Alternative Image Making

My self-directed study assignment was to create at least 2 'alternative images' of household objects, without using conventional drawing materials.

I chose to do a cake stand and teacups, partly because they are widely recognised shapes but also because these are the type of objects I am mostly interested in - beautiful, aesthetic and decorative.

I used collage and embroidery to illustrate my design, using layers of wallpaper, brown paper and paper doilies.

Experimental Drawing

As part of my investigation into drawing, I experimented with using unusual methods.

I created 'finger extensions' by attaching pencils to my fingers, and then tried drawing this way, dragging my hand across the sheet to create a series of lines

Handmade Paints

Today I mixed and used my own paints.

I used various pigments such as beetroot, blueberries, rasberries and turmeric to create a range of colours

hand-made paints

colour catalogue

Handmade Brushes

Today I was set the challenge of drawing with handmade tools.

I created a set of unique instruments to draw with,

these included brushes made from grass, cotton wool and even lavender.

Cotton Wool

Sponges

Grass and Lavender

These gave really interesting effects; they were easy to use yet gave unique properties.

I spent a while experimenting with my tools to create a catalogue of mark-making.

mark-making

I then selected some of the most effective techniques and used these to draw my tools.

Cotton wool - drawing

Lavender - drawing

I really enjoyed using instruments that I'd created myself, and will definitely consider using these again within my work.