Prompted Visual Journal Assignment

Reflection on Work:

To synthesize my materials, processes and ideas, I decided I should use acrylics and oil pastels as my medium. I thought this would be the ‘easiest’ material to be able to add the right definition for my portrait (as I am familiar with acrylics and judging by the time constraint I didn’t feel comfortable trying something super new just yet) and the oil pastels to sketch and add to the pattern. The pattern in question were hearts sprinkled on the background in a darker teal than the actual background color. The hearts, in varying shapes but similar sizes, were in an attempt to replicate the heart found on my cheek. This added a childish nature, reminding me of my clothes as a kid or patterned school supplies I would buy. I also opted for teal, not only because it complimented the painting, but also because it was my favorite color as a kid. Although it is not known to most, when I look at teal it does remind me of when I was kid as I was obsessed with it. 

Looking forward, I do not believe I will be sticking with this question for my sustained investigation question. I really feel like there is only a certain amount of pieces I can make with the question and that this one is too specific. However, I did really enjoy making a portrait with acrylics so I will hopefully be able to come up with a question that can incorporate more portraits. I am thinking I might go with a question similar to what follows: How can I explore painting or drawing my family and friends by using their personalities in unconventional ways to convey I am painting or drawing them? The question obviously needs to be cleaned up more but I think it gives the general idea. I might also try out a question like: How can I show the contrast between embracing and fearing death through my paintings and drawings? Or something along those lines. (I have a few ideas but will definitely have to reword them).