2D Design

Semester 1 Reflection

2D DESIGN

I decided to take 2D Design in the first place to develop a style I had started to touch upon over the summer. With structured assignments and the ability to try new mediums, I really wanted to expand on my art in this class. We started the year with assignments that pushed me to think about the story behind my art as well as the general composition of a good piece. Right from the beginning I stuck with pen, mostly black, and worked on perfecting my technique with each piece. Throughout the year, I continuously used pen and ink and discovered when I tried a new medium, that pen was my favorite medium. With this knowledge, I was able to use pen throughout numerous more pieces, and next began to expand my horizon with new formats. With the stars and stripes assignment I played around with color, while still using the medium of pen that I am most 'trained' in, and format, choosing a long piece of paper to accentuate the subject of the drawing. As we moved along the course, I got the opportunity to try photoshop, and how digital manipulation can create new and different pieces. Especially with the photoshop portrait, I really had the opportunity to study the image and see each individual color in my skin and hair. Toward the end of the course I got to try yet another medium, linoleum block carving, and also scientific illustration, which forced me to really look at different references up close to see texture and color. In the final weeks of the course, when we did our sustained investigation, I learned to try new mediums, perspectives, and processes different from my typical work.

For me this year, I was most successful with my pen and ink work. Over the summer I used pen a lot and developed techniques like stippling and cross hatching. As each assignment in this course was open ended when it came to materials, I chose pen for most of my pieces, especially knowing that I would be able to create exactly what I imagined. In the first three pieces in the class I used pen and the stippling technique, getting more refined, defined, and precise with each piece. Each of these pieces were successful for me because I was able to add depth and value to my pieces without making harsh lines. For the designing abstraction piece I also used pen, however I decided to vary my technique and used cross hatching. This piece was also successful, and really pushed me to think about the elements of my piece, as we originally created the design matrix to choose two elements that worked well together. My final piece in pen was my first sustained investigation, in which I really wanted to create a realistic effect. Overall, I found each of my pieces in pen to be successful, not only because I like the subject or the composition, but because it is the medium that I have the most control in, and that I can manipulate the best to create the piece I want to.

Throughout the course, there were times where I struggled with ideas and getting started on projects. However, most difficult was probably the sustained investigations at the end of the piece. I got off to a good start, although I played it safe by using pen and ink and keeping the composition very basic. For my next piece I again chose something that I had previously done and felt comfortable with, however it wasn't till the last two sustained investigations that I struggled. For each of these pieces I had no idea what to do, especially as I wanted to try something new. However, I think having created so many works that I am proud of, I had a hard time just letting it go and just trying something new, whether it was my favorite thing or not. Once I had an idea for my third sustained investigation, it took me ages to get started and even longer to actually complete the piece. I struggled most with making my lines defined and adding value, since thread does not show up well from far away. For my last sustained investigation, I struggled with color choices and the medium I chose. I wanted to try oil pastels, however having never used them before the whole piece was a struggle. Initially, I am glad I tried something new with this last piece, however I struggled again with mentally allowing myself to create a piece that maybe isn't my style or my favorite thing.

Moving forward, I am looking forward to having a break from 2D design, and am eager to try 3D design, just to get a break from constantly drawing throughout the last semester. I haven't done much with sculptures in the past, however I enjoy making models and sewing and using scraps, so using materials other than pen will be interesting. Now that I have a select style, I really want to use these next months and even years to create more 'sophisticated' art. I really want to add more meaning to my pieces and connect these to a title that resonates, because throughout the last semester I mostly drew what I wanted and didn't think much about what it meant or could mean. Moving forward, I also want to build up a well rounded portfolio, and more importantly discover what sort of art and what type of mediums I like to use and can use well. Since I want to study in the creative direction of art, building up a portfolio that reflects me as an artist is my goal moving forward. Furthermore, especially the sustained investigation gave me a good idea of what future more advanced art classes would look like. My struggles toward the end of my sustained investigations showed me that moving forward with inquiry based pieces I really need to choose a subject that moves me emotionally for more than two pieces and also that allows me to play with more than one subject while remaining in a certain theme. Overall, this course has really prepared and pushed me moving forward as an artist so that the next two years of high school art can be successful and used to their fullest extent.