Art History Research

For this project, we were asked to create a background for our gridded self-portrait using inspiration from our selected artist. I used my previously created self-portrait, a black pen, a ruler, and watercolor paints. First, I created different possible color palettes for my painting. Then, I experimented with grids, though I mostly experimented with variations that were similar to Composition with red blue and yellow by Piet Mondrian. Once I chose my color palette and grid, I drew the grid lightly on my self-portrait with a pencil and a ruler. Then I painted the sections of the grid based on the thumbnail drawing that I created earlier.

When creating my background I used line to make my grids. I used color to create contrast between the different spaces of the grid. I created balance within the piece with my placement of color on the grid. I used space to emphasize the grid while not overwhelming my self-portrait. I also used shape while creating the grid. I used shape when creating the spaces inside the lines of the grid.

I am proudest of the color palette I used for my background. I used a palette that was limited to three colors since Mondrian used a palette that was limited to the primary colors. I struggled with keeping the paint within the lines of the grid. I eventually used tape to keep the paint from crossing the lines, however, some still spilled over the lines slightly.