29th September Glossary Pages And Mono-Printing

On the 29^th September we continued to design our glossary pages to express the “Principles of design”, “The elements of design” and keywords from the workshop through the “Hands On Project”. I continued to work on the pages and explore a keyword that I learnt from the print making workshop which was “Henna”. I wanted to develop the designs and ideas I have collected through the workshop to express them through myself and what is my definition of the keyword “Henna”. Firstly, I drew a basic hand shape that filled the A4 glossary page and I designed a “Henna Pattern” on the top of the hand with a pencil. I took inspiration from the recent workshop and collected my “Henna” pattern designs and ideas which was incorporated onto the glossary page. To make the hand realistic, I used watercolour paints to create a skin colour to be painted onto the hand. For the “Henna” pattern, I wanted a material that would look realistic and match what is used in real life for the “Henna” patterns so I decided to use black ink. Also, I decided to use black ink because I felt confident with the material as I practised and learnt from my mistakes when using it on one of my previous glossary pages. I allowed the watercolour paint to dry first because the water would damage the ink lines and make them bleed onto the design. Whilst the watercolour was drying, I focused on mono-printing and explored the direct method that I missed completing on the first session we had on the task.

The "Henna" glossary page with the watercolour
outline and the start of the "Henna" pattern.

To set up the mono-printing, I took what I learnt from the previous lesson and placed a giant plastic sheet onto my work area. Then I used the roller tool to spread ink out evenly so that it would be ready to print and allow me to draw into the ink evenly. I became independent with setting up the equipment correctly for mono-printing and I followed the methods carefully that I learnt in the previous lesson. To use the direct method, I collected a paintbrush and used the point at the end of the brush to sketch my design into the ink. I used a primary image of my knuckle because it is a simple shape that can be sketched easily and be mono-printed clearly when created. A problem I faced when drawing is that I found it tricky drawing into the ink as I couldn’t control my balance as my arm and wrist couldn’t be placed onto the surface  which made it difficult for me to draw. This had an effect on the drawing and to improve next time, I am going to practise further with drawing on ink to allow me to control my drawing. Next I placed my large surface that I design in the previous lesson, onto the ink and used a roller to allow the image to transfer. After I took the surface away from the ink it revealed the mono-print of the image. Unfortunately the mono-printed surface looked faded on the design. To improve next time I will include more ink on the sheet so that the surface will collect more ink and allow the mono print to transfer successfully.

The primary image and the direct transfer drawing on the
ink surface.



The mono-print outcome looks faded as not enough ink has
been transferred onto the paper surface.

Overall, the studio practise was useful as it allowed me to continue creating more glossary pages and explore another mono-printing technique that I didn’t complete in the previous lesson. My weakness in the task was time management as I didn’t complete my glossary page in the time I was given in lesson. To solve the problem I am going to complete the glossary page in my own independent study time. Also my weakness was printing the direct method drawing I completed on the ink onto the surface as it didn’t print correctly and the outcome looked faded. To solve the problem next time I am going to add more ink onto the sheet before printing so that I will have a better surface to work on which will give a better mono-print finish. However, I felt confident in the task as It allowed me to become independent and to develop the knowledge I learnt from the previous lesson to continue and explore different techniques of mono-printing.

24th September Print Making Workshop

On the 24^th September we continued to explore and learn new workshops on the course which was “Print Making”. The aim of the workshop was to learn new skills, methods and tools from workshop to create a piece that related to the “Hands On Project”. I was really curious to explore print making as I have explored mono printing on Wednesday. At the start of the day, we were given a brief introduction to print making which included new keys words that will be included in the “Hands On Project” glossary pages. Printmaking is a process that is made by hand and the use of inks to transfer images onto different surfaces such as paper. The process is also made up of different elements including Lino cutting which we used in the workshop. Lino-Cut uses a plate that can be carved and cut by using cutters to create a pattern that is applied with a layer of ink by using a roller. Another element is called relief printing which uses both lino blocks and wood to create a print. La Poupée is also a printing element that uses one lino plate and a variety of inks to create a print that presents a multiple of inks. Finally, another printing element that makes up lino printing is called Chine Collé which uses tissue paper that is placed onto the paper and then ink is printed onto the surface. This creates texture and builds up the surface that the ink is placed onto. Throughout the workshop, we explored and used a variety of tools in which we gained confidence in.

