Visual Journal

1. What page or pages are you the most happy with? Please explain why.
I'm most happy with the first page—the pencil portrait. The shading, proportion, and detail in the facial features and hair show strong technical skill and patience. The contrast between the realistic grayscale portrait and the light green background creates a great visual impact. It feels the most refined and expressive of the four.

2. How did you experiment as part of your art-making process? What did you learn, and how did you apply it in your work?
Throughout the three pieces, I experimented with different materials and techniques:

• In the portrait, I practiced advanced shading with pencil, blending techniques, and creating texture in hair and clothing.

• In the sunset seascape, I explored layering and blending with oil pastels to create smooth transitions in the sky and ocean.

• For the jellyfish piece, I tried combining marker work with stamped textures for the shells, which taught me how mixed media can add dimension and interest to a flat drawing.

• For the collage, I used a magazine and other papers I found around my house to make a colorful and though out piece.

I learned how to correct small mistakes, like smoothing out harsh lines in shading or reworking uneven colors in the sunset using layers. I also learned how using contrasting materials can create strong focal points, especially in the jellyfish art.

3. Will you continue to use your journal? If not, why? If yes, how?
Yes, I will continue to use my journal. It's a great space to try out new techniques, sketch ideas without pressure, and track how my skills are developing. I want to use it more for quick studies, color testing, and practicing figures and nature.

4. Rate this unit from 1 - 10 (10 being wonderful). Explain your rating.
I would rate this unit a 9 out of 10. I got to try a range of media, from pencil to pastel to marker and printmaking, and learned how to push my creativity. Each piece felt different and fun in its own way. I gave it a 9 instead of 10 only because there’s always room to grow and try even more complex techniques or subjects.