Field Drawings | Part 1

Selected drawings from a day tootling around Leeds.

Happy with the above drawings, a mixture of people and organic finds. I liked drawing the folds in clothing especially.

Some of the drawings remain unfinished, either because the subject moved away or the location was changed. However I like this effect as they become a little more abstract. I may carry this further in later observational tasks.

Mask Task pt. 3 - Final Outcome

After refinements were made to both the design and the construction of the mask, I was pleased with the result. It turned out that the simplest approach was the most effective.

The final images show the character in locations around the city, relating back to my idea that reflects my own shift to this kind of environment. I think the images that depict the character against towering, imposing structures work best, as they look tiny in comparison.

My aim was to make a mask that had a tentative, slightly nervous persona to it that would contrast against the sights around the city, looking a bit out of place. However I think the faint smile on the design could suggest something hopeful.

Mask Task pt. 2 - Testing & Development

When developing my ideas further, I had to consider how the line drawing of the face would sit against quite a chaotic background. I had to figure out how to include both elements without either of them dominating the space entirely and overshadowing the other.

The construction of the mask began by drawing the scribbles on to the cardboard. I really liked this effect, the colour palette was bright and lively which matched the frantic lines. The dark colour of the cardboard also seemed to illuminate the pencil marks.

Then I painted out the face on to the cardboard. I wasn't happy with the result, I felt the balance between the paint and the pencil marks wasn't right. There was also the issue of visibility - with such fine lines, the face might not be seen in photos.

Seeing as the first attempt didn't work, I sketched out a few more ideas. It was important that the new designs would be simple yet distinct, and visible from afar. The new face would be applied to a 'cloud' shape that was more defined than the previous one.

Mask Task pt. 1 - Initial Ideas

I began by making simple notes that outlined potential ideas, as well as certain things I would have to take into consideration when developing and constructing the mask.

One of the more developed ideas I had was for the mask to reflect my feelings on moving and my circumstances in a new city.

From there, I produced some pencil drawings that looked at line and expression. Did I want the face/portrait to be loose and cartoony, or sharp and realistic?

I also wanted the mask to have some sort of textural element to it - whether this was through pencil (like the face sketches above) or by using paint or collage.

Texture would stop the mask from looking too stark or synthetic, and the techniques/materials used above create patterns that are spontaneous and one-of-a-kind.