Summer 10 [Final]

 Using the tonal washes of blue I tested three vague building shapes to discover which was more successful in suggesting the presence of a high rising apartment block whilst not being overtly detailed.

After some consideration and a small amount of conference with peers it was decided that the third building was the most impressive due to the way it gave the impression of depth. It was also noted that the building should be centred, allowing for sky to appear on both sides.

 I immediately scaled up the building and superimposed it above a wash that I had prepared earlier. I found the effect quite acceptable. I chose discoloured paper, rather than card so that the building would in perhaps blend into the exterior border.

I was not entirely impressed with the final illustration. I hope that at least it was clear, and it did indeed answer the brief by showcasing 10 variations. However I struggled with the gouache process that I developed. I first drew the characters in pencil and applied blocks of colour to form each distinctive body part or item of clothing, I would then add the waterproof ink to create the outlines... Finally I cut each separate figure out using a scalpel. The final step of the process was extremely rushed because of the struggle with the gouache.

I chose to unify the colour palette to blue, in order to prevent a confusing mess of colour clashing. To this extent it was successful, however the skill I exerted in the quality of the drawing was not admittedly my best. And I deeply regret not practising with gouache before hand. I have certainly learnt a lesson.

During the period of peer criticism I received 2 notes applauding my use of tone, texture and line. Otherwise there was praise for the successful use of a limited palette.

Despite the feedback I am quite disappointed in the result, given the chance to repeat the project I would hope to refine the process involved with gouache painting, and perhaps find a more economic way to separate the figures using a process other than cutting, or at least a better way of cutting them out.