Gelatin prints

The subject of this expanded print is an undersea landscape with a boat, some jelly fish, and two eels. I made the prints by rolling blue paint onto a clear gelatin (?) square. From there, I decided on the composition I wanted to use. I really liked the 3d shape that overlapping netting created, so I used that a lot. Next, I pressed paper onto the square. This created positive and negative space based on the positioning of the objects. After that, I removed the objects and created two more prints. Then, I choose a print to expand and looked at it until I started to see objects in it. I decided on the theme of underwater, and sketched out the drawing. Then, I used ink to add contrast. During this stage, I tried to pay particular attention to line weight. Finally, I added a muddy grey tone to color the rocks and eels. I used line to show shape and value, and I used value and color to show form and texture. I used line weight and burnishing the colored pencils to show contrast.

I decided to use informal balance in this piece and I used 5 subjects because having an odd number of subjects improves the composition. As I was drawing this, I decided to add in more and more things that fitted in with the theme. I started with the jellyfish. Then, I added the eels. When I decided to give the creatures scale, I added a boat to show how large they are. Lastly, I added some rocks so I could create an environment for the creatures (and a horizon line as I often forget to add one).

The meaning behind this artwork is a scene with underwater creatures. I was trying to make the cheery blue contrast with the giant jellyfish and giant eels. This project relates to my life because while I was drawing this, I was practicing line weight. While I was reletivly happy with this drawing/print, there are a coupe things I want to change.

  • I should've used a different color for the print.
  • I should've made the drawing I did line up with the print more.
  • I should've gave the boat a name.
  • I should've used a reference to draw the boat.
  • I should've burnished the colored pencil more.
  • I should've used better shading on the eels.
  • I should've used an odd number of subjects