Odilia Bird FDA

Acrylic seascapes: It has been a very long time since I have used acrylics in my work. I started off with acrylics when I was first exploring art quickly moved on to different processes, so I really wanted to delve into them again and see if I could improve my skills.  I first started by painting a sea scape based on one of the photographs that I took while down in Devon. One of the things that I found the hardest during this process was the colour mixing and trying to replicate the right shades and tones. I think that I'll have to look into colour theory again to try and refresh my memory and refine my skills. I am quite happy with the outcome of this first painting, it's relatively neat and picturesque. I love the contrast between dark, brooding sky and the warm, inviting sunset. They are parallels that I think invoke conflicting feelings of happiness and melancholy and I find it interesting how the sunset seems to be wedged in-between the dark sky and equally dark sea. It...

 Learning how to sketch trees: Following on from the willow tree sketches I decided to follow some more tutorials on different types of trees. My first attempt was a birch tree, I think that I found this one the most difficult and I struggled to get the shape and form that I wanted. However, overall I do think that I have managed to convey depth and texture within the work and I am proud of the detail that I have managed to add onto the bark.  For the rest of the images I believe that that although they are only minimal sketches I have actually managed to capture an impressive amount of detail. I used a fine liner pen and essentially did a line drawing where I would go over the same part to build up detail and texture while not taking my pen of the paper for most parts. I also included a close up textures sketch on each page so that the viewer can see in more detail the techniques that I have used, as well as a smaller version of the tree where I showcase my improved skil...

 Meghann Riepenhoff: Riepenhoff is an artist who specialises in cyanotypes. Riepenhoff often depicts bodies of water and ice within her work. cyanotypes are a big part of my art practice and they are one of the first processes that I truly fell in love with.  When looking at this image I think that the combination of blues, greens and white create an initial cold and unfeeling atmosphere. Compared to the second work I feel that the cooler tones work together to repel rather than invite in. I really love the delicate lines and intricate detail that can be seen throughout this work, especially the mark son the lower sections. These lines seem to curve and flow outwards away from each other and create formations that remind me of feathers, or per hands they are the tracks of other animals that have been left behind, these seem to blend in and imbed themselves within the icy expanse, invoking an aspect of freedom and life throughout the work. I believe that the darker section...

Artist research: Joe Cornish Joe Cornish is a photographer who stared his career in the 1980s after completing his Fine Arts Bachelors degree at reading university. He has assisted photographer on location and within the studio in both Washington DC and London, and in 2010 he was names one of the worlds 40 most influential nature photographers by Outdoor Photography Magazine.  When looking at this first photograph I think that it is a really mesmerising image, the rays of light that penetrate through the fog and trees create a mystical atmosphere and I believe that this immediately draws the viewer in and invokes a sense of intrigue and curiosity. The light is fighting against the fog to be seen and it's winning. Whenever I see combinations of mist and sunlight within a piece of work I always feel as if there is something ancient within the image calling out to me, it seems to invoke an almost instinctual part of me that is left in awe. I really love the way the mist seems to move ...

 Learning how to draw willow trees: As I have started to be very drawn to willow trees I decided to improve on my drawing skills by following a tutorial on how to do quick sketches of willow trees. I started by doing a loose outline in pencil and then slowly built up detail, texture and depth with a fine liner pen. I did two versions, the first being a larger tree that took up about half the page of my sketch book. The second being a smaller, more refines attempt.  I really love the way that both of the sketches have turned out, I think that each branch and cluster of leaves are defines and stand out, and the darkens areas create depth within the work. The second drawing is definitely darker and contrast with my first attempt. I love how free and loose these drawings feel. There is lots of detail and the fines lines that I have added bunch together to create a clear image but it's not restrictive. I have meticulously drawn every leaf and ridge of bark and I think that thi...

 Artist research: Alexandra Ghimisi Alexandra Ghimisi is an abstract acrylic artist who has had a major influence on my own art practice. She was my first art tutor and introduced me to acrylics, painting and the beauty of abstract art. She also encouraged me to pursue an art education.  The two pieces that I have chosen to analyse are from Ghimisi's newest collection of seascapes. within both images I can see the use of bright and vibrant colours, I think that the use of these colours create lively and upbeat piece of work. The sharp reds, mixed with beige and orange create a warm and inviting expanse of colour within the image, and I believe that this invokes safe and comforting atmosphere. The light blue splits apart the image to create a an estuary running out into the sea, creating a contrast to the darker reds of the beach. I think that the texture in the paint and the way that it has been layers allow there to be a real sense of movement and depth throughout the work, a...