Something fishy's going on

With applying to university,comes sending off a portfolio of work, standard. So I thought I would post a selection of my work from my portfolio, mainly done over the last year.

 This was from a figure project where I worked especially on drapery, I was very pleased with this mostly because I managed to finish it pretty quickly without it seeming rushed. (Acrylic)

This is one of my favourite pieces from my most recent project on 'identity', I focussed on the figure - more particularly the face, letting the body blend into the background. (acrylic & pencil)

This is one of the few 3D pieces I have done, inspired by an animal skull and under the title of 'empty spaces'; referring to the empty space inside the skull and what would have once been there. I must admit I was a bit creeped out at first by thought that I was holding what used to be a live animals head, but after a while there seemed a kind of beauty to it.

Again, under the title of 'identity', I like the sharpness created by the monotone and the way the tracing paper blurs the background. I seem to have developed a thing for painting on tracing paper, not sure why. (acrylic on tracing paper)

This was one of the first paintings I did with oil paint (well, a type of oil paint), it was quite large (A1ish?) and took a while, but I was pleased with the end result. This was actually exhibited in a local art gallery over last summer along with some other work from my college. 

These last three are all from my exam  project last year, the last was my final piece and was also exhibited over the summer. I think the title was 'shine' (?) focussing on the shine of water on skin. (pencil on newsprint, acrylic & PVA and acrylic, respectively)

Hopefully I'll be able to put up some more architecture orientated work soon, also I've got a new book which I might tell you about 

Jess (:

Up in the clouds

Its seems forever ago when I last went away to Italy, but it was actually only in July. I've been a couple of times with school for music (managed to get on the trip with my poor flute skills), but I really wanted to go because of the rich texture of the buildings out there, the intricacies highlighted by the burning sun. I love the relaxed atmosphere created by the culture and the warmth - it makes it easier to simply admire the architecture (or maybe that's just the effect of being a tourist?). Anyway, here are some of my favourites (:

The colosseum in Verona, quite tiring getting to the top but it's such an beautiful panoramic view of the city it's definitely worth it. I'm always amazed when you get inside because of the sheer size of the space (ok so always means twice, but still), I do have a photo of the inside but I can't find it, so maybe another time? Besides, I doubt a photo could portray the atmosphere created when you're actually there - so if you ever get the chance, go.

The look of the tall buildings with their layers of balconies has always appealed to me, I like the idea of stepping onto a balcony and having conversations with the people on the surrounding balconies. Or perhaps it's just the symmetry they add.

This is the famous Juliet's balcony (as you might be able to tell from the tourists..) it's difficult to talk about the  history of the place when really it's packed with people wanting to see the spectacle of romance, so there's more a sense of excitement and the mystery of what may have actually occurred there.

Now, back to the cold streets of England.. Hopefully I'll be able to go back there again one day, but as this is my last year of school I think I'll have to find another way to get a visit in. Somewhere so beautiful can't show you all it's secrets in one day.

Jess (: