All the art I have posted I believe demonstrates an understanding of several techniques, most of which I was introduced to from the beginning of my National Diploma in Art & Design. Artist research also provided me with a better sense of how to form outcomes, for example during the making of my Clay Head sculpture I was reading books detailing how Giacometti and his perception of people and form translated into his art. This lead me to not only observe my subjects facial proportions and getting the angles precise but also take into account his expression and emotion while creating the piece.
I've also found research prior to creating art helps me judge the standard my work is on. Although direct comparisons to professional artists is not a good idea as they have more experience in the field than I do, it does give me something to aim for even if just as a personal target I could ask myself "Would my art be good enough to be in the same exhibition as this". This type of ambitious mentality along with my realistic approach to giving form to my ideas is what I believe gives me the right state of mind to develop as an artist in my own right naturally. I feel studying art at this level will further enhance my growth as I will be surrounded by dedicated lecturers and students which will only keep me dedicated to my passion.

Portraits - Monochrome Self Portrait

Using various shades of black, white and grey I aimed to build up tone in an attempt to distinguish my features and bring form from the darkness. My application of paint would vary from solid sections of colours to patches of mid-tones.

Suitcase Project - Large Scale Suitcase Drawing

Tone became an important factor as I closely examined how the lighting played a part in the objects inside the suitcase. For a composition this size it was crucial that I captured the proportions of the suitcase in relation to the objects as accurately as I could before even filling any of the items. To make my marks more expressive I drew the entire composition using either charcoal or graphite on the end of a stick the length of my arm, this also made sure I didn't get to close and personal with the drawing as it required an overall view to be precise.

Autobiography - Large scale portrait

Here I concentrated solely on the tonal qualities of my subject who adopted a military like stance so I could aim at capturing the emotion he projected.

Portraits - Life Drawing (seated postion)

In this composition I began to explore not only the body in more detail but also the varying tone it held. My lines were more considerate as the angles of the models limbs required deeper analyzation before attempting to capture it. Tone was established through quickly altering between using the side and point of the charcoal stick.

Life Drawing - Standing Subject

Composition where I appreciated the proportions and figure of the model. Although my marks were fast across the canvas I was constantly looking back at the subject even realizing mistakes and refining it as I go.

Suitcase Project - Conceptual Design Sheet

This was at a point towards the end of my assignment where I needed to make the transition from thoughts and research in my sketchbook to actually deciding how my ideas will take shape. My theme was a visual biography but this really helped me envision how I would present it. I experimented with a collage of family photographs with a stencil of myself which proved to successful enough to be carried into the creation of my final piece.