Artist research: Rosalind Hobley:

Hobley is a London based artists working mainly in cyanotypes and photogravure, in this first image I can see that the blue tones are showcased in a gradient. Darker around the edges and slowly getting lighter until there is white in the middle, this allows for there to be a focal point to the work and I think the change in tones helps to emphasise the shadows and curves of each individual petal. I also believe that this helps there to be a sense of depth within the work, and the darkness seems to stretch on forever. The edges of the petals are frilled and in some places jagged there is a delicate balance between fragility and aggression. When I look at this work I notice how the petals are curve around and lean on each other, they seem to rely on one and other for support. I think that this helps to create an atmosphere of fellowship, they need each other and with each other they are never lonely. I noticed that there seems to be a slightly grainy texture to this image and the shadowy sections of the petals are slightly patchy. I believe that this element allows the work to feel aged and dated, reminiscent of the early victorian cyanotypes and creating a sense of authenticity and originality. 

In this second piece I immediately notice that the blue tones are more vibrant that in the first. Rather that the colours merging into a more muted blue with grey tones the colour seems brighter and bolder. The composition of the piece is similar to the first with the flower being the focal point and the white tones highlighting this fact, however, this image is of the underside of the flower giving a slightly different perspective. I think that the quality of this work is higher that the previous work as instead of getting a grainy finish, every crease, line and curve seems to be visible. The straighter lines that can be seen are smooth and direct and blend seamlessly into the frills around the edge of the flower petals, they blend strength into a more delicate feeling. The small hairs that can be seen on the flower stem only add to this effect, they are fine and intricate and create a sense of fragility while the actual stem is thicker and more resilient, they clash and contrast each other showing the duality of nature. When I look at the overall work, I am reminded so much of a jellyfish floating in the dark abyss of the ocean. The petals seem to ripple along the edges as if being swayed by the current and white tones that fade into a deeper, royal blue seem to swallow the edges of the flower, beckoning it into its depths.