In my concentration I wanted to reflect upon the memories of adolescent times as well as focus on the ridiculous shenanigans of children. (Not to say that some of the tendencies don’t evolve or stick as a child ages.) I, also, wanted the piece to ring a nostalgic bell in the viewer’s head. Recalling all those ridiculous moments, where they wish they could disappear when they were a child; but laugh at as they aged. Hopefully, my art will serve as single frame entertainment that plays out as a more intricate story through memories in the viewer’s head.
(yeah... still a work in progress due to its length...)
For the piece titled 'puppy love' I envisioned two children absorbed in 'la la land' because they're totally infatuated with each other. I recall, when I was in elementary school, children usually realized they liked each other on the playground and two things usually happened. One, the rumors of a couple spread like wildfire, even if you didn't know the kids. Two, they ended up spending all their time together swinging, jump roping, etc. However, in this piece, I wanted to emphasize how the rest of the kids went along their own business as these two were in their own world. I know I did.
From an artistic standpoint I didn't really sit down and ask 'what principles/elements of art did this cover?' So I guess I'm required to look at my piece and make it fit. Due to the fact the figures, aside from the couple, are silhouettes this piece uses emphasis to make a point. Proportion helps show the couple's place in the grand scheme: which is amongst everyone else. And, despite the wacky shapes and colors, I'd like to argue there is unity due to the color choice. I also used explosive colored, shapes for the silhouettes, and some movement due to these shapes having action poses, as opposed to the couple.
The Brawl of 5th Grade
The story behind this piece goes like this... In 5th grade this kid named Freddy decided to visit the school after he moved. One way or another he, and this other kid named Brandon, got into a brawl on the kickball field. (the kickball field is where all the action happened) I was playing in the field, at that time, away from the kickball field. Soon, I saw my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Hamblin, rushing across the schoolyard and onto the field with a very serious expression. He, then, grabbed one by the wrist and the other by the ear and pulled them to the principles office. It was quite dramatic. So I wanted to stick it on paper. Funny thing is, this is the only fight I've ever seen when it comes to school. (even Clackamas had fights but, for one reason or another, I missed them)
As for the elements/ principles of art I didn't really take that into consideration. All I knew is that I wanted to have Brandon, Freddy, and Mr.Hamblin, in the foreground, and all the kids in the background. I kinda wanted a balance. The trio would be darkened, in the front, so not too much emphasis would be on them. The kids, on the other hand, would be small and insignificant in the back. But they would still help set the mood for the picture as you viewed their faces and gestures. Therefore, the use of Emphasis was key in this picture. I also wanted value, with the use of color, to help with trying to make an emphasis. As well as balance, so one group of people wasn't overshadowed by the other. Proportion also helped show where the different spectators were in the piece in comparison to where all the action and 'truth' was occurring. There, since the spectators were so small and far away, it allowed them to speculate because there was a degree of separation. I also wanted to try and achieve some space, due to the background, but I fear I didn't really do that...
SOME THINGS POINTED OUT:::
Q: If it's a bright and sunny day where are the kid's shadows on the grass?
A: ... hahahahahaha I forgot about that... (I'll make sure to add that in when the picture is back in my hands)
Q: Where are the kids eyes?
A: I tried to add a cast shadow over them so they couldn't be seen. I was... how do I say this? Kind of like how things in the foreground in movies are blurry so you will focus on the background just as much as the foreground? Kind of like that. I suppose... to sum it up... I wanted it so the viewer wasn't all like 'FOCUS ON THE BIG 3!' and have the kids in the background be overpowered. IDK if that was the best thing to do or if adding in two pairs of eyes really did much.
So yeah! That's about it!
