Figure 18 (top left) Sketches and drawings of the dog in action; (bottom left) Landscape studies inspired by Martin Gale; (above) Walking the Dog, acrylic on canvas, 42 × 50 cm.
Examples of Student Artwork
The examples above and on the following pages of students’ work demonstrate the creative process and show how the three strands of Research, Create and Respond and are interlinked. Each learner responded to an initial idea by researching, exploring and drawing from primary sources. They also responded to their studies of visual art by researching artists, art movements and artworks that informed, inspired and influenced their journey towards the creation of their own individual artworks.
Anna – Figure 18
Anna’s ideas developed in response to her dog’s behaviour and their walks together in the local area. Anna was captivated by the beauty of the coastal landscape in the early morning, as well as the nearby woodlands.
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She photographed the sunrise over the headland, made studies of the dog’s movements, and quick outdoor drawings in her sketchbook but as her work developed she became very interested in the Irish artist, Martin Gale. His contemporary realist style greatly inspired her own painting, and she loved his depiction of the Irish countryside and weather especially the winter skies and wet roads.
Daniel – Figure 19
Daniel was immediately inspired by the work of Egon Schiele. He found the 20th-century Austrian artist’s portrayal of the body very interesting, and, in response, Daniel began to explore more contorted poses. He used a friend as a model and researched life studies by other artists. Michelangelo’s love of complicated poses and Leonardo da Vinci’s fascination with unusual faces all influenced the creative process as his ideas developed towards a finished piece.
