Monday 19 May 2014
Task 8: Essay Draft
Introduction
Illustration. A visualization made by an artist, such as a drawing, sketch, painting, photograph, or other kind of image of things seen, remembered or imagined, using a graphical representation.
I have chose to do my specialism in illustration. For as long as I can remember art has been in my veins, been apart of my child hood and I have and hope to follow it for the rest of my life. But illustration has not been my only goal. Growing up I knew I wanted to keep art and the culture in my life, but I was never sure though what medium I would accomplish this in, I have moved from wanting to become a animator to a graphic designer, to a painter, and now to a illustrator. I have found my muse. Everything about illustration excites me, pushes me to become a better artist, and to make a footprint, no matter how big or small in the field. I have chosen my medium and I am eager to see where it can take me. So to purse this as a career, though out my current course I have been building a portfolio together for University were I hope to study illustration, and further my skills.
I have researched thoroughly into different artist in my field. I chose them carefully to give a full range of different artists, from a digital illustrator to a painter to someone who uses scribbling to make amazing pieces of art. One of my artists I have researched into is Vince Low. He is a dyslexic illustrator from Malaysia. He is a outstanding example of a illustrator with his unique style, and the creativity to inspire millions. I have been following Vince Low for a long time, since he did his project called "Faces" to raise awareness for dyslexia. For this project he aimed to create 3 portraits of famous faces who also suffer from being dyslexic. After completing his goal there was a huge media coverage, he then went on and did another 6 more. The portraits range from Will smith to Albert Einstein. Next is Sarah Beetson who is a Australian illustrator currently working in the US. One of the reason why I chose Sarah is because she worked in London for 4 years as a fashion designer. I have no interest in fashion, but the fact she has taken two of her passion's in her career, and is now combining them together really inspires me. Sarah In alot of her work uses very vivid and vibrant colours to make her work stand out, she has a huge colour palette and that is why she has got to were she is today, because she is not scared of bowing down to the stereotype in the industry of a illustrator. But instead creates her own persona as a creative, crazy illustrator/Fashion Designer. Then I wanted to look at a older artist, not one so modern. As I believe that being culturally diverse and not closing your mind to a certain time period or artistic movement, you can really lose a huge portion of art history that you could benefit from. So the last artist I wanted to choose, was Gustave Courbet a French painter from the 19th Century. I chose Gustave because, even though I have never been a huge fan of painters from the past, I have really enjoyed looking at his work, and now have a new found respect and interest in the genre and also time period. Then Nathan Aardvark, he has such imagination, and no one else I have found uses light to the standard and effect of Nathan. He uses in such subtle but yet so effective ways, it just brings his artwork out to a huge audience, and makes him one amazing illustrator and something to look up too. Lastly, I looked at Ron Borresen, I chose Ron because he is a really good example of a digital artist. He has a really intresting mind and imagination, he takes simple sketches and turns them into amazing pieces of work.
I have chosen to research these 5 artist, for many reasons. The reasons are because, As I am just a Amateur illustrator, I haven't found my style and medium yet, so I am keeping my mind open to new ideas and concepts. I have been focusing my efforts and time on becoming a digital illustrator. But after that I am still unsure for what I want to achieve and what mediums to specialise in. That is why I am going to university to study illustration, because I hope that after my course at university I will have a better understanding with what I want to do. However as a illustrator you have the ability, unlike most jobs to move around, doing different styles and genres. So I looked at Vince Low for his penman ship, and looking at the process and skills required to make it as a traditional illustrator. Then I looked at Sarah because of her skills, and the fact she uses different skills that she has gathered thought out her career and that can forward here career as a illustrator opens my mind to different mediums and routes I could take. T
Nathan Aardvark is a unique professional illustrator and concept artist with a variety of styles ranging from dark and murky painting to fresh and energetic drawing. He has working for huge companies like Range Rover, Nike and Audi. Link to his page on Illustration web can be found at the bottom of the post. I chose Nathan because I found his work to be exciting, inspirational and really interesting. He is not stuck to one form of illustration, so he doesn't label him self as a digital artist, but a well rounded over all illustrator with skills ranging from painting to drawing to digital artwork. That is one of the reasons I chose him. He doesn't mainly focus on one medium of work, instead work in all mediums to a very high professional standard. I found all his work from his finished pieces to his sketchbook work to be very interesting, with no certain style sticking out. Nathan doesn't have a set in style. But looking at his work, they mostly all contain some form of anatomy, so a figure or character. Alot of his work as well is very sinister, with a dark setting, with some sort of creature of monster. He uses lighting very well, in some pieces he will use lighting to show different features, or just a certain character. Also because he is a concept artist as well as a illustrator, his work often includes a landscape or backdrop of some kind. When looking though he work, you can see many different inspirations and artists, and has been incorporated into his work.Nathan uses many different techniques when working. His range of skills as a artist ranges from painter all the way though to a digital illustrator. So his used a range of techniques. for some of his work after researching I found that he uses his sketchbook alot. He will do small sketches when going about his daily life, then if he comes up with a idea or concept for a piece of work, he will then use that idea, and develop it into something greater. In this certain piece, it is apart of his freelance portfolio. He has used character design really well. He has the, well I am guessing the "normal" character on the right, then the "monster" or the disfigured character on the left. He has used the light of the moon to such a epic effect. The light in this scene is the ending, the dramatic ending to some sort of horror film. With the hero on the right is confronted with the villain and then the light of the moon shows the face, and both the viewer and the character are shocked. This is why I love Nathan's work, he uses so many different techniques and effects to make the viewer create a story for them self in there head. Thus creating a whole story, with just one image.
Vince: I always wanted to be an illustrator after I graduated with a diploma in Illustration from The One Academy. But I couldn't get one until five years ago when my current company, Grey Kuala Lumpur, wanted to set up an Illustration Department. In the beginning, our department was only doing key visual and story board. I find it boring and I started to draw many other interesting illustrations and stick them on my wall until one day, one of the many art directors saw my work and collaborated with me to do a campaign and it won some awards in some international advertising award shows. Since then, my work keeps getting more interesting as I explore more in other illustrations for advertising.
