KG
TECHNICAL COMPETENCE
Works that demonstrate technical competence in color theory, compositional theory, and multiple design principles. The fourth artwork demonstrates my ability to convey an idea or message using 2D design.
Stargazing
2022
I initially drafted this artwork for an assignment which required purposeful color choices and demonstration of color theory and relationships. I ended up first creating a traditional artwork using colored pencil, then later digitally enhancing the image to increase visual appeal and to overall strengthen my meaningful use of color.
After developing my non-representational design, I decided to maintain a cooler palette, with the exception of a subtle gold, to illustrate harmonious cohesion between blues, greens, and purples. I wanted to establish a calm, dreamy, and almost mysterious mood throughout the composition; a feeling one can get when stargazing in a midnight sky.
Coherence throughout this artwork is not only evident in its balanced use of an analogous palette, but also through its intricate repetition. Patterns of curves and arches can easily be observed and were created with repeated lines; overall, establishing a rhythmic flow. This rhythmic movement guides viewers’ eyes along the composition, and eventually, forces them to sink their focus into the central light blue opening.
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Still Life: Fabric Study
2022
This artwork was completed as an assignment for my Drawing I class, where I was challenged to illustrate, while referring to a physical arrangement, a still life scene with a fabric backdrop. I hadn’t experimented with charcoal as a medium prior to this class, yet I was able to develop both a skill and a love for the media as the semester progressed.
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I made sure to consider compositional elements before selecting an angle to capture my still life from; I wanted a dynamic representation, while also keeping a balanced image. After deciding to establish the large, pointed glass ornament as my focal point, I set my easel down in a spot where I could illustrate the entire scene rather than just a snippet.
After selecting my angle, everything else that wasn’t the glass ornament would easily act as subordination. In addition to this, the candlestick to the right is just short enough to not distract from the focal point, but to aid in maintaining a balanced composition. Directional forces naturally flow up the folds of the fabric and along the contrasting values enhanced by shadowed areas, such as in the smooth fold closest to the front or in the dark lines defining the outer edges of the large glass ornament. Altogether, this deepens the emphasis placed on the central objects.
Squares and Stripes
2022
This artwork was assigned to facilitate the incorporation of multiple design principles, such as scale, proportion, repetition, pattern, etc. I initially decided that I wanted to work with a non-representational subject, in hopes of directing the viewers’ focus to these principles, rather than to a representational or figurative subject.
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This piece was first drafted with dry media and the use of sharpies to illustrate the design. Later, I altered the image with digital enhancements, hoping to increase the artwork’s depth and vibrancy. I think the color palette allows for a rather striking and lively impression; though the work is non-objective, tinted hues, to the right of the image, indicate some sort of light source.
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Right away, we can observe multiple patterns being repeated throughout the image, such as checkered squares and stripes. Although this variation of patterns can make for a very busy composition, intentional placement and balanced distribution helps to maintain the cohesive flow. A sense of space and proportion is given when taking a closer look; some of the patterned abstracted figures have a larger scale or are overlapped in some areas, giving the impression that there is some distance around and between figures.
The Girl and the Lion
2023
This oil painting was one of my first attempts at using wet media to depict people or animals. This artwork is meant to symbolize Christianity and convey the idea that Christ is both our protector and our comforter. The lion represents Christ, and the girl represents humanity.
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The image of a lion is commonly associated with the representation of Jesus Christ and can be revealed in scripture (Revelation 5:5). I was initially inspired by “The Chronicles of Narnia,” a book/film series which reflects Christianity through symbolism and allegory. Throughout the series, Christ is characterized by a lion named “Aslan,” which is where I derived the conceptual idea.
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I did not work from an exact reference, as this was an original composition, so a few details were improvised. I depicted the girl in a restful manner, with closed eyes, to reflect a spirit of peace. The lion towers over her yet is looking down, a symbol of strength embracing the weak. I drew out naturalistic qualities, such as textures, in hopes of achieving realism and truthfully rendering the two subjects. This helped to increase the effectiveness of my message by providing clear representations and expressing reality.