Instructions on how to "Lino Cut"

Firstly we were given an introduction to print making which included new key words that will be included in the “Hands On Project” glossary pages we are creating in the art studio. These new key words included “Henna” which is a pattern that is placed onto hands for decoration and special occasions. The Henna patterns can be made up of flowers, swirls and lines. Also another key word we learnt was “Zentangles” which are a pattern made up of shapes and lines. No ruler is used whilst drawing “Zentangles” and they are most commonly found in adult art therapy colouring books. After learning about key words we took our knowledge and started to create our own “Zentangle” and “Henna” patterns. These designs had to reflect our personality and eventually they were going to be taken into the final hand design lino cut.



The Pattern Designs that reflected both "Henna"
and "Zentangles"

Before we started to design and create we were given health and safety rules so that we would be safe whilst using tools, methods and printing processes. Whilst using lino cutters, we had to keep hands behind the tool path to avoid injury as the tool is very sharp. We were also instructed to use a bench hook to also avoid injury to the hands when cutting and carving. Whilst using the lino-cutter we were told not to put lots of force when cutting and shaping to avoid the cutter slipping and injuring your hand and the design. If an injury occurred we would have to report it to the nearest teacher and first aider. When carving into lino blocks all the shavings leftover had to be cleared away and tools were placed away at the end of the workshop. Whilst working with the lino pressers, we had to keep hair, hands and loose clothing away from the machine to avoid injury through the rollers as they generate a large amount of pressure. Hands must be clean whilst handling with blankets on the pressure roller to avoid ink from your hands being transferred onto the roller. Finally whilst using rollers and inks, all equipment should be cleaned to avoid inks being transferred onto new colours, prints and designs. All the health and safety rules were maintained throughout the task.

After creating the designs, we developed them further to create a design and lino print layout for the “Hands On Project”. For the lino cutter block, I decided to use a tall and thin block because I wanted to create a pattern that was just not featured on the hand but also on the arm. I wanted to connect the patterns together from the arm and hand so I decided to plan my design out onto paper. It is important to plan a design as it gives you a basic design idea before creating a piece which can be adapted and changed when being created. When I planned out my idea, I sketched it out onto the block what I wanted to create and started to work and carve into the lino block. I never used a cutter before so I knew the task will be challenging for me when shaping and carving my design out onto the block. A problem I faced whilst carving into the design was that I was cutting too deep into the block which caused me to cut straight through the lino block. To improve next time, I will use a smaller cutter and work into the design slowly so that will not have the same problem. Another problem I faced whilst cutting into the lino block was that I wasn’t carving in long straight lines which caused the surface to become uneven. To improve next time I will learn from my mistakes and use long straight lines to create an even surface whilst cutting the design onto the block. When cutting the smaller details and patterns out, I found it really tricky to create the shapes that I wanted for the design. To solve the problem for next time I am going to practise cutting out a variety of different shapes which will help me in the future for lino cutting. Once I created the design, it was ready for printing process.

The final design layout for the lino block

Creating the final layout into the lino block

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before I started to use inks, I rolled out the colour I wanted evenly onto the roller to avoid an uneven print. After covering the roller evenly with ink I placed it onto my lino block to transfer the colour. The problem I faced whilst rolling the ink onto the design was that it was an uneven surface that I was rolling the ink onto. To solve the problem, I moved the lino block to an even surface which allowed the roller to transfer the ink evenly onto the design. After placing the ink onto the lino block, I picked out what surface paper that I would like the design to be printed onto and took both materials to the lino presser. To avoid the ink bleeding I placed the design at the bottom of the blanket that was covered with newspaper. I placed lino block onto the lino presser first and the surface I chose on top which went through the roller on the presser to create a print. After the design went through I collected the surface and I took it away from the lino block to reveal a final lino-print of my hand design. I placed the design onto the drying rack and repeated the same process a couple of times with different coloured inks and surfaces. After experimenting with different colours and surfaces I wanted to explore both "La Poupée" and "Chine Collé". For the "La Poupée" design I combined both yellow and red to create an effect which made an orange colour through the printing process.

