Final Project 

Reflection on Three works 

From the midway critique, in which it was suggested I push my creation process, like exploring with other unique ways of applying and layering paint. Most of my past works have been on canvas or paper and I want to challenge myself to create one piece that was on a new surface. Thus, I wanted to paint on an unusual surface in addition to playing with new ways to apply paint. For the final pieces, I did this by painting on wood and incorporating spray paint into my creating and layering processes. But, I also wanted to add line work to my pieces as the midway critique mentioned I had strong line work and I should continue to use this in my work going forward. Thus, in these pieces, I used a paint pen to create intricate, detail-oriented, pattern-like lines.

One suggestion from the midway critique was to explore artists with similar creations or processes to mine. Therefore, prior to going into the project, I researched a number of graffiti and post-graffiti artists, such as Lady Pink, Basquiat, and Keith Haring. All three of these artists used spray paint in a unique way, both inside their studies and outside in the world. Thus, they also used unconventional surfaces for some of their paintings, just like I attempted to do by incorporating wood and spray paint into my process.

I went into this project with no concrete idea of what subjects I wanted to create. I started by making big movements with spray paint, however, there are still areas of canvas or wood that peek through. I was playing with applying spray paint, like moving my hand closer and further away from the surfaces to see what the application of paint would look like as I did so. These movements were not coordinated but I consciously made an effort to just lay down paint. After this, I wanted to then examine what I had done to see what subjects and meaning I could pull from these layers of spray paint. Because one of the surfaces was wood, I was inclined to paint natural, wood-type, and earth figures. Stepping back, I saw a wave on one of the canvases. Thus, this then sparked an idea to create a series that focused on the elements of earth, water, and air. Additionally, I wanted to play with de-centering the objects.

Also, I wanted to maintain my theme of absurdity and satire, which was brought up in my midterm critique, and bring it to this final project. For these pieces, I juxtaposed natural elements, animals like deer, turtles, and hummingbirds with man made creations, like pinwheels, campsites, and soda cans. Additionally, with these images, I was making the commentary that manmade pieces often imitate nature, like the pinwheel imitating the shape of a flower. While it may look similar to that of a flower, the pinwheel’s function is entirely different. 

These themes developed after I began the first layers and creation processes. They likely developed in this manner because I was working on them simultaneously - I did not create and finish one before moving to another piece. Rather, I moved between creating each piece. 

As for the technical development of how these pieces were created, I had to experiment with the new medium of spray paint. Using spray paint presented new challenges for me. One, spray paint is rather opaque and it took multiple layers to achieve the color and look I wanted. For example, applying adding white to separate my figures from the background. However, it also had the unintended effect of a reverse shadow, which I think adds to the piece but was not intended. Additionally, I did not realize I could not use a traditional paint brush to play with the spray paint as the spray paint ruins the brushes. Another issue with spray paint was depending on the distance away from the canvas or wood, it could create a bump or texture that I did not want or like. Therefore, using spray paint presented me with a few challenges but a few new opportunities, too, and I am looking forward to exploring more with this medium.

These final three pieces really pushed my exploration with how I apply paint but also taught me to use unconventional tools to achieve new and interesting gestures.