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...

 Willow trees: While visiting my local water sports centre I came across a group of willow trees. I love the cascading branches and flowing form of these trees, the curtains of leaves inviting you to look at what's behind them. As I walked underneath and looked up I felt safe and protected and the leaves and branches were gentle and seemed to sway and flow in the wind to create a calming atmosphere. Willow trees have a lot of spiritual history and symbolise themes of flexibility, resilience and healing, In some cultures they are even known to represent the connection between life and death. I felt drawn to these trees and I think that I would like to somehow include them in my project.

 Artist research: Carsten Peter: Carsten Peter is a photographer, filmmaker, biologist and adventurer. He is a world press photo award winner and has been featured many times in the National Geographic.  This first photograph is of an erupting volcano. when looking at this image I immediately take notice of the bright, intense yellow centre of the lava that is erupting from the top of the volcano. I think that this draws quick attention and acts as a focal point for the entire image. I really love the way that the volcano is in the foreground of the work and the city lights can be seen far off in the distance within the background. It makes it seem as if the volcano is looming over the city waiting to attack. I noticed that there seems to be a clear divide diagonally through the photograph, separating the city and volcano. I believe that this not only creates a contrast the subject of the work, human verses nature, but also in the colours, tone and depth of the piece. The...

Adam Burton: Adam Burton is a leading, self taught landscape photographer in the UK. He has photographed natural areas around the world and specialises in UK landscapes. When looking at this image the first thing that I notice is the intense, warm light that is spilling over the hills and trees. I think that the yellow and golden undertones of the light create this inviting and almost heavenly atmosphere that spreads throughout the image. I really love the wisps of mist that seem to be creeping into the centre of the image and the subsequent shadows that have formed on top it. I believe that this adds a mystical and mysterious element to the work. The fog and shadows seem to dance and intertwine with each other to invoke a more uncertain and hidden atmosphere which I think provides and interesting contrast to the angelic light that seems to be doing its best to ward it off. This photograph has been taken from an Ariel view which allows a broader perspective for the the viewer, it a...

Coastal visit: I decided to document my trip down in Devon, the majority of these photos were taken from one hike that I did while I was there. I wanted to look at seascapes and explore the landscape, colours and tones of an area where the land meets the ocean. This hike was very nostalgic for me, this is a hike that I have done every year since I was little so while photographing the scenery it felt like I was going down memory lane. When I look at the images that I have taken I feel calm, the earthy greens and browns are grounding, the rippling blues of the sea are tranquil and seem to put me at ease and the rugged landscape seems rough but familiar at the same time. I think that there is something about being by the coast that is so relaxing and when I look at these images I feel at home.