The Lino Pressers we used for the printing
process

The ink process that transferred the colour of
ink onto the lino block

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The" La Poupée" print finish of my final
design.

 

For the "Chine Collé" I collected tissue paper and created a circle that was going to make one specific part of my design stand out through the printing process. Once I placed the tissue paper onto the surface I chose I repeated the same process but placed the surface first onto the lino presser to allow me to place the lino block correctly onto the surface to create the effect. After the design went through the roller I collected the print and noticed a problem on the design. The tissue paper didn’t stand out through the ink which made it blend easily on the design. To improve next time I will change the colour of ink and tissue paper to make the designs stand out and show the "Chine Collé" method.

Overall, the workshop was really interesting as it allowed me to explore new printing techniques and methods that I haven’t explored before. It also allowed me to use my knowledge from the mono-printing task to help me with using tools and materials. My weakness in the workshop was the carving and cutting the lino block stage as I found it really difficult to use the tool I was given to create a pattern that I designed. To improve for next time, I am going to practise using the lino cutter tool to create more shapes, lines and patterns. My strengths in the workshop was the printing processes as I felt confident with exploring with different colours of ink and surfaces. Also, my strengths in the workshop was the design process as I really enjoyed creating patterns that matched the definitions of “Zentangles” and “Henna” but also how the patterns related to me.

22nd September Mono-Printing Task

In Tuesday afternoon, we created a range of pieces for the “Hands on Project” through printing process called mono-printing. I was really curious to try and experiment with this process as I have never explored using prints and inks before. This made the task interesting as I was exploring new materials, tools and methods. Firstly, we were given a demonstration on how to use the materials and tools. Next, we took these instructions to create our own prints independently and collected a range of paper to work on. I wanted to practise and explore a variety of mono-prints on different surfaces so I designed on some surfaces and kept some surfaces plain. To decorate some surfaces I used tissue paper as it is thin material that will allow ink to print effectively onto the paper. I created a range of shapes such as circles and triangles for the decoration and I also created a hand shape from the same material to be placed on a surface. Also, instead of using normal plain A4 paper I also used brown parcel paper to explore different materials and to see which surface is the most effective to print a design onto the surface.

For the surface, I measured the paper in different sizes to experiment two different printing methods which are called the direct method and the indirect method. The direct method is where you draw directly into the ink and this was going to be used with the large paper in the workshop to transfer a free hand drawing into a print. Also, the other method is the indirect method where you place a piece of paper onto a clean roll of ink and place an image on top of the paper. Then you trace around the image that is placed on the paper, roll the surface and take the paper off the ink to reveal a print that has been transferred indirectly. Throughout the task we used the roller as a tool because it allowed the ink to be transferred evenly and present a good quality print and finish. It is important to roll the ink evenly because it will give an even surface that will give a good quality print that will show the design evenly.  

The decorated surfaces for mono-printing.

A mixture of decorated surfaces and plain surfaces.





















After decorating the surfaces, I used my primary images, which I collected from my independent study to use for the mono-printing process. The images are a variety of hands from my family and friends that have different skin texture and size. This allowed each print to be unique and to show a variety of texture and details from each individual hand.

Images placed onto the paper that was ready for mono-printing.

Next, I placed the images onto the paper that I measured and decorated earlier in the task. This made them ready to print indirectly into the ink. To create a mono-printing surface for the paper to be printed on, we placed an A4 plastic sheet onto the table and collected what coloured ink we wanted to use. Then I used the roller to roll the ink out evenly that covered the whole sheet and this made it ready to use. I placed the paper with the image onto the ink and used a pencil to trace the hand image onto the ink through the indirect method. Once the image was traced, I took the paper from the ink to reveal the printed hand. I repeated the process several times with different images, surfaces, decorations and the colour of the ink. All the prints I created are shown below.

The paper placed onto ink ready for mono-printing

The "hand writing mono-print"
shows texture and a build up of
lines which gives an effective,
final, print on the surface.

 

This was my first attempt at
mono-printing. The printed
hand presents an effective
mono-print with decoration
building up texture and makes
the hand stand out. The black
ink is also effective on the
brown paper surface.
 