I find this quote sort of relate able to what I am doing now. He never wanted to be a illustrator intill he finished his university course. Now that is not the exact same with me, but before I started my current course, I didn't want to be a illustrator, now I can see nothing else for me that I want as much. And the fact he said " My work keep getting more interesting as I explore more in other illustration for advertising" . Even the illustrators who have made it per say, got a job in illustration and make a living out of it never stop learning, never stop improving, never stop changing there style, and that is why Vince Low inspires me and that is why I chose him. No matter how amazing your art is, it can always been improved.
Illustration. A visualization made by an artist, such as a drawing, sketch, painting, photograph, or other kind of image of things seen, remembered or imagined, using a graphical representation.
I have chose to do my specialism in illustration. For as long as I can remember art has been in my veins, been apart of my child hood and I have and hope to follow it for the rest of my life. But illustration has not been my only goal. Growing up I knew I wanted to keep art and the culture in my life, but I was never sure though what medium I would accomplish this in, I have moved from wanting to become a animator to a graphic designer, to a painter, and now to a illustrator. I have found my muse. Everything about illustration excites me, pushes me to become a better artist, and to make a footprint, no matter how big or small in the field. I have chosen my medium and I am eager to see where it can take me. So to purse this as a career, though out my current course I have been building a portfolio together for University were I hope to study illustration, and further my skills.
I have researched thoroughly into different artist in my field. I chose them carefully to give a full range of different artists, from a digital illustrator to a painter to someone who uses scribbling to make amazing pieces of art. One of my artists I have researched into is Vince Low. He is a dyslexic illustrator from Malaysia. He is a outstanding example of a illustrator with his unique style, and the creativity to inspire millions. I have been following Vince Low for a long time, since he did his project called "Faces" to raise awareness for dyslexia. For this project he aimed to create 3 portraits of famous faces who also suffer from being dyslexic. After completing his goal there was a huge media coverage, he then went on and did another 6 more. The portraits range from Will smith to Albert Einstein. Next is Sarah Beetson who is a Australian illustrator currently working in the US. One of the reason why I chose Sarah is because she worked in London for 4 years as a fashion designer. I have no interest in fashion, but the fact she has taken two of her passion's in her career, and is now combining them together really inspires me. Sarah In alot of her work uses very vivid and vibrant colours to make her work stand out, she has a huge colour palette and that is why she has got to were she is today, because she is not scared of bowing down to the stereotype in the industry of a illustrator. But instead creates her own persona as a creative, crazy illustrator/Fashion Designer. Then I wanted to look at a older artist, not one so modern. As I believe that being culturally diverse and not closing your mind to a certain time period or artistic movement, you can really lose a huge portion of art history that you could benefit from. So the last artist I wanted to choose, was Gustave Courbet a French painter from the 19th Century. I chose Gustave because, even though I have never been a huge fan of painters from the past, I have really enjoyed looking at his work, and now have a new found respect and interest in the genre and also time period. Then Nathan Aardvark, he has such imagination, and no one else I have found uses light to the standard and effect of Nathan. He uses in such subtle but yet so effective ways, it just brings his artwork out to a huge audience, and makes him one amazing illustrator and something to look up too. Lastly, I looked at Ron Borresen, I chose Ron because he is a really good example of a digital artist. He has a really intresting mind and imagination, he takes simple sketches and turns them into amazing pieces of work.
I have chosen to research these 5 artist, for many reasons. The reasons are because, As I am just a Amateur illustrator, I haven't found my style and medium yet, so I am keeping my mind open to new ideas and concepts. I have been focusing my efforts and time on becoming a digital illustrator. But after that I am still unsure for what I want to achieve and what mediums to specialise in. That is why I am going to university to study illustration, because I hope that after my course at university I will have a better understanding with what I want to do. However as a illustrator you have the ability, unlike most jobs to move around, doing different styles and genres. So I looked at Vince Low for his penman ship, and looking at the process and skills required to make it as a traditional illustrator. Then I looked at Sarah because of her skills, and the fact she uses different skills that she has gathered thought out her career and that can forward here career as a illustrator opens my mind to different mediums and routes I could take. T
Nathan Aardvark is a unique professional illustrator and concept artist with a variety of styles ranging from dark and murky painting to fresh and energetic drawing. He has working for huge companies like Range Rover, Nike and Audi. Link to his page on Illustration web can be found at the bottom of the post. I chose Nathan because I found his work to be exciting, inspirational and really interesting. He is not stuck to one form of illustration, so he doesn't label him self as a digital artist, but a well rounded over all illustrator with skills ranging from painting to drawing to digital artwork. That is one of the reasons I chose him. He doesn't mainly focus on one medium of work, instead work in all mediums to a very high professional standard. I found all his work from his finished pieces to his sketchbook work to be very interesting, with no certain style sticking out. Nathan doesn't have a set in style. But looking at his work, they mostly all contain some form of anatomy, so a figure or character. Alot of his work as well is very sinister, with a dark setting, with some sort of creature of monster. He uses lighting very well, in some pieces he will use lighting to show different features, or just a certain character. Also because he is a concept artist as well as a illustrator, his work often includes a landscape or backdrop of some kind. When looking though he work, you can see many different inspirations and artists, and has been incorporated into his work.Nathan uses many different techniques when working. His range of skills as a artist ranges from painter all the way though to a digital illustrator. So his used a range of techniques. for some of his work after researching I found that he uses his sketchbook alot. He will do small sketches when going about his daily life, then if he comes up with a idea or concept for a piece of work, he will then use that idea, and develop it into something greater. In this certain piece, it is apart of his freelance portfolio. He has used character design really well. He has the, well I am guessing the "normal" character on the right, then the "monster" or the disfigured character on the left. He has used the light of the moon to such a epic effect. The light in this scene is the ending, the dramatic ending to some sort of horror film. With the hero on the right is confronted with the villain and then the light of the moon shows the face, and both the viewer and the character are shocked. This is why I love Nathan's work, he uses so many different techniques and effects to make the viewer create a story for them self in there head. Thus creating a whole story, with just one image.
