Research in Leeds

Sketchbook Studies

PIP DICKENS:
New Works

Progression of Painting

Dickens small sketchbook studies were most inspiring, revealing how she explored the paisley motif in different ways before producing the finished pieces.

Documenting the paintings progression as a sequence of images looks effective since it records a journey as the complexity increases and more components are added. The rich colour palettes depict an affluent world of the Kashmir shawl, yet unlike these elaborate designs the paintings compositions are simple and spacious with refined areas of detail.

Stanley & Audrey

Burton Gallery

Grant W. Miller "PRO-63",

2007, Mixed Media

Similar to my Construction work, this piece is built up in multiple layers: beginning with architectural interiors, symbols and signs, Miller then fragments, edits and adds detail to the work to form a very complex scene. The range of colours, juxtaposition of different viewpoints and overlapping imagery makes it feel hectic and overwhelming since there is a lot of information to take in. He successfully layers both translucent and opaque shapes to either obscure or reveal the structures within.

Vanessa Bell "Triple Alliance",1914 
Collage, Newsprint, oil & pastel

I was attracted to this still life due to its delicate, antiquated appearance. Remnants of old maps and newsprint emerge from beneath painterly layers of oil and pastel, resulting in a worn, textured surface.  I love how Grant uses a variety of fragmented marks to create an overall flow of brushstrokes. Just as these sweeping areas are combined with more refined details, I should consider using different scale marks in my work.

Leeds Art Gallery:
Art & Craft Centre

Glynn Thomas,
 "In The City"

I love these quirky illustrations as they possess a childlike character and narrative yet are executed with thin, accurate lines and realistic details. Thomas has carefully represented the buildings intricate windows and reflection in the water, but at the same time distorted qualities with meandering lines and obscure perspectives. The subdued, sophisticated tones create a composed atmosphere in the city.

Project Space:
 GLAMOURIE

L Foundation,"Ancestor", 2011

This display looks like destructive marks left from unfinished maintenance work: cracked fragmented paint is accompanied by a pattern of drilled holes, electrical wiring and DIY fittings. The piece contains different surface qualities, e.g shiney metal against matt MDF board, with components that project from and also indent into the wall. It shows that unspectacular materials can be made to look significant and interesting in your artwork.