The "Hand playing the guitar"
presents a rustic image onto
the brown paper as the black
ink stands out on the surface.
Also the print presents finger-
prints from my hand which
relates to the printed image.
 

The surface decoration is
presented on the sheet but
doesn't show the mono-print.
To improve I would change the
colour of the tissue paper
and the colour of the ink.

 

The hand image is presented
on the design clearly but doesn't
match the different colours on
the surface. To improve I would
change the colour of the ink.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My strengths in the task was that I developed demonstrations that I was given at the start of the lesson to create my own individual prints with different surfaces that I have designed by myself. Also, my strengths in the task was that I have took my independent study research and adapted it for print making which gave a high quality print finish. My weakness in the task was using tissue paper on the surface for mono-printing. When I created a hand shape and printed it onto blue ink the overall appearance looked blurry and didn’t show the mono-print onto the surface. To improve next time I will change the surface of decoration and pick a suitable ink colour so that the mono-print will be visible on the surface. Also my weakness in the task was time management as I didn’t have enough time to explore the direct mono-printing method. To improve next time in the mono-printing task, I will manage my time efficiently and explore direct mono-printing where I will draw one of my primary photographs of a hand into the ink.

Overall the task, was really interesting as it allowed me to explore printing for the first time and techniques that are involved with it. The task also allowed me to become independent with the methods and to create my own individual print finishes. It also allowed me to adapt and develop my own designs by creating my own surfaces with decoration that I thought would be the most suitable. From this task it will help me to develop my skills further and explore more printing methods in the “Print Workshop” that I am going to complete and tasks for the future.

22nd September "Principle Of Design"

Today we continued to complete our glossary pages for the “Hands On Project”. Previously, we explored the “Elements Of Art” for our glossary but today we focused on the “Principle Of Design” which is also going to be added into the book. The “Principle Of Design” is made up of:

·         Pattern

·         Contrast

·         Emphasis

·         Balance

·         Proportion/Scale

·         Harmony

·         Rhythm/Movement

All of these words above will be placed into the glossary but into today’s session I focused on the word “Pattern”. Before designing, I used my previous skill I learnt from last lesson and it helped me to become independent as I stretched out paper ready for designing. Next I moved onto designing where I wanted to create a hand related drawing that symbolised “Pattern”. So for inspiration I collected photographs that I was using for mono-printing and used one for an outline for my glossary page. I wanted it to relate to the word “Pattern” as the definition describes it as a regular arrangement that can be up of repeated shapes lines and colours. To match the definition I wanted to repeat the hand drawing I created to make a pattern and also make it repetitive. A problem I faced was that I wasn’t sure how to repeat the drawing and make it look identical. To solve the problem I used tracing paper which gave a basic outline that was easy to copy which made all the hands on the page look identical.

Outline of the hand pattern

After completing the identical outlines, I faced another problem as the hand drawings looked really simple and basic. To solve the problem I took inspiration from my Pinterest board and Henna Designs that I found to create my own pattern. I decided to use flowers and leaves as it created a "Henna" style pattern that was easy to repeat and trace. After creating the pattern onto one hand I repeated it identically using the same process as the outline which created a pattern design.

Tracing Paper I used for repeating the pattern

Outline of the patterned hands



 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Next I focused on colour as it was also included with the definition of “Pattern”. For the material I wanted to use watercolour paints because it is a strong material for me and I feel confident using it as I can also include shading and tone. The watercolours also allowed me to be colourful which gave a really good effect when painting the hands in two matching colours.

Hand pattern page

In the task I felt confident with using photographs and sketching hands from them to create a glossary page that matched the definition “Pattern”. I felt confident with creating my own patterns that have been inspired by research I have collected from my Pinterest Board. Also, in the task I felt confident with using watercolours as it helped me to create colourful patterns that matched the definition for my glossary page. My weakness in the task was time management as I didn’t finish the page in the amount of time I was given. To solve the problem I am going to complete the glossary page in my own independent study so that I will finish it and start to create another glossary page.

Overall the task was really enjoyable as it allowed me to adapt what skills I already have and to develop further in the “Hands on Project”. It also allowed me to use what I have collected from my research to inspire me to create my own designs that relates to what research I have found. The task allowed me to use my own primary photographs to create my own individual piece. To improve, I will plan and manage my time efficiently so I will finish the piece in the time that I have been given on my timetable.

