Investigation of contrast through various mediums

1. Breadth

14. Concentration

15. Concentration Statement
• The idea behind my concentration is the exploration of high contrast through a variety of
mediums. I explored the intensity of contrast through achromatic portraits. To investigate
different aspects of contrast within my work, I began with my concentration with lower
intensity drawings and then I experimented with different mediums to create emphasis.
• I started my concentration exploring what it means to have contrast in a work of art. I used to
believe that contrast was how much black there was in a drawing, or how dark you could get
a picture; but in reality, it is a balance of highlights and shadows. My concentration is a
progress from portraits with low intensity, to pieces with a high level of contrast. As I
developed my concentration, I created more contrast with the different types of medias I
experimented with. I began with pencil drawings a found that in order to truly grasp the
amount of contrast I was looking for, I needed to try other medias. I investigated white
charcoal on black paper and really learned about balancing highlights and shadows. By
adjusting the lighting, I was able to capture great contrast in several photographs. On pieces
9 and 11, I experimented with charcoal and was able to capture the shadows that I had been
looking for with graphite. Finally, on project 12, I did a digital piece and working with only
black and white, and no grays, to capture the greatest amount of contrast.