Artists

Ms. Toad

(34,185 posts) Mon Apr 29, 2024, 04:02 AM Apr 29

First of two major projects in my drawing class. (Updated with a better image + close-up details)

Last edited Mon May 6, 2024, 05:46 PM - Edit history (2)

The goal was to ignore content and focus on composition and values. We tossed all our images from the semester on the floor, arranged them looking at composition (lines, values, etc.) without worrying about the content of each image. Not something I do naturally. Then we had to create a new drawing from the bits and pieces.

After the first draft, my professor suggested that it reminded him of a dynamic symmetry grid (kind of like the rule of thirds on steroids). So I ran with it (at least loosely for placement of lines and items). He also wanted scale change - hence the drops that go from small to large (in a mathematical ratio) - and pygmy seahorses (about 3/4" tall) that take up around a third of the page.

This is made from two 22 x 30" pieces of paper.

There's some chromatic aberration that isn't in the actual drawing, and the seahorses are missing some of the detail. I may update later with close-ups of them.

There are definitely parts of it I like. Not sure if I like the whole.

ETA: Updated the image, and added close-ups below.

Web at the top with the brick detail from underneath visible:

Seahorse and splash detail:

Intersecting ripple detail:

Through the underpass (you can see the split betwen the two 22" x 30" pieces of paper here).:

Drop detail:

13 replies

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First of two major projects in my drawing class. (Updated with a better image + close-up details) (Original Post) Ms. Toad Apr 29 OP

I like it! Haggard Celine Apr 29 #1

Mesmerizing GrapesOfWrath Apr 29 #2

Well done! DarthDem Apr 29 #3

It is an interesting drawing. The most striking (and well done) thing here for me is the PatrickforB Apr 29 #4

There's a lot to like here. Good blend of realism and surrealism. Successful project! You have a talent! keopeli Apr 29 #5

I like it too! 2naSalit Apr 29 #6

This is wonderful. Diamond_Dog Apr 29 #7

This is absolutely wonderful! Goddessartist May 5 #8

I'll take some Monday and post them. Ms. Toad May 5 #9

Oh wonderful! Goddessartist May 5 #10

I added close-ups to the original post. n/t Ms. Toad May 6 #11

Fabulous! Goddessartist May 6 #12

Thank you. Ms. Toad May 6 #13

Haggard Celine

(16,871 posts)

1. I like it!

Reply to Ms. Toad (Original post)

Mon Apr 29, 2024, 04:35 AM

Apr 29

For some reason, it has a calming effect. Keep practicing. Looks like you've got some talent, so keep at it. I like this drawing, though. I'd hang it on my wall!

GrapesOfWrath

(525 posts)

2. Mesmerizing

Reply to Ms. Toad (Original post)

Mon Apr 29, 2024, 05:37 AM

Apr 29

I love it!

DarthDem

(5,258 posts)

3. Well done!

Reply to Ms. Toad (Original post)

Mon Apr 29, 2024, 06:22 AM

Apr 29

I like it a lot. You are *very* talented! Bravo.

PatrickforB

(14,618 posts)

4. It is an interesting drawing. The most striking (and well done) thing here for me is the

Reply to Ms. Toad (Original post)

Mon Apr 29, 2024, 06:27 AM

Apr 29

treatment of the sky in the arched window. The cloudy sky with the sun and its rays is very good.

keopeli

(3,530 posts)

5. There's a lot to like here. Good blend of realism and surrealism. Successful project! You have a talent!

Reply to Ms. Toad (Original post)

Mon Apr 29, 2024, 06:48 AM

Apr 29

2naSalit

(87,158 posts)

6. I like it too!

Reply to Ms. Toad (Original post)

Mon Apr 29, 2024, 07:37 AM

Apr 29

Like collage but not. It does have a theme of sorts, like; "Things In Water" or something.

Diamond_Dog

(32,291 posts)

7. This is wonderful.

Reply to Ms. Toad (Original post)

Mon Apr 29, 2024, 08:56 AM

Apr 29

Your composition and rendering is splendid. I could see this as a poster on a college kid’s wall or maybe a record album cover (if they still do those any more). Nice work!

Goddessartist

(1,927 posts)

8. This is absolutely wonderful!

Reply to Ms. Toad (Original post)

Sun May 5, 2024, 09:42 AM

May 5

I love it and I think you nailed the assignment!

Yes, close ups please!

Ms. Toad

(34,185 posts)

9. I'll take some Monday and post them.

Reply to Goddessartist (Reply #8)

Sun May 5, 2024, 10:38 AM

May 5

It's been selected as one of the pieces to go in the accreditation show next spring. (Specialized schools go through accreditation processes every 5-ish years to prove they are in compliance with the specialization - part of the art school's process is to select student works to turn the entire school into one big art gallery. So far, I've got 4 pieces selected - with one more of the foundation classes to go.)

So I'll take close-ups before the piece vanishes for several months.

Goddessartist

(1,927 posts)

10. Oh wonderful!

Reply to Ms. Toad (Reply #9)

Sun May 5, 2024, 11:15 AM

May 5

Brava! Looking forward to seeing them!

Ms. Toad

(34,185 posts)

11. I added close-ups to the original post. n/t

Reply to Goddessartist (Reply #8)

Mon May 6, 2024, 05:34 PM

May 6

Goddessartist

(1,927 posts)

12. Fabulous!

Reply to Ms. Toad (Reply #11)

Mon May 6, 2024, 07:33 PM

May 6

You've made a fantastic piece!

I love how you put the split of the two pieces!

Brava!

Ms. Toad

(34,185 posts)

13. Thank you.

Reply to Goddessartist (Reply #12)

Mon May 6, 2024, 07:54 PM

May 6

I struggled with making the top and bottom feel like a an integrated piece. It was actually one of my classmates who suggested an underpass that would level out the water and make it more believable. Once I had that idea, it was a short step to the sun and clouds peering through.

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