Eyes of the World

Having finished my degree I have far more time to pursue personal projects which have been on hold for an extensive period while I focused on my degree. Some of the works mid creation here currently are highly conceptual pieces of art, a vast amount of print design ideas Ive wished to pursue for some time (which are in their infancy but will eventually form the basis of my new collection) and a book of illustrations solely focusing upon something I enjoy drawing and find fascinating, but as an artist/designer they are also incredibly important to me; eyes! Here are a couple of eye studies so far (of both a Long Eared Owl and a 'work in progress' Tawny Owl):

New Sketchbook

Since Paris I have been using a new sketchbook to collate my ideas, inspiration and designs. I wanted the book to reflect the personal journey and message of my work, so as ever an impacting cover was an important element to consider.

As my work has been focusing on a lavish, ecclesiastical style of illustration since visiting the Louvre, It felt apt to continue this manner.

As within my design work I have focused on the opposing themes of 'Sin' and 'Virtue' or as I have termed it on this occasion; 'Summum Bonum' (supreme good) and 'Summum Malum' (supreme evil).
On either side are quotes from Virgil pondering on aspects of 'good' and 'evil'.
Placing 'Summum Malum' as the focal point (ie the cover) was an intentional decision, as evil is often far more focused on and predominant in the world than good.

The Amaryllis has been used as a symbol of Pride (and therefore categorically a sin) and the white Lily as a symbol of Purity and The Virgin Mary (in accordance with historical art symbolism). I also chose these flowers as they are consistent with my most recent design work.

Poppies

Poppies are a subject matter I have studied in the past, all be it in a slightly abstract way. As poppies are highly symbolic they are something Ive always been interested in, and their varied appearances mean they never become boring!
I have experimented with a new method of drawing within the images below, I have used coloured biros to give my studies form and tone. I have also been collecting seed heads which vary in appearance and size from my garden.
Below are photographs of some studies in my sketchbook, and of seed heads:

Sunflowers

The flower made most famous by Vincent van Gogh, the Sunflower, was a compelling subject to draw. Having recently seen the painting in the flesh at the National Gallery and having an abundance of Sunflowers in the garden, it felt like an apt time to make these an addition to my summer sketchbook.
The bottom study is a Helenium, not strictly anything to do with Sunflowers, but they're planted in amongst them in our garden.

Here are a few photos of studies within my sketchbook:

Summer Project

Upon recieving my grades from University I was also given the summer project to complete during the holidays.
The project is rather specific and asks each student to create a floral sketchbook using specific techniques and media. Here are the critera our designs must meet:

* 5 pages of flowers in continuous line in ink
* 5 pages of flowers in continuous line in soft pencil
* 5 pages of ink blobs turned into flowers
* 5 pages of flowers drawn from straight lines
* 5 pages of flowers created using tape
* 5 pages of flowers from ink runs
* 5 pages of flowers in red
* 5 pages of flowers painted in gouache
* 5 pages of flowers in Tippex
* 3 studies which work over 2 pages

We were also instructed to buy a specific sketchbook to work in; a Kraft cream square notebook from Paperchase.

So summer is likely to be spent keeping my eyes peeled for lots of wild flowers and watching the garden intently, as well as lots of drawing!

Medals and Medal Ribbons

I found this topic to be most patriotic and the one which i could best express what the British empire meant to me, largely because I have a passion for history and I found that through this topic I could express many concepts and emotions important to me, Which was an important factor as I still felt a keeness to make the project very personal.

Here are some of my early studies of medals:

Tea and cake?

The topic of Tea cups, cake stands etc was probably the one which I found most challenging, as it can be difficult to be successfully creative with a kitsch subject, but I was rather pleased with some of my studies, here are some examples:

Birds & Fish

I began observing the different suggested themes within the project rather early in my sketchbook. Firstly I looked at the topic 'Birds & Fish, here are a few of the resulting studies:

History of Great Britain

For the third time in a row, my sketchbook is a book I am recycling. Previously I used an old music book, and then a diary, but this time I have opted for a historical book, quite aptly about Great Britain. I will admit that this was no coincidence, I spent numerous days early in the project searching for the right book to give a second life.
Although working in old books can be a controvertial point with some, I admit that I throughly enjoy it, as I am breathing a second life into an unloved, disgarded book, which otherwise would most likely be left to rot, but it all a matter of opinion!

Anyway! Here is my rather beaten sketchbook:

Music Masterpieces' Rebirth ...

Here is some progress from my sketchbook and very early studies and looking at typography for the first time.

My recycled sketchbook 'Music Masterpieces' (although I have heard of none of the titles personally lol):



My text message (illustrated):



One of the first exercises we completed:



And another!:



And how could I resist abit of arty nonsense with such a pretty old book?:

In the bleak midwinter ... Long Ago.

Crit for 'In the Bleak Midwinter ...' was today. Presenting all of my work was enjoyable as ever and it felt especially strange to observe everyone elses knit and weave compared to my own and how differently everyone interpreted the brief. This project struck me especially as very personal to everyone and the ways in which the brief has been interpreted are so different. Some people have chosen to look at colour, texture or pattern, I personally chose texture.
Here are some photographs of my mounted samples on display and of my finished sleeve and neck ruff:

Sleeve:








Ruff:




Kindly Modeled by Nat.