 

17th September 3D Workshop

On Thursday 17^th September I was involved in a workshop which was 3D abstract art. This was my first experience working with 3D elements and abstract art which made me unsure what to expect at the start of the day. I was really curious to find out about 3D art and I wanted to experiment and try new materials and tools. Abstract art is define as art that does not attempt to represent visual reality but instead uses shapes, colours, forms and marks to achieve an effect. At the start of the day we researched an abstract artist called Peter Mayer who creates 3D sculpture toys called “Shape Scapes”. These are made up of a simple constructions that are designed to stimulate playing with toys and this gave us inspiration for our first task. We were given shapes like “Shape Scapes” that had slots which meant that we could create a 3D abstract sculptures without no instructions and rules which made it unique. By working as a team the task allowed us to be creative and to combine our abstract skills and ideas.

Final 3D Abstract Sculpture we
created as a group

"Shape Scape" book we took inspiration
from.



After the first task we took inspiration and skills to create our own 3D abstract sculptures with new materials and tools. It allowed us to become independent and experience new methods and tools from 3D work. The materials and tools used were mount card for the sculpture, craft knives and a specific cutter to create slots to connect different pieces together. Before the task we were given health and safety rules that allowed us to avoid risking any injuries in the workshop. Whilst using the equipment we had to use cutting mats to avoid damaging the desks. Control must be maintained when using a knife and for straight lines we used safety rulers. Also, pressure must be controlled when using a knife and we should not to press too hard to avoid the knife slipping and causing injury to yourself. Finally, we had to be aware of others in the area and we should keep our other hand behind the cutting blade at all times. After being given safety rules we demonstrated our knowledge and understanding to create our own abstract pieces. I really enjoyed the task as it allowed us to build up a shape without planning or designing before to end up with a piece that is completely abstract. As a group we discussed where our sculptures would be placed, I thought that my sculpture would be placed on a farm as it has a resemblance of a bird which the group agreed with. The sample turned out really well as it resembled an abstract piece that was built up from shapes and matched visual reality by relating to a bird. The outcome also allowed me to make a judgement of my sample through abstract knowledge that I have learnt and how it related to visual reality.

Final Outcome from Task

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After working independently and practising with tools we took our skills further to create larger 3D “Shape Shapes” by relating it to the “Hands on Project”.  We were given a brief to create a free form sculpture using our previous knowledge of “shape Scapes” that represents hands. Throughout the task we had to consider size, hand positions, use of shapes and how it can be used in other workshops. We were also given a set of rules which was a restriction to use cardboard, we had to work round the sculpture so it can be viewed from multiple perspectives, the sculpture had to be free standing and we had to think abstract. To start the hand I took inspiration from models we were shown before the task and drew a basic palm shape for the hand sculpture.

How I started to build up the hand

Next I decided to focus on the thumb as I thought it was a starting point to create the 3D shape. One of my weaknesses in the task was trying to think how I was going to slot and connect different pieces together at the start of the piece. To solve the problem I planned and pictured what I was going to do and continued to cut into the starting piece and create a variety of shapes. Eventually the hand started to build up and stuck to the rules and made it look 3D at all different angles.

Image of the hand being built up with the thumb

I developed what I learnt with the thumb and continued to build the hand with fingers and muscle tone. I focused with features with my hand and placed them onto the design. For the back I used circles to represent my knuckles which gave a 3D effect at the back. I also connected each finger on the hand by creating a rectangle shape that matches the skeleton of the hand. Eventually I created a hand layout but I faced a problem with balance.

Image of the hand that wasn't stood up freely.

To solve the problem with the hand not standing freely, I decided to create a base that would slot the hand into place. To keep with the “Hands on Project” theme I decided to create a base that would look like a watch so I got a long strip of paper and created a strap. This created a base that allowed the sculpture to balance freely. The abstract sculpture I created matched what the brief said, followed the rules, related to the “Hands on Project” and matched the definition of abstract and “shape Scapes”.

Final Hand Sculpture that stood freely
at the front.

