Mono Printing

I did lots of mono prints using vintage circus posters, I wanted to use the technique of mono printing because it adds a retro look to the image. I did the mono prints on different surfaces to see the different effects it would create, I used envelope pages, sugar paper and maps. I think the most successful surface was the plain paper because it creates a clearer image, I liked how the maps looked and symbolised circus around the world, however it is a detailed background meaning it was harder to see my circus images. Some of my mono prints were more effective than others because I used too much ink therefore it smudged some of my images. To add extra detail to these prints I used gouache to add colour to certain elements on the images that I want to stand out, such as the outfits the performers are wearing, this was successful because it added definition to the images.

 

Peer Critique of my mono prints 

• Clear prints
• Good use of colour to transform it from a black and white image into a colourful piece of art 
• Like use of different backgrounds because they relate to the circus
• To improve do a very large mono print, see how it makes a difference doing it in a larger scale

Mark making tests and artist

In an expressive quick fire mark making exercise, we drew 14 circles and had 20 seconds to respond to a word using mark making techniques; I used a range of media, including pencil, ink and fine liner to represent words such as “Flowing, Broken and Delicate”. I really enjoyed this task as it allowed me to be expressive and creative without thinking too hard. From this mark making tests it has inspired me to explore using pointillism and continuous line drawings in my visual studies as they are easy ways of transforming a basic drawing into something that has more depth.

From the mark making experiment I took the continuous line technique and applied it to my circus themed visual studies. I looked at drawing the circus performers using a continuous line as I wanted to see if it would bring life and energy to the images. I really like how the drawings show the personality of the performers; the continuous line helps to represent the hustle and bustle of the circus. From these continuous line studies I want to do a long piece of artwork, drawing all the different performers using a continuous line joining them together showcasing they are a team who are in unison.  

An artist who I found called Melissa Mason uses many mark making techniques in her abstract paintings. She’s a Florida based artist who makes large scale gestural paintings using ink and acrylic, a lot of her artwork looks at horses. I am inspired by the fluid lines she uses and how her paintings portray rhythm and movement.

·         Melissa Mason, https://www.melissamason.me/  (27.03.2019)