Investigation into the topic of 'Decorative architectural features'

Decorative architectural features // Artist Research // A1

Top Middle Painting: watercolour and ink pen on sketch paper.

Middle Textiles Piece: fabric paint and hand stitching on cotton.

Middle Left Drawing: pencil and ink pen on sketch paper.

"I chose to study Bates as I love the simplistic, minimalistic style of using predominately black and white, with a splash of colour, as it really emphasises the architectural features of the builings. She has done this by using black thread almost like a pencil line to create bold, thick lines to make the details of the scene really stand out against the white.

I chose to study Wronska as again, I love the technique of using solid outlines to show the minute details of the buildings. Even though the use of pencil shading in her work was effective at making it look realistic, I prefer Bates' work as it is more stylised and the colour palette has a large impact on the eye, making the sample look striking and really draws the attention to the details."

Decorative architectural features // Observations (all photographs are mine) // A1

Middle Right Drawing: watercolour, coloured pencil and white acrylic on sketch paper.

Middle Left Painting: watercolour on sketch paper.

Middle Textiles Piece: fabric paint, hand stitching and beads on cotton.

"I went to Liverpool to take photographs, as the city has many stunning neo-classical style buildings, with domes similar to Bates' samples. I took photos of very detailed buildings as it is similar to both my artist's styles. Unfortunately, the photos came out lacking in yellow."

Decorative architectural features // Development // A1
Far Left Textiles Piece: machine stitching on cotton.
Middle Textiles Piece: fabric paint and hand stitching on cotton.
Right Middle Textiles Piece: fabric paint, hand stitching and beads onto cotton.
Bottom Left Textiles Piece: silk dyes and gutta onto silk.
All other paintings: watercolour and ink pen on sketch paper.

"For my final piece I have chosen a more complicated picture in Bates' style. I have used dark colours so the white and the intricate details stand out. I have done a simple brick handle so not to draw attention from the building. I have drawn a satchel bag, again in the detailed embroidery style of Bates'. I have done this striped pattern as I have used it within the piece. With this and the bottom sample, I have used brighter colours than the original photos to reflect the lively and buzzing atmosphere of Liverpool, of which these 3 graces are a main attraction. To achieve thicker lines I have used gutta and silk, but I think the neatness and style of using thread and fabrics paints shows the architectural features better, so for my final I will do the top design in a brighter, intenser, bolder hue."




Decorative architectural features // Final Piece // 29 x 34 x 10cm
Fabric paint and machine embroidery onto cotton.
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