Assignment 3: Preparation

I did these two sketches today. I like the potential of contrasting colour and light effect between the front of the West facing houses on the right to the dark purple/grey foreboding of the sky.

Both drawings are in my sketchbook, which is – somewhat awkwardly – square rather than “A” series aspect ratio. This does mean that, when it comes to laying the foundations of the final piece, I shall have that little bit of extra space necessary to add interest to the bottom right hand corner in the form of a subtle (I hope) hint at a pair of lovers entwined created by the sinewy branches of the hedge.

I went to see the Leon Spilliaert exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts last weekend and came away inspired by his seamless use of mixed media. Although I do not wish to mimic his work too faithfully, I do feel it would be no bad thing to be able to name him as an influence.

Before embarking upon this course, my work leant more on the side of the erotic and sensual in content and style. When it comes to this subject I find myself rather hesitant to discuss it openly outside my inner circle. In this picture I feel the inclination to allow myself a somewhat looser rein having seen this couple naturally formed in a hedge in St Albans. At once at home and at odds with their suburban environment, they appeared to beg to become immortalised as such.