Final Hand Sculpture from the back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the task I felt confident in creating shapes and samples from scratch because I liked the idea of placing objects together without planning and designing. It allowed me to become independent and create a sample from methods I was shown to make an abstract piece. It allowed me to experiment which helped me gain confidence in creating sculptures. My weakness in the workshop was using the craft knife when cutting out shapes. I found it really difficult trying to cut out shapes with the tool because it wasn’t cutting the shape that I wanted perfectly so I had to use scissors. If I did the workshop again I would keep using the craft knife so that I would gain more practice and I would change the material as it was really hard to cut and shape.

Overall, the workshop was really enjoyable as it allowed us to experiment and play with 3D sculptures that I have taken and developed further to create my own pieces. It allowed me to be independent, try and adapt methods, experiment with new materials and use tools skilfully and safely. Also it allowed me to demonstrate how I interpret the definition “Abstract” and how I can use it for the “Hands on Project”. Finally, it allowed me to explore the human hand in detail and how it is built up through “Shape Scapes”. To develop my knowledge further I am going to research more abstract artists such as Picasso and Mark Rothko and how they create pieces of art through abstract designs.

The Role Of An Art Critic

The role of an art critic is to respond to a range of art work and pieces in both positive and negative ways. Many people associate negative connotations with the word “critic” but it can be positive as critics can help viewers to perceive artworks and make judgements for themselves with inspiration from critics. Art critics respond to different artworks by interpreting the piece, finding the hidden meanings and also making critical judgements specifically about individual art pieces. In today’s society, critics tend to focus on modern and contemporary art that matches the individual’s culture. There are 3 types of art critics that define the role in the art world. Firstly, there are newspaper reporters that are assigned to write about pieces and exhibitions to the general public which also promote and give clear opinions. Another type of critic are scholars who are artists that write for professional journals or texts about other artists. Finally there are journalistic art critics that relate to newspaper reporters who write for the general public but also includes reviews of art exhibitions and galleries. Art critics have an important role in the art world and our culture because they respond and interpret artworks that inspire and help audiences to make judgements individually.

15th September "Elements Of Art"

Yesterday, I continued to work on the “Hands On Project” through studio practise. We researched the “The Elements Of Art” and explored new materials, skills and methods through drawing and sculpturing. Whilst in studio practise, we started to create a glossary that expressed our knowledge of words and definitions that are important in the Art and Design course. This glossary also allowed us to be creative as we expressed and presented what each word meant through drawing hands that relates to the “Hands On Project”. By using different materials and colours, it allowed me to be curious and explore range of methods that I can develop further in the art course. The glossary “Elements Of Art” that we started to produce will include following words:

·         Line

·         Shape

·         Colour

·         Form

·         Texture

·         Space

·         Value

All these words on the list above will include my own definition and be presented through different sketches, colours and designs. Also, more words will be included as the project continues, where I will be exploring workshops in print-making, ceramics, textiles, 3D and photography. It is important to explore these “Elements Of Art” as they are important in the course and they will be important in everyday life when working and designing in Art. Also, it is important to create a glossary as it allows you to become independent and create your own definitions to help you learn. By creating the glossary that relates to the project it will help me to develop my skills of creating a range of hand drawings and designs that will allow me to explore a range of methods and tools. Whilst in studio practise, I started to create my glossary and explore the words “Line” and “Texture”. To create the glossary we stretched paper onto a board and measured out A4 onto the paper. This method taught me a new skill which I will take on further throughout the project. For the “Line” page I used the material ink to create hand that was built up with a range of different lines. It also included facts about me which made it personal and expressed the skills I had. The design also related to research I collected on my Pinterest board which helped me to understand what research I have collected. After I completed the “Line” glossary page, I started to create the “Texture” page which I started to build up a hand through different materials that created different textures. It is important to create collages because it allows you to explore different materials. This task allowed us to be independent and to develop our research skills that we have learnt to create our individual glossary pages that are personal to you.

