I didn't read ahead in the assignments, so when I did the first 2 sketches at my favorite coffee house, I didn't know that I would need to try and use the same objects again. Therefore, I went back today, ordered the same thing (yummy) and did the sketch again. This time however, instead of using my art book (which I did not need to reference and therefore did not want to carry with me) I used a napkin. The reason this glass is empty is because this image took a couple hours to complete, and the beverage was long gone by the time I went into the interior of the glass. I also made some modifications to the ellipse shape of the glass opening, thanks in no small way to our instructor's commentary on my original sketches.
I really do feel that the first two sketches were great studies. I have always loved the idea of a study, yet have always jumped right into a project WITHOUT a study, therefore learning and improving in the process of working on what is to become my final piece. Often times, with my own eye being most critical of my own work, I can see those areas that were started first, and can track the progress of my learning throughout the piece itself. I see less of that in this piece, and am very pleased about that.
Now someone may wonder why i went all the way back to the coffee house to spend money again so I could do my assignment. I definitely appreciate having given my hand and eyes a rest over a couple of days and then going back to the same objects, working to represent them after learning and imporving my technique. Suffice it to say that I was actually excited to work on those troubled ellipses again.
Finally, my background this time had to include the chair across the table. The back of the room was quite far away so I hope including the chair works as my background requirement. Again, I chose something that was a little harder, not because it was harder, but because it was there, and because once I move, I will actually appreciate this piece, as it was done in my favorite coffee shop (where I spend several hours per day) in the short weeks before I leave. Actually, our notes say we should draw everyday, and I will go back tomorrow to work on another "memory piece."
Thanks for reading all of this. I had so much fun on this assignment!
Aaron P"