For the 3rd project, we were asked to create a piece of a microorganism or macro shot using any medium. The first thing we had to do was find images of one example of each option. The photos I found are of bacteria and a photo of a mountain range.
After choosing the photos, I began to sketch out the most important shapes and textures within both images. I also decided that I would complete the piece in either pencil or pen instead of watercolor or paint as the sharpness of the images required a medium that had more control.
Above you will be able to see the sketch I completed of the two pieces. Post-completion, I realized that both the mountain range and the bacteria were too difficult to accomplish because of the amount of detail. Our professor warned us of choosing images that were too complex, which I now understand why. With guidance, I found out that I could choose to crop the image so that the amount of detail decreased. In the end, I decided to choose the bacteria as it had more interesting and dynamic shapes and textures.
In class, we were allowed some time to work on our final pieces so I decided to find out how I was going to crop the image and begin sketching it. The section I chose can be found on the bottom left-hand side of the image. I chose this section due to its abundance of the little round shapes and its high amount of depth. Furthermore, I decided to use graphite pencils as my medium because it would allow me to create the details and the depth present within the image.
To begin the final piece, I cut out a piece of paper that measured 9 1/2″ x 12 1/2″. I did this so that I could have a 1/4″ border around the piece making it easier for me to clean the ends. In addition, the frame creates a finished look that benefits it as well.
The materials I used for the piece include:
- Eraser
- Graphite Pencils:
- 6B
- HB
- 2H
- 4H
Progress Picture of Assignment #7
The two major issues I had with this piece are the texture of the round shapes and the overall use of pencils.
To achieve the texture of the round shapes I tried multiple techniques. The first was to create squiggles in a circular motion, however, they ended up making the piece lose its depth. The second and final technique I used was to cut a small piece of eraser to remove the pencil. Although a different shape, the white marks capture the organic surface of the rounded shapes.
I would like to clarify that I do not have much experience with pencils, so this piece definitely put me out of my comfort zone. I tried my hand at crosshatching and buiding multiple shades with the technique, which I found to be somewhat successful. However, at times the crosshatching appeared too messy and muddled. This can easily be rectified with practice to develop swift and even hand movements.
Final Piece: 
