Extended Blind Contour Drawing

Artist Statement

For this project, we were asked to face the opposite direction from our papers and take turns drawing our hands and face with our dominant and non-dominant hand. We were also challenged draw one continuous line without lifting our sharpie. Afterward, we examined our artwork to visualize something we could create out of our messy scribbles. This could include scenery, landscape, a portrait, object, etc. I began the process by turning the page so I could view my piece from differing perspectives. I looked for repeating shapes or patterns in my scribble that I could build off of. I immediately noticed the circles I had drawn on the nails, so I used it as a starting point. In this project, I used sharpie and an assortment of watercolor paints to create a unique and colorful abstract piece.

I attempted to include a few specific elements of art to create different principles of design in my artwork. I used line to create pattern and shape, as seen in the wavy patterns and peace sign/flower shapes. I also used value and bright color to create emphasis around the hands. I incorporated different hues of red, blue, purple, and green. I also believe there is a sense of balance and unity in my art. Both sides figuratively weigh the same as the other and I filled the entire page and connected my scribbles with patterns to try and rid of any negative space.

I am proud of the way my project came out, I don’t typically like to use bright colors or any color in general, an area I feel needs improvement. But even still, I was surprised by the result. It is very different from my previous works of art. I had a difficult time with the piece signs in the beginning. They turned out dark and a bit too bold compared to everything else I drew, but once I began adding color it took away from the intensity of the large contrast. This project has a small message behind it of “reaching for peace” which can be observed by the two hands outstretched as if they are trying to grasp the peace sign. It was not intentional but I still feel the discovery gives the project more meaning.