My strengths in the glossary task was the line drawing as I built up hand design through a range of different strokes and lengths which gave an effect that I was really pleased with. Also, my strengths in the task was trying out a new material Ink that I could use confidently to give an eye-catching line effect. Finally, my strength in the task was using different materials to start a collage effect for texture which I felt confident with and it also allowed me to try new materials that I haven’t used before which I enjoyed creating. My weakness in the glossary task was to write definitions for each word on the pages because I found it difficult to explain words to write onto paper. To solve this problem I wrote down what words related to them and wrote a range of sentences and picked the sentence I felt the most confident with. A problem that I faced when using ink was that I smudged the title of my glossary. To solve the problem I fixed the lettering and added extra lines on the letter to match the name of the title.

Also in studio practice, we explored wire sculpture through the “Hands On Project”. We used garden wire and wood to create a different hand sculptures that were abstract and unique. By exploring wire sculpture it allowed me to use and understand how tools work that I haven’t used before and to try new elements within art that is different from drawing.  Whilst exploring wire sculpture we had health and safety information given which was to wear safety goggles throughout the task to avoid injuring eyes. It is important to explore a range of different techniques and styles of art because it develops your individual art skills and increases your curiosity to try new things which builds up your confidence. My weakness from the task was that I found it really difficult to build up the hand into a 3D sculpture. However, I carried on and started to build up the shape outline of the hand. To improve I am going to practise more with wire sculpture and carry on completing the design.

Overall, Studio Practise was really enjoyable as I continued to learn skills, explore new materials and to become more independent when researching and designing.

10th September Exploring Different Sketching Techniques Through The “Hands On Project"

On Thursday 10^th September we officially started the “Hands on Project” where we created a range of hand sketches that were designed to explore different styles and techniques of drawing hands. In the lesson we explored continuous drawing, quick continuous drawing, drawing through contour lines, cross hatching, colour drawing and our own style of drawing. These different styles were presented through sketches of our own hands where we placed our hands into different positions to create a range of sketches that looked different on the page. This allowed us to try out our skills through observational drawing. All the sketches were placed onto one sheet of paper which was to show all the different techniques that we have done. This helped to identify how the different styles are presented and what were our strengths and weaknesses. The task was set because it was to demonstrate what skills we already have in art and design with drawing hands but also it was set to explore new techniques that we haven’t explored before. It allowed us to understand methods and skills through practising a range of sketches to evaluate what we feel confident with, what we can improve on and what we can practise throughout the project. Finally this task was set to demonstrate what we have learnt and how we have adapted it into our own individual designs and sketches.

Firstly, we used our own style of drawing to create a basic hand drawing which presented our skills that we already have and how we could use observational drawing to create the sketch. Next, we were given 2 minutes to create a quick continuous sketch that was a quick method to create my hand in a different position. We weren’t allowed to take our pencil off the paper which made the task fun and it also presented what we can create in a short amount of time. Then we created a cross-hatch drawing which allowed us to use shading and cross-hatching techniques. Next, we sketched hands by using contour lines which gave a skeleton layout when creating. Finally, we used colours to draw hands by using black paper to create a colourful, engaging drawing.

My strengths in the task was that I could draw shapes and lines to build up my hand layout which helped me throughout the task. I think it is important to draw shapes to build up objects because its gives a layout which can be altered and changed if necessary. It also allows you to work onto the design to create the layout you want and then eventually use colour and shade. Also, my strengths in this task was colouring and shading the different hands I created. I especially enjoyed the cross hatching task because I could create detail through the texture, pattern and different shades of my hand in different positions. It is important to use colour and shade because it create more characteristics into the design which makes it look realistic and engaging. My weaknesses in the task was that I struggled to draw my hand in different angles and get the basic layout of the hand shape. To solve the problem I kept practising the layout several times to build up my confidence to draw my hand. Also, to solve the problem I used shapes and lines to build up the shape which helped me to get the basic layout that I could add detail to. Another weakness I faced whilst completing the task was time management as I didn’t complete the sketches to the time limit I was given. To solve this problem I have taken my sketches to complete in my own time which I am going to time myself with to improve my time management skills. To improve on the task, I am going to continue drawing sketches of hands through these new methods and under a time limit, because I wanting to continue exploring new techniques that I have learnt and adapt them to my own knowledge because I am curious to try new skills.

Overall, the task was really enjoyable as it allowed us to demonstrate our own skills, understand new methods and techniques and to be curious when sketching and designing.