Perspective Wash

The Brief
The goal of this assignment was to learn the rules of perspective using two vanishing points, as well as observe the effects of light at different times of the day. We were to paint a night scene and either a rainy day or a sunrise/sunset.

The base of the drawing was done at location, after which I refined the lines and composition at home. I returned to that street a couple times more to photograph it in the evening. For the sunrise, I just used my imagination, lol.

Painting Outcome
Both paintings were done on Arches Watercolor Medium 185 GSM paper. Great to do wash on! It holds water for a long time, and it's pretty forgiving with re-wetting if I decide to change my mind on the color. Best part, this weight of paper can be put in the printer for a quick transfer of the image lines.

Here is the early night with some lights in the windows. They bring comfort and interest to the night.


And here is the early morning, when lines and colors are soft and the sky is just starting to light up with warm pink.


Semester 2: Form and Object Studio with Gail Rogers Perazzo

Russian folk tale illustration

Tale of Swan Geese
also known as "Gusi Lebedi", Гуси Лебеди

Getting is touch with my roots... this is what this assignment was about. As designers, we have to tap into our unique backgrounds and characters to produce something new, personal and satisfying for clients and ourselves.

To create this tale illustration, we had to look into the history of our ancestors and select a folk tale to be re-told using 6 illustrations. Each illustration used a different medium, which I list under the each illustration. The first is a symbol from Russian Art style called "Hohloma" and I rendered it using gouache paints. This symbol (or its parts) will subsequently appear in all illustrations, see if you can spot it ;)

Gouache on watercolor paper

The Story
"Zhili bili..." that's the classic beginning of a Russian tale, which literally translates to "There lived, there existed". So let's stay true to the traditions and start with that.

There lived, there existed a grandma and grandpa with two small grandchildren. The young boy was named Ivanushka, and his older sister was called Alenushka. One day they were playing outside of the house, when mean birds called "swangeese" came and stole the little Ivanushka!

Watercolor on watercolor paper

Desperately Alenushka tried to catch the birds, but they were long gone. Worried, she set out on a journey to find her brother. As she walked, she met a River of Milk.
"Alenushka, have some of my delicious milk," said the River.
"No way, my Daddy has yummier milk." And she went on.

Later she came across an Apple Tree and a Baking Oven. Each offered her their gifts, but Alenushka just turned her nose away and said that her Daddy has better.

Acrylic on watercolor paper

And so she went on... Towards the end of the day, Alenushka came across a House on Chicken Legs, where Baba Yaga lives. She was terribly scared, but she loved her brother very much, and she she went in. Ivanushka was sitting in a pot ready to be cooked (!!!), while Baba Yaga was organizing her spices.

Alenushka felt a small tickle on her leg, and she saw a little mouse speaking to her.
"Alenushka, give me some of your bread, and I'll distract Baba Yaga so you can escape!"
This sounded like a fine deal, and Alenushka shared her bread with the little mouse. In this moment, Alenush learned a very important lesson of sharing and gratitude. Without waisting a moment, she grabbed Ivanushka by the hand, and ran out of the house.

Collage and acrylic on watercolor paper

Again the brother and sister came across the River, the Apple Tree and the Baking Oven. However, this time they accepted their gifts and said "Thank You." In appreciation of their kindness, the River, the Apple Tree and the Baking Over hid the kids from the chasing birds.

Collage and typography on watercolor paper

When the kids arrived home safely, their parents were very happy to see them. They huged and kissed the children, who learned a very important lesson that day.

Typography print on scanned watercolor texture

Semester 1: Design Culture and Theory taught by Annette Lodge

Earrings for each seasons

The Brief
My client is invited to a Seasonal theme party, and she commissioned me to design 4 pairs of earrings corresponding to each season. Money is not an issue, and the only constrain is that I cannot use yellow gold. Additionally, each design must have a distinctive gemstone or crystal.

Here they are, one for each season with gemstones attached. Artwork is executed in watercolor and color pencils, on Arches Watercolor Medium 300 GSM paper.

Spring with Diamond and Citrine

Summer with Amber

Autumn with Red Agate

Winter with Rutilated Quartz

Final Presentation

Semester 1: Design Culture and Theory, taught by Edwina Riddell