I explored the subject matter of cityscapes and buildings, in relation to the theme of ‘place’. I would like the viewer to feel nostalgic when they look at my work: The light neutral tones of cathedrals contrast with the vibrantly coloured shades and signs on shop windows, combining different time periods. Focusing more on exteriors and historical buildings, I referenced images of traditional shop fronts and also cathedrals. I went around Winchester - a town known for its history - to look closely at walls made of bricks and stones. Historical buildings are textured with their walls of cracking paint, exposed bricks and stones. As well as the rough textures, shop fronts vary in shape, size, and colour. I also liked the large repetitive windows and the grand arches of cathedrals. My photos were taken from different perspectives to show different textures and shapes that I found interesting.
Observational Sketch
Handmade Collage
Photoshop Collage
Final Piece
My final piece for this project - within the theme of 'Place' - was a mixed-media piece on A3 cartridge paper. The artists who inspired work were Albany Wiseman, John Piper and Sharon Elphick. Firstly, I made a collagraph print of the Westgate and a red brick building, similarly to how Wiseman made his paper lithographs. Making a collagraph with wallpaper and string allowed me to focus more on texture whilst accurately maintaining the buildings’ proportions. I also recreated Piper’s use of heavy mark-making by using a thick layer of red and brown inks for the prints. To add vibrance to the piece, I used acrylics to paint a blue shop on the high street which made a more uplifted outcome. I incorporated Elphick’s method of composition, because I liked the orderly look of her collage of houses and the colours of each house did not overpower each other. To keep a more realistic look to the painting, I painted over the red brick building with acrylics. In addition, I used watercolours to paint over the stone arch to not lose too much of its pattern from the collagraph. Painting over the textured collagraphs added to the depth and warmth of the buildings which made them appear more immersive and inviting. To improve on this piece, I could have enlarged the arch to make a neater arrangement. More shades of grey and blue would recapture the historical element of the Westgate, as well as rounding off the composition. Overall, using the different techniques and filling the page made for a nostalgic, captivating piece.
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