Final "Merge intp the Darkness" Portrait

My goal was to create a charcoal portrait. I used erasers and vine charcoal to give it value. What surprised me the most was how difficult it was to get all the little details incorporated. I spent a whole day on the small details once I was done the big shapes. I shifted to right brain to focus on the shapes and not the whole picture.
"A dull pencil makes a dull mind." "When in doubt, draw it out."
My drawing really works because it looks similar to my picture.  I learned to use white chalk to emphasize the highlights. I liked Ellie's artwork because it has an abstract feel to it, but it still has her look. If I had a do-over, I would make it look more natural and less like a drawing. I feel the best thing about my art is the realistic look, but it feels more intense and has lots of emotion.

David Sketch

Pumpkins

My goals for this piece were to show the values and shadows in pumpkins using dramatic lighting. I used charcoal and white chalk to create bright highlights and dark shadows. The most difficult challenge was showing the difference in lighting while still making it look realistic. I had to carve out the light by using compressed charcoal to achieve a deep black. I like how there is a focal point in the center of my artwork. I learned useful techniques with charcoal that Mr. Gaudreau showed me. If I had a do-over, I would try to give the stems more value and make them more realistic. I enjoyed using charcoal and I like how there are lights and darks.

Pumpkin Sketches

Joy Series

     This series is a representation of the beautiful, calm pond at Friends Park in Forest Hill. My goal was to create a 3 piece series of something that gives me joy. I had to use watercolor pencils to make different scenes with coordinating colors and textures. I first laid out the color and then added detail and shading to make it more complete. What surprised me the most was how many different colors I could find in a single object.
     The most difficult challenge was finishing the lily pad drawing because it was so detailed and every lily pad was different. I first planned out the shapes, then added simple colors, and finally I made them darker and more vibrant. I experienced right brain thinking by finding colors like red and blue in trees and plants.
     My drawing really shows a common theme of nature and all three have the same color scheme. I learned techniques on how to shade and add texture. Ellie kept all three of her drawings the same medium and didn't mix watercolor with colored pencil, which taught me not to mix them. If I had a do-over, I would make all three the same richness and darkness. I think the best thing is the colors and how it gives peaceful vibes.

JPEG #3

 These pictures represent my family. My mom drives me around everywhere, so I took a photo of her in the mini van. She also cooks yummy meals for us. My dog is the center of our family, even though he is very lazy. We have a wall in our house with family photos on it to remind us of our family far away.

Joy Collage