Writings

Proposal #1

For the first project I will be using acrylic on canvas to create a piece describing the way people abuse dogs by having dog fights. The canvas will have a portrait of an fierce looking dog straining against a tight leash. I want the dog to appear ferocious and angry but I  want to show the fear in its eyes in a way that will prove its innocence. As far as technique, I will be practicing using an impressionistic style with thick brushstrokes. I might also add some small 3-D embellishments such as studs or spikes on the collar of the dog to convey my message further. I would also like to incorporate mixed media because that is one of the traits that is going to be prevalent throughout the series. It might be harder to incorporate another piece of media but I was considering using newspaper to appear like headlines and an article faintly etched in the background of the canvas.

Proposal #2

The second piece in my series of paintings about the mistreatment of animals, my main focus will be on the role of animal fur, skin and feathers in the fashion industry. I will be using acrylic on canvas to create a the scene of a fashion editorial, featuring a model in lush feathers and furs. Like the last project, I intend on using a variety of quick, thick, and thin brushstrokes. I will also use mesh fabrics to create the texture and pattern of snakeskin, and I will add scraps of faux fur and feathers to enunciate the subjects. Through the models body language and facial expressions, I want the viewer to notice how people are blinded by a life of luxury and high social status that the killing of numerous animals (some of which are even endangered) is entirely disregarded and even encouraged. Unfortunately, the fashion industry has convinced society that clothing made of furs and skins are symbols of a lavish wardrobe, high status, and an abundance of wealth — the dream life. I want to show how this has warped society’s minds into being in awe of such an ignorant and arrogant way of living: murdering innocent creatures and turning them into tokens of wealth. 

Proposal #4

For this project I am interested in exploring mixed media, specifically watercolor and ink to convey the concept of animal abuse. The painting will be made by direct observation of organic forms to convey the natural shapes of orcas. I will use ink and black watercolor to create an audience of families and the orca they are observing, they I'll use color to emphasize focal points.

I want to create a scene that depicts a story of the secrets that Seaworld has attempted to keep from the public regarding the mistreatment of their orcas. I've sketched a picture of an orca in a fishbowl with a crowd of people gaping at its size and “tricks”, yet they don't seem to notice the ratio of the animal’s habitat to its size, in addition to the chain that prevents it from leaving. Buried underground beneath the audience’s feet will be a pile of dead orcas to show that attempt to cover up the past. The color being used to emphasize the focal point mentioned above will be splashes of red watercolor on the orcas underground.

For this project I will need to study the form of orcas with several images. In addition I'll need watercolor and a variety of different sized felt tip markers for the ink portion. See my sketch for details. 

Proposal #5

For this project I will be creating my second watercolor landscape study in my Yosemite series. I hope to enhance my abilities with watercolor and challenge myself by creating a scene involving water reflections.

I want to portray the perspectives in which the viewers perceive both nature and art. In this second piece, I will be creating my scene in the shape of a square to support the idea of balance and symmetry in nature, as will be seen in the reflection of the mountains on the water. I intend to explore the concepts of geometric shapes in relation to nature. The square shape is symbolic because it represents the earth as well as its balance. I will be using earth tones in this piece (blues, greens, browns, etc) in order to convey this meaning. 

I will be using a combination of mainly watercolor and some white acrylic, similar to my last project for small detailing such as stars or snow. The watercolors create the loose appearance of water nicely, and the acrylic will allow me to bring out the small details of the landscape. I can also use the watercolor with less of a water concentration to create tight small detailing that is other than snow such as trees.

Proposal #6

For this project, I will be creating the third watercolor landscape study in my Yosemite series.  I will be painting this scene in the shape of a triangle, which will conclude the series nicely (circle, square, triangle). 

This last piece is significant because the triangle represents the apex of power, which is why I decided to illustrate Half Dome as the subject. It is one of the most notable peaks of the national park. I will be creating this scene with Half Dome as the main subject, and I will be using the lighting of the sunset and the sky to bring attention to the peak. Additionally, I will be layering light washes of color to bring clouds or fog around the mountain.

Again, I will be combining watercolor and acrylic to bring out detailing. The lucid effect of the watercolors will hopefully allow me to illustrate a vibrant sunset effectively.