When I began the research process for this project, I already had an idea in mind for what I wanted to create, so I started with a few simple pencil sketches of what I wanted the figures to look like. Then I tested variations of the characters facial shape. Then I redrew the full idea in pen, testing the two variations I liked best of the character. Then I looked up the definitions of simulation and reality, then I recorded both the standard definition and the urban dictionary definition. I already had my own ideas about our lives as a simulation. I then recorded quotes from popular culture that focused on the topic of simulation, such as The Matrix. From here I began the final paintings. I made sketches on the canvases, then I tested colors by painting them on the sketches. When I was painting the piece, had a hard deciding how to color and shade the characters, so I tried several variations that I then painted over, before settling on three flat shades of color t0 represent value and depth. For the final step I connected both canvases with wire. In my original idea there were three smaller canvas attached to the wires, reminiscent of pixels, but upon hanging it on the wall I removed the small canvas because I decided I liked it better without them. Overall my process consists of testing several ideas and then making small adjustments as I go along.
