Summer of 2020

Artist’s Statement

While creating this collection, I focused more on finding myself as an artist than having a cohesive collection with a message. Art has always been a hobby of mine and not something that drives me. I believed this was the case because I didn’t have a style but I learned that I didn’t have a style because I hadn’t taken the time to push my art to be more than just a hobby. This collection forced me to make that push yet I used it as an opportunity to figure out who I am as an artist. 

The first few pieces in the portfolio were done in acrylic yet as I dove into colored pencils I realized that is the medium that was meant for me. From there I went to explore color, shapes, lines, the basics, to figure out what I was interested in, which at the time was people and realism. 

Once I made this discovery I continued drawing, focusing on technique but also developing a deeper meaning. The last four pieces in my portfolio are where I focused on meaning, specifically unhealthy coping mechanisms. Although the pieces are not left for much interoperation, I used that to develop and refine technical skills.

While working with colored pencils, I lightly lay down layers of pigment adding more pressure as a I add more details. Often, I will use a mix of natural oils to blend and soften edges or give something a blurry, out of focus look.