A Fusion of Techniques

Throughout this class, you've explored various ways to loosen up your charcoal drawings and discovered your own expressive mark making style. Now, it's time to bring it all together in a final play session to integrate your favourite lessons into something that is uniquely yours.

For your class project, I invite you to channel your newfound freedom into a new artwork that combines your favorite techniques from the warm up exercises in this class. Whether you use 2 or all of them is completely up to you!

Here's how the project works:

1. Reflect on Your Favorites: Take a moment to review the exercises and techniques that resonated with you the most during the class. Which ones felt particularly liberating? Which mark-making techniques allowed you to express your creativity in a unique way? Choose your top favorites to incorporate into your project.

2. Loosely Plan Your Composition: Think about the concept or subject you want to portray in your artwork. It could be a still life, a portrait, a landscape, or an abstract piece. Consider how you can integrate your chosen techniques to enhance your chosen subject and convey the emotions or ideas you want to express.

3. Experiment and Combine: Begin by mapping out your composition in the way that resonates with you the most, allowing room for improvisation and exploration. As you progress, employ the techniques you've learned in the class. Embrace spontaneity, mix different mark-making styles, and let your intuition guide you. Blend bold, expressive strokes with delicate textures, and layer various values to create depth and dimension.

4. Refine and Personalize: Step back and assess your artwork as it evolves. Make adjustments, refine details, and add any additional elements or touches that feel true to your artistic vision. Remember, this is your opportunity to infuse your personality and unique style into the artwork. Maybe you even would like to bring in different media? Whatever gets you excited, go for it!

5. Share and Celebrate: Once your artwork is complete, take a moment to photograph or scan it to share with the class community. In your project submission, you can describe the techniques you used, the inspiration behind your subject choice and any insights you gained during the process. Be proud of your creation and celebrate your growth as an artist.

Remember, this project is about embracing your newfound freedom and exploring the possibilities of charcoal. Don't be afraid to take risks, experiment with unconventional approaches, and trust your creative instincts. The goal is to create an artwork that reflects your unique voice and the playful spirit of this class.

I can't wait to see what you'll create. So, let's get started and unleash our creativity!

Randi Kuhne

poet and mixed media artist

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