Home #11

I created this piece because I thought it displayed a love and home of mine; skiing. It captures feelings of childhood and fond memories from when I was younger, skiing at various mountains with my family. I used a reference image taken by my dad that helped guide this piece and improved its realistic quality. I was drawn to this image and tried to recreate it because of its strong contrast and highlights and overall setting amongst the trees. The expression on my face illustrates ideas of home with my slight smile, as well. 

 For most of the piece, I used charcoal, trying to create deep contrast with darker blacks and bright whites. I enjoy using this material because I can blend and mix the charcoal marks and create smooth or rough textures. I also collected some birch bark, cut it into strips, and glued them into the forest. When smudging charcoal onto the right side of the trees, I tried to blend it into the background, creating a little depth and shading. 

I started sketching out a few ideas in my notebook and decided on this plan. I hadn't planned on how to incorporate the material synthesis into the piece so I began with the charcoal. As I progressed with the scene, I found some birch bark and included it as it relates to the forested, outdoor landscape. I tried to blend and layer the black and white charcoal and the birch bark to create a more integrated background. I especially liked this scene because of the contrast between my white helmet, wool-buff, and smiling face against the dark and mysterious wooded forest behind me.