Observational block shape studies

 

For my observational perspective shape studies I drew these simple objects using a range of graded pencils to create a sense of shadow and value. I tried to focus on the basic lines and proportions based on where the objects were placed. I also grounded the piece and added context with a simple line showing the wall in context to the composition. After my feedback, I  added more tone to this piece so that it didn't look as monochromatic as when I had initially shaded it. I wanted to make the edges look more defined and the piece pop more as a whole.

This was an initial speed sketch that I completed as I wanted to get used to shading shapes in this way. The tones and perspective of this piece are inaccurate so, when I was drawing my final piece for this weeks task, I had to take the errors I had made on this into consideration. The shading in this speed sketch is also fairly untidy and inaccurate. This is something that I also later tried to improve as I spent more time on the other drawing and carefully observed the tones further.

3 Point perspective + second attempt

 

For my 3 point perspective piece, I chose to draw the Midland bank in Leicester because I liked the interesting points of perspectives and angles and wanted to try to replicate them. I think I was able to capture the detail of the house well; however, on the left side of the piece, the perspective is slightly wrong. I was pleased with my shading on this finished piece; however, my perspective accuracy needs some more work. After receiving feedback on this piece of work, I am going to have another attempt using a different building which will allow me to show more accuracy within the perspective. When starting this next piece, I will ensure that I get the perspective right before starting to shade. As I found this task challenging, I will spend more time focusing on the perspective lines before anything else. I hope that my next attempt will look more accurate as I will focus on these elements rather than getting lost in the details of the building itself.

Process- Here is a picture from part way through shading my architectural study.

Attempt 2:

For my second attempt at this week's task and after receiving feedback, I decided to draw this building in Manchester as I wasn't in Leicester at that time. I liked how you could clearly pick out the perspective lines in this building and thought it would be a good opportunity for me to have a go at improving my architectural perspective work, using my previous attempt and feedback as guidance. This time, I made sure that my vanishing points were clear and accurate before I started adding in the details. As you can see, I kept the lines from the initial sketch on the drawing. I focused more on getting the accuracy of the elements right rather than including a lot of detail. Receiving the feedback and being able to complete the task again, really helped me to practise and understand more the importance of getting the base perspective more accurate.

To aid my drawing, I also did an initial thumbnail sketch of the building so that I could see where the perspective lines needed to be. This helped me when starting on my final pass to begin the drawing confidently, knowing where I should be laying down the vanishing points and perspective lines.

This was my initial sketch using the vanishing points that I had previously established. Throughout this piece, I was extremely careful to draw everything as accurately as possible so that, as I added more detail, the building would look convincing and correct perspective wise..

Here is a final progress sketch when I had started adding the details to the windows.  Throughout the drawing process, I was constantly adjusting parts that weren't accurate compared to other elements, making sure to take what I had previously learnt into account. I think this attempt was more successful than the first as I tried to apply my developed understanding.

Treasure chest texture- Chinese fire crystal

 After finishing my modelling process I then went on to hand painting my chest on photoshop using the exported UV template of my unwrapped chest. I spent a long time painting each element of the chest to try and show the difference between each texture clearly. My concept for this chest was a Chinese fire crystal theme so I wanted to use a warm harsh toned colour pallet. I chose to paint the wood to look like a mahogany as I thought this would compliment the fire crystals well along with the Chinese theme, as red is a colour used in Chinese artwork and it represents fire in china and suggests good luck and happiness. I also used the Chinese character for 'Death', I thought this would be an interesting contrast between the implied theme of good fortune and would add a conflicting and dark atmosphere to the chest. For the inside of the chest I drew Chinese coins to fit the theme. I drew the texture in greyscale and then applied gradient maps over each layer. 

Here is my original greyscale drawing, done on photoshop.

Here is the fully coloured render UV ready to import onto the model.

I was pleased with how the texture looked on the chest however next time I think I would add some wear and tear onto the metal of the chest and also add a metallic map onto it to bring out the textures more. I would also like to add a glow to the gem on the outside and inside of the chest.