Final collage photo, highlighting two of six drawings
Top view: 3D form of composition
Detail: drawing of cup and spilled tea in sink
Detail: drawings of boiling and pouring water
Detail: drawing of counter lined with cups, as one is added from the right
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Module Three focused on using compositional strategies to create a series of drawings with intentionally arranged subjects. I was tasked with following guidelines from our reading, Where to Put the Cow, to decide object placement for both individual drawings and the overall composition’s layout. This reading discusses how to make purposeful decisions on how to organize object placement, with each strategy referred to as a “recipe”.
The interactions between subjects were carefully considered in order to form relationships between them. Although storytelling was an optional advancement, choosing to pursue this would greatly influence compositional decisions. Additionally, the elements and principles of design were important to consider, from the element of space through viewer interaction to the principle of pattern in certain recipes. The assignment supported developing drawing techniques, particularly considering the application of perspective in various exercises and iterations.
STATEMENT:
For my final composition, I created a series of six drawings showing the process of making a cup of tea. In the final three drawings, someone sets down the cup, forgets about it overnight, and has to restart the process. Because of the 3D format, these steps are repeated over and over again. I chose my subjects because they naturally harmonized with each other, but I aimed to show interactions between them in varying ways, from steeping the bag in water to pouring the tea into the sink. The drawings are double sided with nearly exact copies on each side of the six panels, meaning the story can start and begin at any point while still making sense to viewers.
I chose to primarily focus on the objectives of strengthening compositional and drawing techniques, as well as the advancement of storytelling. I developed my perspective drawing skills through many iterations of my individual compositions, then built upon my final sketches by using markers to add value and color. Additionally, my drawings convey the principle of balance through the placement of subjects and perspective strategies used. To accomplish this, I was intentional in my approaches to composition after learning about these techniques in the module’s reading. Finally, I prioritized storytelling and creating a dynamic experience for the viewer, as I felt that my subjects did not naturally fit in a flat or static format. Viewers must either move around the piece or pick it up in order to view the full story; this emphasizes the element of space because of its dimensional qualities.
REFLECTION:
Overall, I feel satisfied with the progress I made in my drawing skills throughout this module. My perspective drawings in particular have improved immensely from what I was able to create before this class; when looking back at my initial sketches, I can see significant improvement in my awareness of how objects are placed in space. I am more intentional in the way I arrange compositions, and I am confident this skill will help me to improve future designs. I also feel that my 3D form and storytelling techniques are effective and interesting. Since I encountered difficulties while deciding which subjects to use, what story to tell, and what form my story should take, I am proud of how I overcame these challenges to create a dynamic and unique form.
In the future, there are still areas highlighted in my process and final outcome that I will work to improve. In particular, I intend to continue developing my perspective drawing skills so I am more confident in this area. Additionally, I will work on improving the accuracy of my line work and coloring in future projects. I am not entirely satisfied with the neatness of my marker work, but this was largely due to difficulties faced with my markers running out of ink. Regardless, I appreciated the opportunity to implement subjects and materials I already enjoyed using, in addition to testing new techniques.