Sustained Investigation #7

Title: Her Features

Size: 9'' x 8''

Statement:

This piece is supposed to be focused in on the features in women that are socially connected to female sexuality. I think this is especially relevant to right now with dress codes and how we teach young women in school to be proud of their bodies, yet keep schools a healthy learning environment where girls are not sexualized constantly.

For the first layer, I used watercolor pencils on watercolor paper. After a few more layers of watercolor to add more depth, I used colored pencils to create more detail. I then used makeup on the eye, lips, and chest images. It was fun using actual makeup on a flat service to create the image of a facial feature.

I originally sketched the piece out in graphite. I then had to decide whether I wanted the final creation to be with colors usually not associated with the images I chose, or keep it realistic. I copied and printed out my sketch. I experimented with different colors and materials, such as ink, pastel, and watercolor. I then decided I would keep it realistic, because I wanted to use makeup on the images taken from the face to use materials related to the piece/ topic.