Painting

Making Process - Catharsis

In this painting, the shower is a place of reflection. I wanted the style to be hyperrealistic, to enhance the message that reflection can culminate in clarity of thought. The painting had to be in colour to fit with the theme of enlightenment. 

However, it was not my aim to replicate a photograph but to create a painting which incorporated photographic elements while staying true to my artistic intentions. For example, I slightly distorted my subject’s face, to make the eyes the focal point. By widening the eyes and setting them so they cover the width of the woman’s face, I wanted to emphasise her sense of understanding and wonder. I also wanted a hint of fear to be present in the eyes, alluding to a realisation of sinister truths. I blended blues and purples in certain areas of the face, and especially around the eyes, to make the painting more vibrant. Finally, I exaggerated the amount of water and made the rivulets appear more clearly than in a photograph, so as to highlight the shower setting. 

During the painting process, I began with the eyes and built the face around them. A size 0 paintbrush was used to add detail. Small dots were added to the skin to resemble pores and enhance the hyperrealistic style.

Painting Stage 1

Painting Stage 2

Painting Stage 3

Detail 1

Detail 2

Making Process - Colourwash

In this painting, the shower is a place of rejuvenation. The hints of blue, purple and pink in the water contrast the rest of the painting and bring life back to the image, mirroring my thematic concern. In the background, blurred rectangular shapes do not distract from the face. The blurred shapes also portray the hazy, humid shower atmosphere. 

Painting Stage 1

Painting Stage 2

Painting Stage 3

Making Process - Insomnia

Painting Process 1

Painting Process 2

Painting Process 3

Title: Composition for Insomnia Media:pencil on paper, string

Title: Self-portrait in dim lighting
Medium: acrylic paint on canvas

In this painting, the different stages of a person’s mental decline are traced. Their “descent into darkness” is mirrored in my choice to make this a long piece, starting with a subtly glum expression at the top and ending with a screaming figure at the bottom. 

I wanted this piece to be large and decided on a 50 x 100 cm canvas. By having my faces close to life-size, the realism of the piece is greater. Realism was important: I wanted it to seem as though a real anguished person is depicted, making the artwork more striking. The thick, vibrant application of colour contrasts the black background and adds a sense of urgency and violence to the image: a desire to escape. The outstretched palms of the screaming figure make it seem as though there something like glass in front of her, a physical barrier preventing her escape.