Reflection - 2026 School Year

Throughout this year, I’ve been challenged artistically in ways I never had before. At first with graphite and silver point, I learned shading in a completely different way, having to set my original way of shading on the back burner in order to harness renaissance masters’ artist marks instead. This process really helped me gain confidence both in my craft and creativity with the graphite medium, which I’d like to continue using in future work. The most challenging aspect of learning this entire year showed up in sculpture and oil painting, though my issues arose from their own distinct sources. For oil painting, which I’d also like to continue practicing using in the future, I struggled with patiently waiting for each layer of glaze to dry, which ultimately led to an unfinished painting overall, though I am optimistic that the process will become easier with practice. For sculpture, which was new for me, I feel as though I improved the most. Although the project initially seemed impossible to complete well, the constant trying, failing, and going back at it again left me with a finished product I was proud of, and I learned a multitude of techniques to help me succeed in the process. 

Overall, I plan to continue in a mainly two-dimensional fashion with my work, using graphite, oil paint, and acrylic paint. I want to explore the realistic depiction of human emotions using symbols derived from the natural world, including weather, the cycle of life, and plants. As someone who greatly enjoys drawing and painting flowers, I wanted a way to add them into my work, though I also happen to be fascinated with the strength of human thought and its effect on the self and others. Using the techniques observed in the classroom over the past year, I plan to combine mediums and create work that is magically realistic.