Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the breadth and depth of knowledge relating to contemporary drawing practice.

Analyses of artists' methods were made and used to refine drawing approach. Following the practice of Da Vinci and other accomplished draftsmen, anatomical structure was examined when creating a realistic composite creature out of three existing creatures. Muscle and skeletal structures were researched to create a feasible internal system for the invented creature.

2. Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of techniques required for a range of drawing tasks. 

A wide range of drawing skills were utilised using different tools, which created many different effects. In pencil, an understanding of outlining, crosshatching and shading were demonstrated in still life and life drawing exercises; studies were also made in ink, charcoal, chalk and a range of other media.

some examples of different techniques:

crosshatched still life

life drawing in ink

for more examples please follow this link.

3. Critically analyse their own work and compare this to relevant research and current professional practice.

In the example of the creation of an electrician's toolbox, three artists who created a similar work were analysed to inform the creation of the electrician's tools painting, along with the collection of relevant images of the objects within the piece. The finished painting was analysed for its strengths and weaknesses.

example of artist's work analysed:

Jeff Hargreaves - "Solvent or Die"

own work - "Electrician's toolbox, belt and boots"

4. Synthesise observation, existing and acquired knowledge in the production of original imagery.

In the example of the book illustration depicting two characters in 60s Carnaby street, the original poses of the figures were taken from life drawing studies, though the poses had to be modified in the end to create a better composition. For authentic costumes and the appearance of the street, research into contemporary 60s photographs and graphics was carried out.

Mood board of sixties styles

life drawing referenced in creation of illustration

life drawing referenced in creation of illustration

Carnaby Street illustration reflecting character poses (halfway stage depicted)

for the full process please follow this link.

5. Critically analyse and interpret visual situations in order to represent them effectively. (Elgin Marbles)

In creating "Electrican's toolbox, belt and boots", a main consideration was the composition of the piece. Several composition ideas were considered before the final design was decided upon. The thumbnail on the bottom right was chosen (with minor changes) because the angle at which the observer looks down on the objects allows all of them to be visible, and against the white background of a dust sheet the darker materials stand out. Another consideration was the degree to which the objects were affected by foreshortening.

composition thumbnails

6. Act autonomously in the use of appropriate tools and techniques to achieve a professional result.

The final image of "Clouded Bactowary" was created in Adobe Photoshop using specialised brushes to create a believable fur texture. Not only were the creatures' features combined, but the colour present in the cassowary and the fleece texture of the Bactrian camel were simulated using the appropriate techniques. The image was built up from a rough sketch to a finished, coloured piece in photoshop.

Clouded Bactowary (final image)

7. Apply practice-based research to the development of original ideas.

Experiments with textures of mixed media were used in the creation of pictures based on 'On Seeing the Elgin Marbles'. Previously created textures were used in all three finished pieces to inspire the outcomes. The final pictures have a lot more visual interest thanks to the random shapes found within the textures, which reflect the natural harmonies found in nature. This was very suitable as the pictures were intended to contain natural imagery.

collage of textures used during the thumbnailing sketches to inspire final ideas for pictures.