Digital Portfolio

The first project in my portfolio is called “Dream”. I explored how I could represent the physical appearance of a dream inside the head. I tried different mediums and approaches but the project really took off when I introduced light. This opened so many options for experimentation. I made a side-profile head silhouette with black card and placed it over different backgrounds. The background drawings I used crayon for provided a warm colour quality when placed in front of the spotlight, which reminded me of childhood. (Each silhouette is A5)

I experimented with lots of different backgrounds to see which worked best. I used coloured paper, watercolour paint and crayon to make the backgrounds. I digitally altered some using Photoshop and others I backlit using a spotlight. Each head is unique and this truly captures the range of different emotions I was trying to create. (Each silhouette is A5)

I then changed the head template and tried each of the different backgrounds on it to see what difference it would make. I tried some new backgrounds and stencils. I made a charcoal drawing of a side-profile head and then cut out the 'brain' section. I then placed the head over different backgrounds. Introducing the light really brought some of these backgrounds to life. (Each head is A4)

This is my favourite of the charcoal side profile heads. After experimenting with colour and light I think the simplest idea works the best. This is charcoal with an indian ink splash reperesenting the 'dream'. (A4)

            

I experimented with lots of different ideas to find what worked best as the background for my side-profile head silhouettes. I began with Indian ink splashes and then moved to charcoal trying to recreate the chaos. Because my project used silhouettes I thought to introduce light as a tool by holding the pieces up in front of a spotlight.

When I started introducing colour to the project I needed to use media which would be translucent so I used wax crayon and water colour paint. I loved the dramatic results this gave and used this style in my final piece. (A4)

As I developed the project, it took on two independent strands. One invesitgated how to physically represent a dream and the other explored the emotional reaction to a dream, in this case a nightmare, which resulted in this pen and watercolour drawing. (A5)

Pages from my sketchbook developing the reactions to dreams. I liked how the ink pen and charcoal coloured the water. (A5)

Some pages from my sketchbook showing my initial ideas and developemnt work for 'how to draw a dream'. I've used acrylic paint, watercolour paint, charcoal, pen, pencil and stencils. (A4 & A5)

Self portraits. Inspired by how well adding light worked with my dream project I made this series of self portraits. I made the different backgrounds using wax crayon and for the drawing I used an ink pen. Using light as a tool adds a new exciting dynamic to the portraits. (A4) 

 This is an acrylic painting of a close up of different materials. I think the checkered material is the most successful aspect of the painting. The red net material at the front was the biggest challenge. (50x100cm)

Development work leading up to my materials painting. Screen prints, photographs, paintings and a collage. (A4 & A2)

This is a painting inspired by the work of Andy Goldsworthy. I placed bright daffodil petals on an oak tree and took a photograph from ground level. I used acrylic paint to capture the vivid colours of nature. (45x125cm)

 A painting of the Strand Road in my hometown at night. I edited the original photograph in the style of E. Munch's 'The Scream'. I used acrylic paint on card and was it awarded 2nd place in Northern Ireland at AS Level. (70x50cm)

This is a selection of my charcoal drawings. The time spent on each drawing varies a lot, with the simpler life drawings being done in a few minutes and a few hours being spent on the more detailed drawings. (Each page is A2)

My sketchbook is my favourite possession. Whenever I hear a joke I think "How can I draw that?". I love bringing humour into art. Looking at David Shrigley's work really showed me that there is a place for humour in art. (A4 sketch book)

I use any material in my sketchbook. Pen with water colour paint is my favourite but I also use colour pencil, crayon, marker and charcoal. (A4 sketch book)

I like to take the ideas from my sketchbook and develop them to see how I can make them the best they could be. Shown here is some of the development of 'Moose Tache'.  I tried it in a variety of mediums including acrylic, watercolour and marker. I have also included the colour tests for my 'Little Women' book cover.


https://www.dropbox.com/s/3sq1wnuhl6qzl9n/EIMEAR%20COYLE.mov

This link is to a short animation I made called the 'History Of Hollywood'. It takes you on a journey through the timeline of some of my favourite Hollywood blockbusters. I use humour a lot in my illustration work and I tried to do the same in this animation. I brought my illustrations to life with Adobe After Effects. I made the drawings with pen in my sketchbook and then coloured them digitally. (Duration: 1.15)