I didn't just chose a painter but I chose a painter from the realism art movement. I did this to get the closest correlation with the other artists and there style and realism. Now I chose a Artist called Gustave Courbet who was a French Artist around the 19th century. Below is his self portrait that he did from 1843-1845. Because of the nature of the this painting, and the time frame that is was painted in, the artist uses natural lighting. Because of the fact it is a self portrait and the fact the first camera was invented in 1916 he would of taken a picture of himself, then used that a reference to paint with. the lighting would of been from the sun or a natural light source, looking at the colour and the amount of light I can rule the idea that it could be a lamp, a lamp would produce more light and would be a different shade because they would of had to use a candle or a fire. At first glance I would of thought the light source would be coming from the left side, because of the light hitting his face and arm. But then after looking the right arm is lit up, and if the light source was on the light that wouldn't be hit. So it is either above him, to the top left of him. But because of the style of painting, realism the lighting is done very good. The colour in this painting is used very well. Because the painting was done in the 19th century, the colour palette was limited and the price of paint was expensive. But the colour is both vivid and dull. Because it is a life drawing, and self portrait so he could use crazy with colour like the other pictures, he has to stay with the original colour. The colour palette is wide though, because to get a realistic skin texture/ tone requires you have to use a wide colour palette. The art movement was realism so the contract between the other artists is huge. The techniques that he would of used would of been the same or similar to the other artist at first, he would of got a reference image, most likely a photograph, from there he would of sketched the outline, the main features like the face, the arms and the head. From here he would of started to paint. He would of most likely started with the face, and added a base tone, then shading, then he would of added the lighting and etc. from there he would of moved on with the rest of the painting. This was the typical process of a historical painter, as they didn't have access to things like Photoshop, and graphic tablets, so the only process they would of used is a pencil, canvas, and a paint brush. Just because the process is out dated, does not mean to say that is not widely used all around the world to this day, with hundred of thousands of artist still using the same techniques and process that Gustave would of used 200 years ago. I chose this picture for many reasons. The detail, the shading and the lighting is amazing. With the process he would of had to do back then, if he did something he didn't like. That was it. So the tone and texture of the skin , the body hair is amazing, plus the small dashes of colour, like on the cheeks. I just found this work to be interesting and I felt like I could learn alot from choosing it, and I did. I have also been interested with the style of historical painters and I wanted to choose one and look into the process and research into the artist. I chose Gustave because, even though I have never been a huge fan of painters from the past, I have really enjoyed looking at his work, and now have a new found respect and interest in the genre and also time period.
Vince low is a artist from Malaysia. He is actually dyslexic, and he uses pen and paper to create amazing pieces. I have been following Vince Low for a long time. I just find how he creates, and the artwork he creates is so amazing and his penmen ship is outstanding. I find Vince low's work to be so creative, but I believe he is not given the recondition he needs, nay deserves. I chose Vince low because he really show that there is not boundary with traditional illustration, with that someone can do some much, with just a pen and paper. Below is a piece from his project " faces" . It is a portrait of Morgan Freeman. Now I chose this image to show of Vince Lows work, because everything about it is amazing. The way that he has used both black and white ink and has created a almost realistic image, something that could be a photograph. He has for the face, for shadowing he would of when drawing with the pen, made the lines closer together, and gone over them more to create a darker line, therefore creating shadow. Now he created this work as I said before for his project faces were he drew famous faces to raise awareness for dyslexia. He often does pieces of work on current cultural and media interest in the time. As he has done a world cup piece of work, because the world cup is around the corner. He does this, because he knows because of the media hype, and the coverage, bringing out a piece of artwork to do with that with raize awareness for his work. I found a quote from here which I could really relate too, it was taken from a interview I found online.
I find this quote sort of relate able to what I am doing now. He never wanted to be a illustrator intill he finished his university course. Now that is not the exact same with me, but before I started my current course, I didn't want to be a illustrator, now I can see nothing else for me that I want as much. And the fact he said " My work keep getting more interesting as I explore more in other illustration for advertising" . Even the illustrators who have made it per say, got a job in illustration and make a living out of it never stop learning, never stop improving, never stop changing there style, and that is why Vince Low inspires me and that is why I chose him. No matter how amazing your art is, it can always been improved.
Ron Borresen has been drawing since he was able to pick up a crayon. But ever since winning the Most Artistic award in Mrs McCalisters third grade class he knew he wanted to be a artist Since then, Ron went on to study illustration at Ringling College of Art & Design. And after graduating, he became a professional illustrator with his art being seen on the covers of numerous magazines and newspapers as well as illustrating his first children's book, Monsters at the Bat. He currently lives on the gulf coast of Florida with his wife Jennifer and two kids Erik and Emily.I chose Ron because I really like his work. It is both really creative, colourful and imaginative. I chose his work as well, as due to the nature of it. It being digital I can relate to it strongly. Because of the nature of the image, there is not alot of lighting chance in this image. But the light in this image, is coming from the moon. But because of the image being digital and the cartoon feel the use of light sort of go's out the window.
The use of colour in this image is used very well. The character it self is very bold colours, bright in contrast to The background of the bathroom. The colours from the fur to the skin to even the book. They are all very vivid and bright which gives this piece of art. Looking at This piece of art, I can see Ron drawing out the character first, in a sketch book or something, on a piece of paper. Then from there, he would import into either adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator, and from there he would start the process of creating the image, changing the image as it goes. The process is simple, but the actual artwork is very good, creative and impressive. I reason I chose this piece of work, is not just because I found the image is be impressive, but also the style it is in, the fact it is creative but also digital is something that appeal to me greatly. The character creation of the image is really good.The character design is this image is used really well, I idea that instead of it being a young child writing in her diary. It is instead a little bunny boy wearing a cape. The use of the cape and the little details in this image is used really. The fact you can tell this is a young rabbit makes the idea even better. The huge grin on its face shows what ever he is writing he is enjoying.
