FMP (27/5/16)

And here is my final piece.

Evaluation

Evaluation – Unit 8 – FMP

For our Final major project the word 'Structure' was given to us. We got told to interpret this word however we wanted and that we could use our imaginations to create a good quality final project. At first I was slightly nervous about the project, I started researching into plant cells, buildings, humans, the body and I couldn't manage to pin point and exact way in which I wanted to go. All I knew is that I was an abstract artist and loved to express myself using thick layers of paint, bold brush strokes, mixed media, and mark making. After a fun visit to York I came home with a busy mind. I gathered lots of photographs of buildings and architecture that really inspired and intrigued me however I wanted to link my expressive style in with them. I decided I would focus my work throughout this project on buildings and the textures they hold; also alongside that I looked closely into the abstract styles of art I truly love which show the heavy layers of acrylic and detailed mark making that I can relate to.

Throughout my sketchbook and canvas pieces I linked both abstraction and architecture together to create pieces which show the style I am comfortable with. This was why I called my project 'archi-texture'. During the project I have filled my sketchbook with all kinds of personal studies, artist research and experimental work. I have really appreciated and enjoyed the time I have been offered to research the artists that truly inspire me such as Jackson Pollock, Cy Twombly and Brice Marden and others. All the artist research I have collected has really helped me to expand my knowledge and techniques in fine art using experimental work. I have looked at many different materials and incorporated these into my art work creating mixed medium pieces. I have experimented greatly with collaging and using scrap / unused materials such as; magazines, bits of metal and cardboard. I have also looked deeply into different effects and textures in which a palette knife can create using different sizes and working from a variety angles.

I have visited a variety of exhibitions and art galleries such as York art Gallery and the Yorkshire sculpture park in order to gather information and broaden my knowledge on different styles of art work I wouldn't usually be interested in.

Whilst working on my FMP I have produced a number of small canvases in the lead up to my larger main piece. These canvases all got produced as part of my development work and each canvas holds different techniques and methods I wanted to try out. These smaller canvases helped me a lot when going on to starting my main canvas. They gave me guidance and inspiration and a much clearer idea on how I wanted my main piece to look and the feelings I wanted it to give. I have worked a lot on large sheets of paper throwing paint (action painting) and loosely drawing on them this has given me the confidence to then go onto my main piece with a similar relaxed attitude towards it. Creating my main piece meant that I had to get into a rhythm and relax myself. I couldn't be too precious about the piece or the final outcome wouldn't be the way I wanted it. I also had to focus on colour and texture which are all parts of the elements and principles of art. I looked into shape and form when I sketched over the top of my paintings using oil pastels creating shapes that go smoothly with the bold colours I matched together using certain complimentary colours. Purples and yellows, pinks and oranges where the main colours I started with on my main piece.

The only problems I discovered during this project are simply with the main piece itself. I found it really difficult to stick to a certain idea and I found myself feeling conscious of ruining the work I had created by adding more. However once I got over that hurdle I managed to build up a good texture and some bright layers of colours and techniques. Throughout the project I have been trying to keep up to my work and avoid issues that could crop up especially with time management. I have been doing this by filling out the SMART target sheet given to me by my tutor. This has simply helped me organise my time well and ensure I'm giving myself enough space to get things done. I have been following this quite seriously so I am not behind and don't miss any important bits of work out due to me forgetting. I have also been recording everything that I do and produce on my blog helping me remember what I have done during that week. This has just given me a good plan of action throughout the project helping me achieve better. I wouldn't do anything differently when looking at my final piece. I really love the bright, bold, complimenting colours and the many different marks dotted around. I feel my main piece looks great, it's not how I expected it to turn out however I feel that it has gone better. It's something I'm very proud of and I feel gives great happiness to look at.

When showing my peers, family and friends my main piece many have pointed out certain parts which they feel look like objects. For me that shows that my art work has had the exciting effect I wanted. Comparing my evaluation to my project proposal I do feel like my ideas have differed. My plans have changed many times and my ideas have adjusted. However; I still feel I have met the requirements I set for myself in my project proposal and I'm very pleased with the outcome of my final project. I think my end of year show will look extremely simple due to the fact we're only allowed our main pieces. I think it could be really effective though due to my vibrant work. I will also have a stand with some sheet work I have produced to show the audience to show a good variety. I had a plan to present some canvases I created on a large easel and I really liked the layout. However, the teachers didn't think it looked appropriate enough for the final show. I have also been preparing for my final presentation by carefully picking out the photographs that best show my journey through this project. I have met each of the seven unit 8 assessment criteria. I have managed to do this by creating 3 different mind maps. One mind map on structures in general, one on buildings and one on the assessment criteria’s from these assessment criteria’s I have put together my own project proposals and set my own smart targets.

Overall I think that this project has been a brilliant one. I have loved working in the style that I am passionate about and looking into the artists that truly inspire me. I have enjoyed every minute when creating my main piece and seeing it transform and grow has been really fulfilling.