OLIO_9

Remove the middle, extend the edges... 

Initial thoughts on my given phrase: Remove the middle, extend the edges...

I found it really difficult to generate decent and formed ideas for this phrase because I had no real theme or subject to start from. After trying the different tasks, for example; going through a Thesaurus and looking up alternative words and then creating a new phrase...

My first idea had been about flip books and creating people and animals in three sections but removing the middle. Felt it was maybe too simple and obvious, I wanted an image people stopped to look at and I didn't think this idea would achieve it.

It wasn't until I had come across a news segment about new developments into the Greenbelt between Cheltenham and Gloucester that a suitable idea popped into my head. I felt strongly about the subject and had a very clear image in mind that I felt worked really well with my phrase.

First rough sketches of two images for the phrase: Remove the middle, extend the edges

Pencil roughs of final two ideas...

I am taking the first rough further as I feel it is a more resolved image than the second, and I think it would suit my way of working and be a better representation of my work. So the next stage is to decide on medium and process.

Pen and Ink overlaid with Gouache

Scanned or photographed, altered basics

Originally I was going to use layers of emulsion, newspaper and gouache, but after producing a ground, I decided that the image was better suited to pen and ink because of the detail of the drawing. 

Ground of emulsion, newspaper and gouache, scanned and altered colour/exposure

I like this piece as a ground, and I think that the texture and colour could compliment the final line drawing if overlaid. I also need to think about incorporating the phrase into the image, because I think the image would have more impact, and meaning?

Not entirely convinced about this as a ground. I really like the colours etc, but not sure it really suits the image??

Layouts for text with image

The two incorporating the text within the image work better, but am not sure which one out of the two I prefer... Will try them both out, and make sure I work the text in at the start, as part of the image and not as an add on! Asked others opinion on text, but most felt it didn't add anything much to the image.

JAMES GILLRAY

These are some examples of Gillray's work that are hand coloured etchings. This type of process is similar to what I have started for my piece, especially how I introduce colour into the work. His pieces often contain elements of satirical humour, and the bizarre. 

SHAUN TAN

These examples of Tan's work are fantastical worlds or cityscapes. There are elements of industrial components and grand scales with his use of composition and perspective. The overall effect is epic. The use of tone gives depth and reality to the images rather than allowing them to be flat and static.

WILLIAM BLAKE

These examples of Blake's work have very clear and considered compositions which balances the pieces when viewed. The lines create textures and depth, and the colour palettes while mainly subdued compliment the pieces and add atmosphere and an element of the fantastical/ otherworldly.

(notes on Indesign)

I felt with this attempt I hadn't been as successful with the ground as in the previous attempt. The angles on the first city ( the bulldozer bit!) are wrong and the clouds of pollution are too much!! I didn't want the cities to be too distinguishable because they needed to be a generic example, but they had to have some details to add character, style and shape.

Final original image- Pen and ink, gouache, charcoal and chalk... Better depth and angles on the bulldozer- much prefer the ground. Border round whole piece frames image and I think looks better than having it bleed off the page.  The colours are ok, but will tweek them in photoshop... not sure whether it looks more striking in B/W though?! May have a problem with variety of tones if changed to grayscale...