time log 2: 9 hours 30 minutes

I drew a cup.






Well, I drew a cup last week too, but I did not like it very much. I used a mechanical pencil so it was extremely hard to create smooth gradations, and I didn't use a light source, so the entire drawing came out much too dark, highlights and everything. My assignment was to draw a white cup on a white background and define the cup by drawing in only the shadows and highlights. I really enjoyed it. I sat for 4 hours straight drawing and listening to The String Quartet rock out to Atreyu.

• 3 hours reading and journaling Walking on Water
• 1.5 hours writing my Statement of Direction
• 1 hour posting on my blog and brainstorming in my sketchbook
• 4 hours redoing problem 1 (this time using a light source and regular pencil)

Here is my Statement of Direction thus far.

My goal this semester in ART 342 is to build a body of work that reflects who I am as an individual. Perhaps the most significant aspect of making art is found in the truth that art is an expression of the artist, whether conscious or unconscious, intentional or accidental. I truly believe this, and as an artist, I understand the importance of embracing the uncertain elements involved in making art with the intention that something new can be learned about the artist through the work in its completed state. My desire this semester is to use this opportunity not only to express myself through my work, but also discover aspects peculiar to who I am from my work.

I intend to achieve this by creating a series of self-portraits rendered in graphite pencil and refined by acrylic washes. These self-portraits will embody who I am at a deeper level based on the imagery and compositional elements used. I will begin my process by analyzing my inner qualities and exploring unique ways in which I can reveal these to the viewer. After journaling and sketching ideas, I will take pictures of my figure, head, and facial expressions that others would generally never observe, whether in photos or in everyday interaction. My goal will be to expose my inner self through creative, revealing, and yet sometimes mysterious ways. Based on the photos I have taken, I will construct compelling compositions and render the images in graphite pencil, using artistic license in refining some areas of the images and leaving other areas rather rough and unrefined. Once the images are drawn, I will apply matte medium and acrylic washes over the surface of the drawings to add color, depth, emphasis, and life. I will also experiment with lighting and contrast and push the subject matter as well as the colors used within each piece. My desire is that my work will move past the boundaries of the traditional self-portrait into an intense and emotional dialogue with the audience, and indeed, even myself.