I got a lot of interesting feedback form my tutor Emma which pushed me to reflect and rethink some of my work. I loved some of Emma’s takes on my drawings and how they can be perceived outside of my own perception that maybe I hadn’t really thought of and how these ideas can help me build a clearer picture of what I want to purvey within my work.
Firstly when it came to my drawings of my model, Joe, she saw his poses as confident, strong and bold. She felt he was a very confident person from how he is presented within my work, which is far from the truth. While he is very confident around me and a close friend, he is actually quite insecure about his body and masculinity. When we discussed this aspect it became apparent that I created a sense of comfort when working alongside people with their insecurities. It was something I wanted to delve into deeper, men being vulnerable and comfortable with me. So I came up with an idea while looking at an old photograph of Joe sleeping. In this position he is both vulnerable and comfortable, he’s not posing and aware or insecure of being perceived, he’s just quiet and him. So I decided to look closer at this position and what it could mean for looking into the vulnerability of a person while keeping them comfortable and safe. So with his consent I took more photos to work from when he slept over at mine and began working.
For this first image taken in the dark, I began with a sketch before applying bold and dark colours with watercolour, building up layers of colour to create a simple, striking image. I like the simplicity of the the composition and how a darker background helps to make the colours pop. I think the closeness to the face helps to provide a closeness and intimacy with my model, it also shows him in a vulnerable position which I think is quite effective for creating a female perspective. I like how my initial sketching shows through the translucent layers of watercolour, it adds some texture and detail which combines well with the texture created by the smooth layers of watercolour. I think it all ties in well especially with the combination of the darker colours used and the bold, black background.
Overall I’m really happy with how this came out and I love the effect of the layered watercolour on top of the sketch, it helps to create a dark and intimate atmosphere.
For this next piece I again started with a detailed sketch before moving in to apply layers of watercolour and gouache. For the background and bedding I used gouache for the base and went in with more detailed shading using watercolour, whereas for the portrait I solely used watercolour on top of the sketching. The difference between the gouache and just watercolour helps to define the difference between these two sections in this piece. I like how the final outcome with the washed look from the paint helps to create an almost dreamlike quality within the atmosphere, which fits with the model sleeping. With this position of of sleeping I feel I have captured an vulnerable moment, creating a vulnerable and intimate piece which again, fits into the female gaze. I absolutely love how this piece came out and how I’ve built upon the ideas of my previous piece into something I am very proud of and is my favourite piece I’ve ever created so far. I love how real the portrait looks and how I’ve captured the shadows being cast on his face, but also the the comforting feelings this piece gives me, it shows my close friendship with the model. This piece is everything I wanted it to be.
I am really happy with what and how much I’ve explored and created within Part 5 and feel I was really able to reflect and improve, but also refine my ideas with feedback and I love the finished outcome. I can’t wait to build upon my skills even more with Painting 1, and how I can apply my skills with watercolour and look deeper into what I can create with a focus on painting mediums. I also hope to continue my work on portraiture and my ideas surrounding the female gaze and masculinity as well as my own femininity.
Simona Hopewell : Drawing 1 