Sarah Beetson who is a Australian illustrator currently working in the US. One of the reason why I chose Sarah is because she worked in London for 4 years as a fashion designer. I have no interest in fashion, but the fact she has taken two of her passion's in her career, and is now combining them together really inspires me. Sarah In alot of her work uses very vivid and vibrant colours to make her work stand out, she has a huge colour palette and that is why she has got to were she is today, because she is not scared of bowing down to the stereotype in the industry of a illustrator. But instead creates her own persona as a creative, crazy illustrator/Fashion Designer.
Now I am going to compare and Contrast the artists I have chosen. I wanted to choose a wide range of different artists from different era's, genres and styles. The artist I have chosen are all different in these own ways, Vince uses pen and ink to create his work, when Nathan uses the paint, and the digital media to create his work. But they are all similar in the techniques. The difference between Gustave Courbet and Ron Borreson are huge. Gustave is a historical artist from the 19th century who's medium is painting, and Ron is a contempory artist using the modern day mediums of Photoshop and a graphic Tablet. But that doesn't mean Ron doesn't use the same process that Gustave did 200 years ago. Ron still uses the process of drawing or using a refence image then producing the final image from that, the same of Gustave. And all the artist are similar in inspiration, even though Gustave was producing his art 150 years ago all the work in the realism art movement that he contributed too has influenced in some way all the modern day artist I have chosen. All the artist I have chosen focus on the human form, anatomy. Looking at the different forms of the human body, from portiats, to self portraits, to the anatomy of different animals. Sarah and Nathan are very simular, they focus only on Anatomy. Sarah using her skills in fashion design and Nathan using his skills in digital illustration and using lighting to make the most out of his artwork.
In conclusion all of the artists that I have chosen have helped me in one way or another. After researching into my artist, I have seen that no matter what era, what process you are using, what technoligy you have at your disposal, if you are using a pen and paper or a graphics tablet and Photoshop you can still create amazing pieces of illustration. It has also made me realise that no matter what field of illustration I go into to. I need to improve my skills in both anatomy and using all my skills, not just my drawing skills, but all my skills I have gathered through out my life to create a final piece. But I think the biggest thing I have found when researching into different artists, is something I need to take away and really think off, is that I need to find my own style. And then work in that style and try and perfect it. Each artist have there own style, which makes them unique and different from all the other illustrators, that this is really important. Also not to stick to just use the style of other illustrators, find your style and if you enjoy your own style, you enjoy creating work in this style that is all you should worry about. From the words of Vince low " A illustrators biggest enemy is him or herself". And those words will follow me though out my career as a illustrator. Looking at the artist have also helped my understnad my own specialism. I have realised that to stand out, and to make a foot print in the field. You need to be unique, too many people fall into the category of a digital or traditional illustrator and are lost in the thousand with the same style and to make a life out it is alot harder when there is 1000's of different people with your same style. So to make it, be unique. Pick up a pen and scribble on a piece of paper and see what happens, experiment with your own skills and style and you will make it in the hard and competitive industry of illustration.
Task 7: Library Research
Library Research
For task 7, we were tasked with finding one contemporary practitioner, a second practitioner with whom to compare too, and a third historical practitioner from the same or related area.
Contemporary Artist
Ron Borresen is my chosen Contemporary artist. Ron Borresen has been drawing since he was able to pick up a crayon. But ever since winning the Most Artistic award in Mrs McCalisters third grade class he knew he wanted to be a artist Since then, Ron went on to study illustration at Ringling College of Art & Design. And after graduating, he became a professional illustrator with his art being seen on the covers of numerous magazines and newspapers as well as illustrating his first children's book, Monsters at the Bat. He currently lives on the gulf coast of Florida with his wife Jennifer and two kids Erik and Emily.
I chose Ron because I really like his work. It is both really creative, colourful and imaginative. I chose his work as well, as due to the nature of it. It being digital I can relate to it strongly.
Lighting
Because of the nature of the image, there is not alot of lighting chance in this image. But the light in this image, is coming from the moon. But because of the image being digital and the cartoon feel the use of light sort of go's out the window.
Colour
The use of colour in this image is used very well. The character it self is very bold colours, bright in contrast to the background of the bathroom. The colours from the fur to the skin to even the book. They are all very vivid and bright which gives this piece of art.
Techniques
Looking at This piece of art, I can see Ron drawing out the character first, in a sketch book or something, on a piece of paper. Then from there, he would import into either adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator, and from there he would start the process of creating the image, changing the image as it goes. The process is simple, but the actual artwork is very good, creative and impressive.
What I like about it/ why I chose it
I reason I chose this piece of work, is not just because I found the image is be impressive, but also the style it is in, the fact it is creative but also digital is something that appeal to me greatly. The character creation of the image is really good.
Character design
The character design is this image is used really well, I idea that instead of it being a young child writing in her diary. It is instead a little bunny boy wearing a cape. The use of the cape and the little details in this image is used really. The fact you can tell this is a young rabbit makes the idea even better. The huge grin on its face shows what ever he is writing he is enjoying.
Artist to compare
John McCrea is the next artist I am looking at. He is a comic book artist. He most notable work was Hitman from DC comics and he has also worked for marvel. It lasted 61 issues. I chose John because his work to amazing. The quality and the people and company's he has has the honour to work with. He also does work for BBC bite size, he also teaches in schools and colleges. I am going to evaluate some of his work then compare it to the other artist I chose.
Lighting
John uses lighting in a different way to Ron. He uses lighting to convey emotion but also he uses light to show actions and ability's. Because he is a comic book artist alot of that involves drawing weapons, ability s and explosions like the image above. He uses lighting to help tell the story, when Ron uses it just to help create his images look better.
Colour
John uses colour in a different way than Ron but only because they are different artists. The range of colour is not that different, they both use bright, vivid colours, but the actually colour palette is different, and the way they both use colours. John uses block colours, because that it his style, plus that is the style of comic books. When Ron uses colours and merged them. It has a more realistic feel.
Techniques
The techniques between both the artists are more simulator. They both use sketchbooks to draw there work first, then from there they take in into either Photoshop or Illustrator and from there they will make the final image What I like about it/ why I chose it
I chose this piece of work, because it contains three very well know comic book heroes, but the colour, techniques and lighting in this is used very well, and I know I will be able to talk about it. I also know about the style.
