Thoughts of a Madman- IB Art Jr. Year

Artist Statement

Art is an emotional release for me. It allows me to explore and distance myself from the problems of the day. I love exploring the fantasy genre because it helps me do this.

I first began drawing in the first grade around the time I first picked up a pencil. My drawings began as doodles and evolved into the drawings they are today. I have always loved graphite but discovered my true love this year, charcoal.

When I begin a drawing I try to focus on one particular topic that has been in my mind. This topic comes mainly from the books I read at the time. The primary characters of my art are from books. Yet sometimes my pieces are inspired from history. The historical period that has had the most impact on my art has been Third-century Germany. This inspiration has been the same in my art from the piece about Harry Dresden to the piece about the Carolingian templar.

In my art I try to convey a gritty feel, one that accents and presents seriousness. I do this through contrasting heavy shadows and bright highlights. Also, I try to convey this feel through less blending and rougher edges. The way I do this is by first applying a charcoal ground and then using a gum eraser to pull out the highlights in the subtractive process. Then I add rough, dark lines in the additive process to give shadows and rough edges.

I believe that I have grown the most in my artistic career this year. I have grown from having only a rough understanding of composition to having an expansive knowledge of how to draw the viewer's eyes to my subject. This understanding has matured from experimentation with odd topics such as splatter painting in my acrylic painting and mixed media in my second charcoal painting.

Overall, I strive to create a body of works that expresses my love of fantasy while providing my viewers with a fine understanding of how to escape reality.

Friday, May 27, 2011

West Point

Well guys, tomorrow I leave for the US Military Academy in West Point for a week. There I will experience all of the wonders of being a cadet. After that I'll be in Colorado Springs for the USAFA summer seminar. *Sigh* Two weeks away from home... I miss it already....

Your humble artist,
Jack

BTW- Wish me luck!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog everyone! First, I would like to say that I'm grateful that you're viewing this site. Second, I hope you enjoy my art and be sure to share and follow!