SB1 - Level 5 and 6 Summer Sketchbooks - Image, Idea, Context

PEER REVIEW

I was so excited to see all the level 5 and 6 sketchbooks on Monday, and they did not disappoint. I found this lovely picture of a lady by Madeleine Richardson. Her use of muted colour pencil creates such a gentle, delicate image with the minimal colour palette reflecting this. Soft pencil work shows texture but tone is limited, seeming to create a sense of tranquility in the picture. The lady's face and hands gesture a happiness that compliments the sensitive drawing style. I particularly love the way Madeleine has varied the line directions to add a young, playful aesthetic to the illustration. The character seems to speak of independence and glamour, perhaps suiting an editorial outlet in a women's magazine.

COLLAGE

Madeline Richardson's work again captured my interest. This collaged piece exhibits such a varied sense of shape and pattern. While Madeleine has again used a minimal colour palette, the textures and line work create a much busier image. The pink and green shapes seem to pop against the rather mundane graph paper and parcel paper, showing a lovely consideration of pattern and colour. To me, this collage seems a perfect starting point for an exploration in character and how pattern and colour reveals elements of personality. 

CHARACTER DESIGN

I also loved this picture, unfortunately the sketchbook didn't have a name on it though. The faces just seem to capture such a wealth of expression and personality. The consistent use of beige paper across the faces allows the expression of the characters to be the central focus of the image, exhibiting a powerful sense of personality and humour. The silly jumpers do not go unnoticed however, these add so much fun to the picture and the way the illustrator has worked on top of these textures and the heads in soft colour pencil, adds to the sense of layering and allows fun and humour to remain the tone of this image.

SB1 - Study Task 1 - Image, Idea, Context

IMAGE

This charming illustration from Chloe Perarnau captures such a lovely sense of family life. The relatable imagery conveys multiple ideas, making the image universal yet personal in the idea each viewer can perceive. Perarnau employs a restricted yet well manipulated primary colour palette, complimenting the juvenile style of the work. Simplistic shapes and varying textures create a playful aesthetic, with a sense of awkwardness noted in the body language and expression of the characters.  

IDEA

I particularly love the confused, snobbish expression on the face of the man in glasses as this reveals a great sense of humour and Perarnau's sensitivity to the issues presented.
The image appears satirical through the awkward, restricted expressions of the characters, perhaps suggesting the incompatibility of generations, or the chaos of meal times.  Perarnau's image seems commercial in the sense that it encourages the relationships and family values promoted by meal times, yet also appearing comical through the mischief notable under the table.

CONTEXT

As an illustration from a children's book, the image does appear informative and almost educational, serving as a children's guide to family culture. The image does however seem to suit an editorial background with the illustration perhaps complimenting an article on food traditions in a cookery or lifestyle magazine. Then does the image also become persuasive for children to engage more with food. 

Chloe Perarnau's illustration creates a comical, silly image, encompassing textures and colours familiar to a child audience.