Drawing Elective

Throughout this drawing course i feel my techniques have improved and i have been able to get a grasp on measuring observational images. ''the mark you make on the paper is not arbitrary, it is an aculmination of everything you know about drawing, it is a muscle memory, the weight in the pencil, the presure needed in order to make the graphite connect with the paper, the movement in the shoulder, the arm and the wrist.'' - i agree with this statement as i feel there are many more aspects to drawing than some may think, if you have an emotional understanding for the surrounding which is being drawn then i think you have the ability to represent the subject to its best through your own eyes.

We began measured drawing, which is basically looking at the subject, standing up with your arm and wrist straight, closing one eye and marking a mark on the pencil to each point you can see and began to make plot marks, no joined up lines, lots of scaffolding, and eventually if you keep drawing the image will appear on the paper. We experimented using different methods on how to look at compostition, making a 3D space on 2D format, utilising framing, selecting, abstracting. On Tuesday to put us to the test we did a sustained day long drawing again this was using measured drawing.

I enjoyed these exercises as I did learn how to make a picture more accurate, however I do still prefer free hand scetching as it easier and i enjoy making my own mark on the paper rather than sitting and copying the image to perfection.

On Wednesday we did a 3D- 2D shadow drawing, this consisting of selecting an image or an object, and then making our own objects from them. I chose a Rhino and then used wire, string and masking tape to create an object, I then placed it on the over head projector, and then projected on the wall and drew around it. I really enjoyed this excersise as we were all able to make our own interpretations and take an indivdual approach, it didnt seem as structured as the measured drawing exercise.

On Thursday we took photos of different surroundings, my idea were circles, i took various pictures around my student accomodation: I wanted my photos to portray an abstact mannerism which i managed to achieve. I decided to use an expressive approach and tonal approach for recreating my photos which added frivolity to my work.

I reseached only to artisits John Gibb and Edgar Degas, I selected my favourite work which they had done, and then using the techniques I have been taught, I tried to copy them by using different mediums, mainly pencils were used as i wanted to keep repeating ideas and again techniques I have been taught so my work could gradually improve.

Overall i found the measured drawing quite hard but i took the challenge on board and i felt my work started to improve. I also enjoyed each different exercise as it helped broaden my skills.