee Johnson. Instead of focusing on the cartoon-like form of the figures like in my last piece, I wanted to break the line of the image down and instead take inspiration from Melissa Lee Johnson's sketchy style.
I took artistic inspiration from Milwaukee-area local artist, Melissa Lee Johnson. She does very edgy, cartoon-like illustrations that have lots of color, and make use of lots of titles, descriptions, and exclamations which draw attention to her work, and create a dramatic tone to many of her pieces. Themes in her work include feminism, social media, drama, friendship, self-image, youth, etc. I wanted to create a self-portrait image which broke down the colors and form that I see in my own face. By taking inspiration from Melissa Lee Johnson, I decided to try to make the portrait ambiguous, and not as feminine looking.
I took artistic inspiration from Milwaukee-area local artist, Melissa Lee Johnson. She does very edgy, cartoon-like illustrations that have lots of color, and make use of lots of titles, descriptions, and exclamations which draw attention to her work, and create a dramatic tone to many of her pieces. Themes in her work include feminism, social media, drama, friendship, self-image, youth, etc. I wanted to create a self-portrait image which broke down the colors and form that I see in my own face. By taking inspiration from Melissa Lee Johnson, I decided to try to make the portrait ambiguous, and not as feminine looking.
Planning
I planned to sit in front of a mirror, and create an observational self portrait using as many colors as I could. I debated on what pose I should be in, but decided to just look forward, and tilt my head slightly. I decided against trying to draw a profile, because I figured I'd be hard to see my reflection if I had to be turned away from the mirror. I planned to create it using different layers of color. I would start with a light outline, and then slowly work my way through the rainbow. When planning, I practiced going from one color to another similar color. This is shown on the left of the paper. I also planned out how I would shade the main features of my face such as my lips based on the light source.
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Process
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I chose to use a black paper as a background so that the colors popped off. I really like to play with different bases. Because I used only colored pencils, I started by creating an outline with a light yellow, and then a while which I used to start to form the shape of the ears and chin. I then incorporated red on the right side of the face in order to create shadow. The ear ended up standing out the most because I used a thicker white line in order to give it dimension. I built upon the colors in some parts of the face, and let others (like the hair) pretty thin. I also used the colors from the face in order to drag elements down to the neck. If you squint at the piece, or look at it fro afar, It looks like the colors aren't so broken down and in different blocks. I like that as one gets closer, they can see all of the different lines. This is how I felt upon first seeing the work of Melisa Lee Johnson. I thought that her work was digital until I got up close and saw all of the sketch marks. |
Experimentation
During this project, I tried to incorporate as many colors as I could into the piece. I experimented by picking a random color, and then making an outline with this color. I tried to add shadow by using more reds on one side of the face, and cool colors on the other side of the face. I experimented with my colored lamp. I used the red color and placed it on one side of my face, and then tried putting the blue color of the other side. This helped my to shade using complementary colors.
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Reflection
Although this project is simple, it was a great exercise. I feel that I need to practice more observational work in order to get better with technical skills. I also liked the challenge of starting off with black paper, and using only colored pencils.
I do feel that my work varied a lot from that of my inspiration, but I do see some similarities between my piece and the sketchy quality of the characters that Melissa Lee Johnson creates. However, I feel that my work is a lot more realistic looking than her cartoon-like figures with long necks, skinny waists, and huge eyes. Because mine was an observational piece, I tried to follow the actual look of my facial features (this includes proportion, and shape).
I do think that this self-portrait is one of the most interesting ones that I've done, as I find the glaze kind of creepy.
I think that overall, I did the best job at creating a self-portrait with the prominent use of line (instead of blending).
I do feel that my work varied a lot from that of my inspiration, but I do see some similarities between my piece and the sketchy quality of the characters that Melissa Lee Johnson creates. However, I feel that my work is a lot more realistic looking than her cartoon-like figures with long necks, skinny waists, and huge eyes. Because mine was an observational piece, I tried to follow the actual look of my facial features (this includes proportion, and shape).
I do think that this self-portrait is one of the most interesting ones that I've done, as I find the glaze kind of creepy.
I think that overall, I did the best job at creating a self-portrait with the prominent use of line (instead of blending).
Connecting to the ACT
1) How are you able to identify the cause-effect relationships between your inspiration and its effect upon your artwork?
Yes! I was inspired with my use of color and line.
2) What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
I think that the author has a rather sassy tone regarding the characters that she creates.
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
I have made the generalization that digital artists often have talent with drawing.
4) What was the central idea for theme around your inspirational research?
Self-expression.
5) What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
Yes! I was inspired with my use of color and line.
2) What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
I think that the author has a rather sassy tone regarding the characters that she creates.
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
I have made the generalization that digital artists often have talent with drawing.
4) What was the central idea for theme around your inspirational research?
Self-expression.
5) What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
Citations
Drawing. (n.d.). Retrieved November 03, 2017, from http://melissaleejohnsonart.com/drawing/jkfa22vkfpvkzrnjjl2fruj6zgx9r