DEFINING SURFACE TEXTURE IN PORTRAITURE

Beavers, Eric DEFINING SURFACE TEXTURE IN PORTRAITURE. 2013. Radford University, Thesis. Radford University Scholars' Repository.

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Abstract

This thesis covers the particular steps and techniques involved with my production of graphite and watercolor portraits. The introduction explains my personal view of the relevance of a portrait and how more traditional mediums are capable of capturing more of the likeness and personality of an individual than mere photographs. Through developing an intimate understanding of my subjects, I recreate what I see through traditional art mediums. This progressively broadens my depth of perception and my understanding of reality, which, in turn, enriches my appreciation of perceptive existence. I begin my thesis by explaining my artistic approach along with my visual and historical/cultural influences. In producing artwork, I have very little visual influences from other artists. Much of my aesthetic influence has more to do with various cultures from ancient history, when artwork was meant to be functional rather than mere decoration. Art, especially portraits, had more of a purpose then. For example, many rendered likenesses of ancient Egyptians were thought to occasionally house the souls of the deceased individuals. In ancient Rome, actual realism was meant to honor the individual as well as the characteristic visual traits of his family. I try to keep this in mind when producing my own artwork, to be functional as well as decorative. In my portrait artwork, I put strong focus on likeness, expression, and surface textures. Experimenting with various artistic mediums allows me to capture likeness, expression, unique character, and a nice variety of textures with transparent and opaque watercolors. Watercolor is commonly an unforgiving medium. Through my study and experimentation of techniques in other mediums, I have formed a process that makes watercolor much more forgiving and adjustable. The strong focus on detail and study of surface texture in my paintings broadens my visual interpretation and, in turn, directly reflects back into my drawings. I go on to describe reference material and the process on how I digitally adjust images (photographs) in order to help establish a strong sense of contrast in my finished artwork. Drawing and watercolor tools and materials are thoroughly covered, which also includes different surfaces and how they perform. Step-by-step tutorials of my portrait drawing and watercolor painting techniques is also included. The thesis is concluded with my future plans for my artwork. I plan to continue to develop my artwork regardless of my profession (whatever it may be), but I do not desire in any way to simplify my artwork to make it more marketable. I have a deep appreciation in understanding how I develop my drawings and paintings because this act of creation has many benefits. The techniques I learn through creating artwork continues to progressively expand my visual boundaries and interpretation. I create what I am capable of seeing. As I learn more, I see more. This, in turn, expands my depth of perception, increases my range of emotion, and enhances my appreciation of life.

Item Type:	Thesis
Subjects:	N Fine Arts > NX Arts in general
Divisions:	Radford University > College of Visual and Performing Arts > Department of Art
Date Deposited:	06 Dec 2013 19:23
Last Modified:	20 Apr 2023 12:51
URI:	http://wagner.radford.edu/id/eprint/146

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