Sustained Investigation #1

Title: Secret of the Flower

Size: 6'' x 9.5''

Statement:

This piece represents a female’s sexuality. It shows a naked body with flowers growing around where the head would be. I chose to leave out a head and use flowers instead so the observer would focus on the beauty of the colors and body rather than the intricacy of the face. She is holding a flower to show modesty. The flower is painted there, not just to cover her up, but also because throughout history and many cultures, flowers represent female sexuality.

I first sketched out the body and flowers with graphite. I then started in with the orange background, using colored ink and a brush. I then used watercolor to paint the body so I could fade more easily. For the flowers, I used the colored ink again with a brush at first. For all the details, I used the ink with calligraphy nibs. This is all done on a light pinkish/ peachy colored pastel paper.

I started the piece by just sketching the body. I did not know how I was going to put them together, however, I knew I wanted to use a female body and flowers. Slowly as I sketched, the slowers formed around her head and I decided to add her holding a rose in front. I wanted the piece to be very colorful. For my next steps on this piece, I would like to continue going over it with more detail and continuing to make the colors more vibrant and give it more depth.