Final

I believe that my most successful work was my Muhammad Ali Print. I developed my craft by exploring my carving capabilities when transferring my subject image to my carving template. My carving tools were essential in this process as it was important to choose the correct size to get the proper amount of detail in my image. These tools were also key in creating texture in my final print in both the subject and the background. I really wanted to focus on the emotion in the boxer's face. I wanted to show the elation and pride in the wake of victory. In order to do this I added very small detail in his facial expression to convey the intricacies of his feelings.
     I think that the most challenging project was my Tree Painting. This was most difficult because I really had to focus on proportionality and making things look real. This was definitely the most complex painting I have done so it took the most time and effort to complete. The final work is much more developed than my preliminary ideas. While my first effort had the basics of the image, I spent a lot of time developing the shadows and depth of the painting. I made these changes in order to make the painting more cohesive and look more real to the viewer. One problem that emerged was keeping the shadows consistent with the perspective as well as keeping the vanishing points the same for all aspects of the image. I solved these problems by keeping my focus on these aspects as I made progress. I also altered some of the shadows to be more consistent with the lighting.
     I really feel that I have greatly improved my drawing ability. I think my final work shows this development in comparison to the beginning of the year. My ability to use line to convey meaning and form is loads better than it used to be. I also think that my ability to focus on composition as a whole has improved. Where I could focus on specific aspects of a drawing, I now am able to see how certain aspects of my painting work with other aspects to create a full composition. I think that the fullness of my ideas has improved greatly. I now delve deeper into my artwork and go further in developing an idea. My ability to see and draw from that sight has also improved. This final landscape project has helped me do that and keep a certain perspective in mind while drawing. All of this improvement has made me a much better artist. I am very proud of my development.