Painting x 2D Outcomes (First Painting)

On my first canvas, I want to utilise all my research and create a tester piece, that will allow me to get a feel of the canvas and acrylic paint. I instantly know I want to paint a pixelated tree, a simple symbol of nature.

I‘m using the same concept as ceramics, a simple line to suggest the shape of a tree, but also should suggest a path, or journey within nature. The pixelated lines could appear as a road, or footpath, around the tree, or through the drawn landscape.

The grid paper I've used within my sketchbook is too small, as I want stronger, more graphic aesthetic. So I used a pixel website and Adobe Illustrator to mock-up the pixel size, shape, and scale of the tree. This rough shape I am happy with. The quality of line is thick enough to signify pixels, but small enough to achieve abstract detail.

Digital tree

Using a ruler to ensure parallel pixel shapes, but the shape will fluctuate with angles, giving the impression of movement, and the unoredictability of nature’s growth

WIP

I’m very happy with this shape. Each attached corner has a small excess of paint, which brings together the shape as a whole, rather than just sitting point to point. The left-half, particularly the bottom-half, sags slightly, which I enjoy. As I mentioned, it’s a combination of authentic and abstract representation, as trees are all uniquely shaped, and suggests movement.

I chose black as I wanted a sharp, graphic aesthetic, but also to keep the attention on the pixelated graphics. I also enjoy the scale compared to the size of the canvas, which gives the impression you're standing on a hill next to this tree, and beyond could be a distant valley.

Sketchbook ideas

From this point I’m contemplating my next move. I'm thinking of testing a comic strip, which the tree would be the centrepiece. In my opinion, a comic panel format would be a relatable method of expressing narrative, when compared to a traditional landscape painting. Especially as nature concerns peaceful memories and mindful moments, comic panels would recreate this captured moments, like a burst-shot photography selection. This would also lean into my illustrative style, and authentically express who I am as a creator.

Summary

• Paint next steps in a comic panel format.

• Think about what the rest of the landscape will look like. With a comic format, it will be chopped up into different shots, perhaps be like a 360 view from the same spot?