Historical Artist
Finally we were tasked with researching into a historical example of a artist. I wanted to chose a painter. I didn't just chose a painter but I chose a painter from the realism art movement. I did this to get the closest correlation with the other artist is style and realism. Now I chose a Artist called Custave Courbet who was a French Artist around the 19th century. Below is his self portrait that he did from 1843-1845.
Lighting
Because of the nature of the this painting, and the time frame that is was painted in, the artist uses natural lighting. Because of the fact it is a self portrait and the fact the first camera was invented in 1916 he would of taken a picture of himself, then used that a reference to paint with. the lighting would of been from the sun or a natural light source, looking at the colour and the amount of light I can rule the idea that it could be a lamp, a lamp would produce more light and would be a different shade because they would of had to use a candle or a fire. At first glance I would of thought the light source would be coming from the left side, because of the light hitting his face and arm. But then after looking the right arm is lit up, and if the light source was on the light that wouldn't be hit. So it is either above him, to the top left of him. But because of the style of painting, realism the lighting is done very good.
Colour
The colour in this painting is used very well. Because the painting was done in the 19th century, the colour palette was limited and the price of paint was expensive. But the colour is both vivid and dull. Because it is a life drawing, and self portrait so he could use crazy with colour like the other pictures, he has to stay with the original colour. The colour palette is wide though, because to get a realistic skin texture/ tone requires you have to use a wide colour palette. The art movement was realism so the contract between the other artists is huge.
Techniques
Lighting
Because of the nature of the this painting, and the time frame that is was painted in, the artist uses natural lighting. Because of the fact it is a self portrait and the fact the first camera was invented in 1916 he would of taken a picture of himself, then used that a reference to paint with. the lighting would of been from the sun or a natural light source, looking at the colour and the amount of light I can rule the idea that it could be a lamp, a lamp would produce more light and would be a different shade because they would of had to use a candle or a fire. At first glance I would of thought the light source would be coming from the left side, because of the light hitting his face and arm. But then after looking the right arm is lit up, and if the light source was on the light that wouldn't be hit. So it is either above him, to the top left of him. But because of the style of painting, realism the lighting is done very good.
Colour
The colour in this painting is used very well. Because the painting was done in the 19th century, the colour palette was limited and the price of paint was expensive. But the colour is both vivid and dull. Because it is a life drawing, and self portrait so he could use crazy with colour like the other pictures, he has to stay with the original colour. The colour palette is wide though, because to get a realistic skin texture/ tone requires you have to use a wide colour palette. The art movement was realism so the contract between the other artists is huge.
Techniques
The techniques that he would of used would of been the same or similar to the other artist at first, he would of got a reference image, most likely a photograph, from there he would of sketched the outline, the main features like the face, the arms and the head. From here he would of started to paint. He would of most likely started with the face, and added a base tone, then shading, then he would of added the lighting and etc. from there he would of moved on with the rest of the painting. This was the typical process of a historical painter, as they didn't have access to things like Photoshop, and graphic tablets, so the only process they would of used is a pencil, canvas, and a paint brush. Just because the process is out dated, does not mean to say that is not widely used all around the world to this day, with hundred of thousands of artist still using the same techniques and process that Gustave would of used 200 years ago.
What I like about it/ why I chose it
I chose this picture for many reasons. The detail, the shading and the lighting is amazing. With the process he would of had to do back then, if he did something he didn't like. That was it. So the tone and texture of the skin , the body hair is amazing, plus the small dashes of colour, like on the cheeks. I just found this work to be interesting and I felt like I could learn alot from choosing it, and I did. I have also been interested with the style of historical painters and I wanted to choose one and look into the process and research into the artist. Task 6: Researching Artists
Researching Artists
We were tasked with researching into a artist that really inspires me. Now for me that was difficult as I have loads of artists that inspire me, but one stood out for me, this artist was Vince Low. I chose him because I love his style of work, but also I been following his work, and different interview and blog posts of Vince, so I found this task would help me to understand and get closer per say to a artist who I really like. I will be looking into different mediums, Reviews, Interviews, Videos, Essays, Book by Vince low or including Vince low.
Video
We were tasked with researching into a artist that really inspires me. Now for me that was difficult as I have loads of artists that inspire me, but one stood out for me, this artist was Vince Low. I chose him because I love his style of work, but also I been following his work, and different interview and blog posts of Vince, so I found this task would help me to understand and get closer per say to a artist who I really like. I will be looking into different mediums, Reviews, Interviews, Videos, Essays, Book by Vince low or including Vince low.
Vince Low/ Illustrator
Vince low is a artist from Malaysia. He is actually dyslexic, and he uses pen and paper to create amazing pieces. I have been following Vince Low for a long time. I just find how he creates, and the artwork he creates is so amazing and his penmen ship is outstanding. I find Vince low's work to be amazing and so creative, but I believe he is not given the recondition he needs, nay deserves. After doing a quick internet search, I have found alot of really useful resources, like videos of his doing his work, interviews, tutorials and guides on how to draw like Vince Low, also his Facebook page, were he uploads new work and interacts with his fans. So finding information and resources will be a easier task. Before I show all the resources I could find on Vince low.
Video
I found a video on you tube of Vince low actually working on a piece of work he has done, the Elvis Presley piece. As seen below he uses a reference image and then draws his work from that. Looking at how he does it is really interesting. Seeing how he works, and the process behind it. From the video, it looks like he starts off by using small little lines to get the basic shape, then once he has done that, he then works on the style, so using the wavy lines, then when he gets to areas that need shading or require a darker tone, he will make the lines more compact and less spaced out. I think this is a really good source of information, like a speed edit, because it gives you the whole process of what he goes though to create these amazing piece of work. The Link to the video to below.
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| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-FP5YDbhGw |
Interview
Next I found a interview with Vince Low with the designer wall. They talk to Vince and ask him a series of questions about his work, his life, why he does what he does and how he got his skill. He speaks about how he got into the field of illustration. Quote from Vince :
Vince: I always wanted to be an illustrator after I graduated with a diploma in Illustration from The One Academy. But I couldn't get one until five years ago when my current company, Grey Kuala Lumpur, wanted to set up an Illustration Department. In the beginning, our department was only doing key visual and story board. I find it boring and I started to draw many other interesting illustrations and stick them on my wall until one day, one of the many art directors saw my work and collaborated with me to do a campaign and it won some awards in some international advertising award shows. Since then, my work keeps getting more interesting as I explore more in other illustrations for advertising.
