Sustained Investigation #5

Artist's Statement:

The idea for this was to represent the pollution and negative consequences of the coal burning power industry. I wanted to do something that really showed the effect on the air quality in municipal areas. I wanted to emphasize the clouds for this reason. I also did houses in the foreground for this reason. 

I used charcoal to relate to coal, since they are both different forms of compressed natural materials. It was a bit hard to get contrast at first, so someone suggested that I use powdered charcoal, or water wash to add more contrast. I liked the idea of this, because it also related to the clouds. I liked the relating of water and charcoal, because they cause a bit of a juxtaposition. 

I first started with a sketch of the composition that I wanted. Then I started on another composition that I thought might be cool. I ended up not liking it though. Then I started on the actual peice, but it required some revision. So I added water, and I might add more contrast.