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Section 1 - Inquiry Question and Concept Exploration
Inquiry Statement: How can I use color, shape, and line to transform a flat surface into a dynamic, three-dimensional form?
To transform a flat surface into a dynamic, three-dimensional form, I can use color, shape, and line strategically to create depth and realism. By applying color gradients, using lighter tones where light hits and darker tones in shadowed areas, I can make objects appear rounded and dimensional. Layering and blending colors also helps build smooth transitions that mimic real light and texture. I can use shapes to define structure and perspective, arranging them so that overlapping forms and varied sizes suggest distance and space. Finally, lines can guide the viewer’s eye and enhance the illusion of depth; for example, using curved or contour lines to show volume or angled lines to create perspective. Together, these elements allow a flat canvas or paper to come alive with movement, contrast, and realistic form.
Section 2 - Connections
Artist investigation
The artist analyzed is Sari Shryack, a contemporary painter based in Austin, Texas, known for transforming ordinary scenes and objects into vibrant, eye-catching works of art. Using bold color palettes, strong lighting, and acrylic or oil paint, she turns everyday items, like disco balls, snacks, and household objects, into lively compositions full of energy and depth. Her art explores how color, shape, and light can make the mundane feel extraordinary, often blending realism with playful pop-culture themes. Through her unique style, Shryack shows that beauty and meaning can be found in even the most familiar moments of daily life.
Earth Disco Ball
Acrylic on cradled wood
20” diameter
American Roulette
18x24”
Acrylic on canvas
2025
Section 3 - Investigations
Experimentation: How did you go above and beyond the instruction to include your own artistic voice? Maybe it was successful, maybe it was not, either way, include your visual documentation.
Notes from day 1 video :
Acrylic paint dries fast, which makes it great for working efficiently and layering without long wait times
Because it dries quickly, areas can be painted over easily once the surface sets
Acrylic is a very adaptable medium and can be used in many techniques and styles
Cleaning tools and palettes is important, especially before the paint dries completely
A basic acrylic setup usually includes the three primary colors along with white to lighten and black to darken tones
Choosing the right primary colors matters because they affect how successfully you can mix specific shades
Mixing complementary colors, such as red with phthalo green, can produce very dark values close to black
Acrylic paints vary in thickness and texture; some are heavier-bodied than others
The quality and behavior of acrylic paints differ depending on the brand
Acrylic paint can adhere to many surfaces, though canvas is the most commonly used
Canvas is often primed with gesso to prepare the surface for painting
Synthetic brushes work best with acrylic paint since they are durable and easy to clean
Different brush shapes (flat, round, filbert) serve different purposes in painting
Planning a palette using color theory can make mixing faster and more consistent
Keeping a record or chart of color mixes helps track which combinations were used
Acrylic Study Worksheet
I went above and beyond the instructions by experimenting with color in ways that reflected my own artistic style and curiosity. Instead of only practicing basic mixing, I tested different blends, gradients, and unexpected color combinations to see how they could create mood, depth, or movement. I pushed myself to explore tints, tones, and layered transitions, even when some mixes didn’t turn out exactly how I imagined. These experiments helped me understand how I want to use color in a more personal and expressive way. My acrylic study worksheet shows the different tests I tried, and each one helped me develop a clearer sense of how I could use color to build form and energy in my final artwork.
Section 4 - Create
After finishing the experimentation and color studies, I began my final disco ball painting using a circular grid to map out each reflective tile. This helped me maintain accurate proportions and create a convincing sense of curvature. I then layered colors carefully, blending warm and cool tones to capture the reflection and light variation seen in real disco balls. By applying my shading techniques and using a full range of values, I added depth and realism to the piece. The final result transforms a flat surface into a vibrant, three-dimensional form full of movement and color.
Section 5 - Final Artwork
Title: Shattered light
Size: 42 cm x 30 cm
Date of Completion: November 6th - 2025
Why: I created this artwork to explore how small, imperfect fragments can come together to form a vibrant whole, symbolizing the beauty that emerges from chaos and complexity.
Section 6 - Communicate and Reflect
One challenge I faced was making the flat circle actually look three-dimensional using only color, shape, and line. At first, the curved grid didn’t look realistic, and the colors felt too similar to create real depth. As I worked, I improved my blending, added stronger value contrasts, and adjusted the curved lines so they wrapped around the form more convincingly. A success was how the color variations and curved shapes began to create movement and make the sphere feel rounded. Overall, I think my final piece answers my inquiry question well because it shows how thoughtful color choices, curved lines, and repeated shapes can transform a flat surface into a dynamic, 3D-looking artwork, even if I could still refine smoother transitions.
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