He then goes on to talk about how a illustrator worst enemy is himself. If he is doing work he does not enjoy, or find challenging he wont put the effort in and he wont be proud of the work he creates. I think a Interview is such a good resource of getting information, because it comes straight from the artist himself, and it can be, like in this case really good advice. I will use interviews alot more when finding out information about artists, because the information you can get from a well done interview is amazing, and you can really learn alot the artist and the background.
Blog Posts
There is a really interesting piece of information which I did not know about Vince low that I found when looking for a blog post or a article written by Vince. Now this blog post is not written by Vince by it does contain some very useful information. One of Vince lows projects is "Faces". He began this as head illustrator at Grey which is a advertising agency. Now "Faces" was a campaign to get Dyslexia more known by drawing faces of famous people who also have dyslexia. For the dyslexia campaign, Vince Low used the chaos of scribbled pen lines to produce the famous faces. He included people like Morgan Freeman and Albert Einstein even though there is no evidence that proves Albert Einstein had dyslexia.
Now I got all that information from 3 paragraphs on a blog post with 30. This information is very good as well, As I have already wanted to know why he did a collection of famous faces. It was to raise awareness for dyslexia. That is why I believe that Blogs and website are really good way of researching into different history on a certain artist.
Reviews
Next I look at a review of his project " faces". They talk about who Vince low is as a illustrator, but also about how his work has become to be so popular. The whole interview is below:
Vince Low is predominantly known for his ability to create both realistic and cartoonish designs featuring celebrities, icons, animals, font … his artistic abilities are endless. His latest collection of art work, ‘Faces’, features the portraits of famous celebrities, but with a twist.Instead of using one pencil skill, the generically used one, to form a textural and realistic canvas, the artist uses a technique he calls ‘scribbling’ to form these portraits. Okay, so when you hear the word scribbling you might associate it with the childlike creations of an infant attempting to colour within the lines, but you would be greatly mistaken to underestimate the artistic technique that Vince Low has decided to endorse.He uses the pencil rashly, not tracing the original photography continuously with his eyes, but closing them and producing something so pure and accurate that we could almost mistake the imagery for photography itself….if it weren't for the scribbles. The collection features the faces of well known celebrities, including- Leonardo Dicaprio, Eddie Murphy, Morgan Freeman, Johnny Depp and Rowan Atkinson.The Malaysian illustrator and character designer has complimented previous works with his latest collection, ‘Faces’ demonstrates the reigning ability throughout his art but his consistent progression.
After ready that review, It doesn't just help me see how his work is seen from a professionals point of view, but also as well how he is seen in the public view, and if how I like his work is how someone likes his work. I found this way to be good, but not the most effective way of gathering information. As it is more of a personal view on the artist, not a overall view, a non biased view.
Reference list
http://creativemindseries.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/dyslexia-what-should-dyslexics-do-with.html
http://thedesignerwall.com/interview-with-vince-low-amazing-pen-scribble-illustrator/
http://chasseurmagazine.com/2013/06/29/the-famous-faces-of-vince-low/#
Task 5: Analysing games
Game analyse
For task 5 for were tasked with analysing a video game screenshot or still. I chose to do prince of Persia. There are many reasons why I chose to do this game, Because I have played though it and found it be visually stunning, With the lighting and using the plot to affect the landscape was a really good touch by the creators of the games and movies. Below is my analyse of the game.
Prince of Persia
Prince of Persia is a video game franchise created by Jordan mechner. Currently published by Ubisoft. It was first released in 1989. This screenshot is from the game from the 2008 video game version. This picture is actually a piece of concept art from the game. That shows the main city of the game.
Composition
The composition in this imaged is used very well, it is used to automatic draw the viewers attention to a certain spot, then makes them slowly see more and more detail of the image.
Focal Point
The focal point of the image is very easy to spot. It is the main tower in the centre of the image. From there the shape of the building with it twisting down make you look into the city below, but at the left side first due to the fact there is more there to look at in comparison to the right.
Geometrical Shapes
With the main tower in the centre, it curves down, but it still keeps it cylinder sort of shape as it go's down into a stronger wider base. then the rest of the buildings and tower are all the same. The rectangle shape buildings with the dome or spike on the top to enforce the message to the viewer about the era of the game.
Symmetry/ Asymmetry
The city as a whole does not have any symmetrical things at all, the tower is the main focal point and then nothing else comes close to the size of it, ruling that out, and the city below I cant see any symmetry between the sides. But you can expect this from a city from this era, the architecture was alot more eccentric and bold, and each building had to be designed in a different way.
Methods used to lead the eye
At first glance at this image, it is very clear to the viewer to what stands out, but if you look more closely, and actually follow the image, you can see the artist who did this wanted you eyes to follow a pathway so you can experience the image at its full potential. You start at the tower in the centre, then you follow the tower down, to the left where the light shines on the tower, from here your eyes are are drawn left to the city below. Then across to the right side of the image. I think the artist wanted this so you wouldn't miss out any of his work.
Space/ Depth
Range of the palette
The Palette range is not huge, mainly with just dark colours to contrast with the light, really musky and natural colours in this image, The only colours that are bright are the sky in the background and the light hitting the tower.
Effect the colour creates
The artist uses colour in this image to set the scene of a run down city run by fear by the power of who ever lives in that tower, standing above the whole of the city. With the light hitting this massive structure and nothing behind it, the artist shows the power of the image, just with the light he uses.
Style
Realism/Expressive/Over the top/ Fantasy
The image captured in this scene looks realistic, but also fantasy. I say this because the image you could picture being in some fantasy setting, but because of the quality of the picture, and the concept art, it has that realistic feel to it. I also said over the top. I think this because again, having a tower that big, is very unrealistic, just the proportions compared to the rest of the city.
