Sustained Investigation XVI

Out of reach

4 in x 4 in

Pen & gouache on watercolor paper

For this assignment, we were asked to create a sixteenth sustained investigation piece. For this work my idea was to create a portrait from a frontal perspective with only a black pen. I wanted the portrait to have very little detail and not be very realistic looking. Also, I wanted her to be surrounded by a blue pond shape with koi fish in it, with bright colors and noticeable brush strokes. All of these plans were in mind to represent someone who is feeling empty and uneasy inside, can see peace, color, and joy in life around her, but is not able to reach it herself (hence the title).

The process to create this piece was to draw the portrait first with graphite, then outlined in black pen and also added some scratch-like marks for shadowing. Then, using gouache paint, I painted a blue circle with light and dark blue, and some orange fish around her head.

I am very happy with this piece. I think it follows my inquiry question well and is also very pleasing to look at.