Influences
other architecture from around that time period, looking at other games like "Assassins Creed" were the time period is the same. Also looking at Historical Influences, plus the books. I can feel this setting would be set in the mid east somewhere, like Egypt or some place like that.
Subject, Theme & Meanings
From looking at this image, I can gather alot of meaning which is what the artist wanted. The artist wanted the viewer to see the power, and democracy of this image, by creating a huge overpowering tower in the centre of the image. I can imagine this city being cramped, very busy with tight corners, variety's of building sizes and merchants selling good in the street. But I can also picture a violent police or military, that uses abuse to keep the city in line.
Describe the Content/ Story behind it
After looking at this image in more detail, and going into different meanings it could be, I believe from just looking at this image, you can see that the tower in the middle, it overruns the whole city, and who ever lives in it runs the city. I can see this city being run by fear, and the rich stay rich and the poor get poorer. Which a striving market and trading.
For task 5 for were tasked with analysing a video game screenshot or still. I chose to do prince of Persia. There are many reasons why I chose to do this game, Because I have played though it and found it be visually stunning, With the lighting and using the plot to affect the landscape was a really good touch by the creators of the games and movies. Below is my analyse of the game.
Prince of Persia
Prince of Persia is a video game franchise created by Jordan mechner. Currently published by Ubisoft. It was first released in 1989. This screenshot is from the game from the 2008 video game version. This picture is actually a piece of concept art from the game. That shows the main city of the game.
Composition
The composition in this imaged is used very well, it is used to automatic draw the viewers attention to a certain spot, then makes them slowly see more and more detail of the image.
Focal Point
The focal point of the image is very easy to spot. It is the main tower in the centre of the image. From there the shape of the building with it twisting down make you look into the city below, but at the left side first due to the fact there is more there to look at in comparison to the right.
Geometrical Shapes
With the main tower in the centre, it curves down, but it still keeps it cylinder sort of shape as it go's down into a stronger wider base. then the rest of the buildings and tower are all the same. The rectangle shape buildings with the dome or spike on the top to enforce the message to the viewer about the era of the game.
Symmetry/ Asymmetry
The city as a whole does not have any symmetrical things at all, the tower is the main focal point and then nothing else comes close to the size of it, ruling that out, and the city below I cant see any symmetry between the sides. But you can expect this from a city from this era, the architecture was alot more eccentric and bold, and each building had to be designed in a different way.
Methods used to lead the eye
At first glance at this image, it is very clear to the viewer to what stands out, but if you look more closely, and actually follow the image, you can see the artist who did this wanted you eyes to follow a pathway so you can experience the image at its full potential. You start at the tower in the centre, then you follow the tower down, to the left where the light shines on the tower, from here your eyes are are drawn left to the city below. Then across to the right side of the image. I think the artist wanted this so you wouldn't miss out any of his work.
Space/ Depth
To create a sense of naturalism, to give an illusion of great distance, to limit picture space. This image has alot of depth, With the huge tower in the centre, it opens alot of the background. But at the same time, because the artist has used fog or mist the background cant be seen. But it gives the viewer the impression that there is a background.
Main Colours used
Different shades of brown, black to show shadow and to give the image depth, Yellow and orange to show light and the suns raze, Greys to show clouds and fog, and silver to again show the clouds and mist and fog.Range of the palette
The Palette range is not huge, mainly with just dark colours to contrast with the light, really musky and natural colours in this image, The only colours that are bright are the sky in the background and the light hitting the tower.
Effect the colour creates
The artist uses colour in this image to set the scene of a run down city run by fear by the power of who ever lives in that tower, standing above the whole of the city. With the light hitting this massive structure and nothing behind it, the artist shows the power of the image, just with the light he uses.
Style
Realism/Expressive/Over the top/ Fantasy
The image captured in this scene looks realistic, but also fantasy. I say this because the image you could picture being in some fantasy setting, but because of the quality of the picture, and the concept art, it has that realistic feel to it. I also said over the top. I think this because again, having a tower that big, is very unrealistic, just the proportions compared to the rest of the city.
Influences
other architecture from around that time period, looking at other games like "Assassins Creed" were the time period is the same. Also looking at Historical Influences, plus the books. I can feel this setting would be set in the mid east somewhere, like Egypt or some place like that.
Subject, Theme & Meanings
From looking at this image, I can gather alot of meaning which is what the artist wanted. The artist wanted the viewer to see the power, and democracy of this image, by creating a huge overpowering tower in the centre of the image. I can imagine this city being cramped, very busy with tight corners, variety's of building sizes and merchants selling good in the street. But I can also picture a violent police or military, that uses abuse to keep the city in line.
Describe the Content/ Story behind it
After looking at this image in more detail, and going into different meanings it could be, I believe from just looking at this image, you can see that the tower in the middle, it overruns the whole city, and who ever lives in it runs the city. I can see this city being run by fear, and the rich stay rich and the poor get poorer. Which a striving market and trading.
Task 4: Practitioner Example
My Chosen Practitioner
For task 4 we had to chose a Practitioner from our chosen specialism. I wanted to chose a illustrator who's work I really liked, and who I had taken inspiration from. I researched into different artist, but I already knew of a artist who's work I enjoyed and found I could relate to, and this Artist was called Nathan Aardvark.
For task 4 we had to chose a Practitioner from our chosen specialism. I wanted to chose a illustrator who's work I really liked, and who I had taken inspiration from. I researched into different artist, but I already knew of a artist who's work I enjoyed and found I could relate to, and this Artist was called Nathan Aardvark.
Nathan Aardvark is a unique professional illustrator and concept artist with a variety of styles ranging from dark and murky painting to fresh and energetic drawing. He has working for huge companies like Range Rover, Nike and Audi. Link to his page on Illustration web can be found at the bottom of the post. I chose Nathan because I found his work to be exciting, inspirational and really interesting. He is not stuck to one form of illustration, so he doesn't label him self as a digital artist, but a well rounded over all illustrator with skills ranging from painting to drawing to digital artwork. That is one of the reasons I chose him. He doesn't mainly focus on one medium of work, instead work in all mediums to a very high professional standard. I found all his work from his finished pieces to his sketchbook work to be very interesting, with no certain style sticking out. Nathan doesn't have a set in style. But looking at his work, they mostly all contain some form of anatomy, so a figure or character. Alot of his work as well is very sinister, with a dark setting, with some sort of creature of monster. The uses lighting very well, in some pieces he will use lighting to show different features, or just a certain character. Also because he is a concept artist as well as a illustrator, his work often includes a landscape or backdrop of some kind. When looking though he work, you can see many different inspirations and artists, and has been incorporated into his work.Nathan uses many different techniques when working. His range of skills as a artist ranges from painter all the way though to a digital illustrator. So his used a range of techniques. for some of his work after researching I found that he uses his sketchbook alot. He will do small sketches when going about his daily life, then if he comes up with a idea or concept for a piece of work, he will then use that idea, and develop it into something greater.
Analysis of some of Nathan Aardvarks work. I wanted to analysis Nathan Aardvarks work, so I looked at use of lighting, Composition, character design, Below is the work and my analysis.
Use of Lighting
Nathan uses light in this scene really well. The light source is coming from the sun, but looking at the picture, alot of the light is coming from the left section of the image. I would say this image is at dusk but because of the sky it cant be, so I am going for the image is set in mid day with a cloudy overcast. So the use of lighting in this scene is to set the tone of the art. Lets the viewer know what he wants to you to know. The light on the characters are the front is used so he could not worry as much with the legs and apparel and to let him focus on the faces. It also allows the viewer to see alot of detail on not just the characters but the background and foreground too.
Use of Colour
The use of colour in this image is used very well. The quality of the light from the sun hitting the characters, and also spreading across the landscape is captured so well. The skin has a warm glow from the light of the sun, also he uses light so he doesn't have to worry alot about the lower half of the characters body. As I think seeing that the men are topless with spears if to help portray the emotion and the setting of the image.
Composition
Character design
The character in this image is typical Nathan, very detailed. I think these men are cavemen, or hunters of some kind, but by the way they are dressed, it is not set in this era. Maybe a few hundead years ago, when natives roamed deserts hunting for food and shelter. The main character, in the middle is pointing at something, showing the viewer that on the other side of the image, there is something of importance
Reason I chose this image
I chose this image because I thought it was a really interesting image. Just the mix of both the character design, and the concept art really spoke to me.With all the aspects of the landscape I thought this image would be really interesting to analysis. Over all I really like this image, and the use of all techniques is used very well. 
Conclusion
After looking at all different aspects of the picture and how the artist has used it. Over all the aspect of this image is used really well , with the lighting, concept art and the character creation, but there are some features I dont like about it. The main feature I think he could of spent more time on is the sky. To me it just looks like he had a final rush to get the picture finished and got a image of a bright blue sky and imported it in. Just the way the rock/ mountain on the left, the top part. it doesn't have any fade of any light merging into the background. It stands out too much. I think he should of kept with the lighting theme and made the sky a light orange like dust morning. Then it would of fitted into the image. But apart from that, I really like the image the use of depth and the rule of thirds.
After looking at all different aspects of the picture and how the artist has used it. Over all the aspect of this image is used really well , with the lighting, concept art and the character creation, but there are some features I dont like about it. The main feature I think he could of spent more time on is the sky. To me it just looks like he had a final rush to get the picture finished and got a image of a bright blue sky and imported it in. Just the way the rock/ mountain on the left, the top part. it doesn't have any fade of any light merging into the background. It stands out too much. I think he should of kept with the lighting theme and made the sky a light orange like dust morning. Then it would of fitted into the image. But apart from that, I really like the image the use of depth and the rule of thirds.
Sunday 18 May 2014
Task 3: Specialism
My specialism
We have been tasked with choosing our specialism, and then researching into different artist or heroes of the field or genre. I have chose illustration because it is what I want to purse as a future career, plus I find finding different artist and style is really exciting as the possibility are endless,
My specialism is illustration, Since starting this course, I have interested in the field of illustration, building a portfolio, and finding artist that I find to be interesting and exciting to follow, and gain experience, and knowledge from researching into it. I have know been accepted into two university to study illustration and I want to purse it as a future career, I love the freedom of being a illustrator, the idea of being able to work from the comfort of your own home, or travel the world taking work when available and following your passion sounds like a dream job for me, As I can get bored very quickly doing one thing in one certain place so the freedom of knowing I can go to the beach, to a theme park, on holiday and still be able to enjoy my work, sounds perfect!
My Heroes
I dont really have heroes in my field, But I do have favourite artist and artist that style I like Sarah Beetson. A example of her work is below. I really like her style, I love the fact she uses a huge array of colours and all her work is really bright and stands out, I also really like how she uses a range of colours, but their is one colour is each piece that is the main colour. In the one below, it is red/ pinks. Sarah is a Australian artist that is a great example of someone who uses there skills, in not just her chosen field which would be illustration, but using skills she has gained from other jobs thought out her carer. Sarah lived in London for 4 years, were she was a fashion designer. Now she is using both her illustration and fashion skills, and you can really see that in her work.
Next heroes is Vince Low, He uses lines and shading to create very realistic portraits of celebrity’s, below is a example of johnny deep. I really love his style, how he focus’s on the face, and the expression and then the hair is not done with any care, I love the playfulness of his lines, the fact they all seem to go in different directions, yet they create this face. He uses the lines as shading, the colour the line the darker the area, so under the neck, the lines would be bunched to create a shadow effect which I believe looks really good, yet stay with his style.
What makes a good practitioner? I believe to be a good practitioner in illustration you need to be creative you also need to be able to network, networking is super important as without it you would never get any work, as no one would know about you, but the most important factor is you need to find your own style, if not you will just be put into the huge pool of other illustrations, but if you find your own style, you can easy to pick out, and find again if you are needed for work. Another factor, is evolution of art. You need to move with the ever changing world of art, but still keep your style. If you have all these factors, and you can network well, you have a really good chance if becoming a good illustrator. Below is a example of work I did for a bakery/ cafe in Plymouth city centre, I have started networking with other café’s and bakery in the area.
Portfolio
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