Drafts along the way

My final sketch

My final piece
I tried to ensure that the deeper colour of the water was evident and not just white through the shading technique. The shading also around the middle depicts Sorrento from across the bay. The numerous dark shades on the posts where the shadows are hitting them, blocking the sun and the faint fishing poles coming from the end of the pier. My sense of belonging, my happy place. I am so proud and impressed with my sketch, having finished the drafts and deciding to free hand the final piece I am very happy with how it has turned out. A great end to a full on semester!

Landscape reflection

Point Lonsdale Beach

My assessment was a mixture of Landscape ecology (coast), architecture (pier) and photography, which I used when creating my sketch. I created the sketch from mental imagery of the first photo as well as several drafts that i used to work out which photo I liked best to use in my final drawing. I included as much detail as I could recall, as a final piece I will submit both the photo and my sketch.

As an adult and more importantly as a student I believe it is important that students learn and are able to make personal connections with experiences and Landscapes. It is essential that students build and have a place where they feel their sense of belonging and somewhere they can go to for a walk, or to release from daily stresses etc.

Landscape reflection
Throughout my arts journey, I found it quite hard to decide on which layout to use and whether I should colour in my sketch. I also questioned what pencil I should use to create the perfect piece, whether a different pencil would help create a more in depth image.
Throughout the final sketch as I decided to draw free hand I found it rather difficult to stop over critiquing myself and except that what I was sketching was good enough. I am so thrilled with my final piece, I love the shading I incorporated into it and the white erased waves which show the image of the white wash crashing into the rock pools.

How I could implement this into my classroom

Incorporated into the school curriculum I would encourage students without any photos or queues to close their eyes and think of a space that means something to them, encourage them to think of details they can remember about the weather, what was nearby, who were they there with? How they felt whilst at this place and then hold that image in their minds and draw what they had seen. A creative writing piece could be added to help the class feel a stronger sense of importance for that student.

To add an emotional theme I will include stresses and worries being washed out to sea, providing a sense of weights being lifted off me.

References

Johnson. P, (2013) “Connected the sustainable Landscapes”, Phillip Johnson Landscapes, (online) viewed 3^rd March 2016

http://www.phillipjohnson.com.au/

McGarigal. K, (2002) “Landscape Ecology”, what is a landscape? (Online) viewed 4^th March 2016

http://www.umass.edu/landeco/teaching/landscape_ecology/schedule/chapter3_landscape.pdf

Arts reflection

1/5/2016

Upon reflection of the last two weeks at my placement school i found myself throwing unwanted words and feelings into the water such as stress and worry. As the water was coming in I was able to reflect and think of all the positive experiences I had had whilst on placement. High tide was taking hold and the wind was making the water move rapidly. It was the only time I had been down to reflect and take a photo where the rocks were covered by the water, definitely felt like it was my time to wash all negative vibes again out to sea. With only four weeks left of the semester it was time to refocus my thoughts and emotions for the end run, get all my assessments in and hopefully achieve strong results. Graduate of 2016 is in site and hopefully achieve a full time job position as well.

Better place

 

6/4/16

Upon reflecting my visit this time, I am feeling calmer and more in control than last time I came to think. I am feeling refreshed and hopeful of the new week. The sky paints a more clear picture, the grey and dark clouds are clearing out just as my plan to do so of my thoughts and emotions in my life. The pier is still the same no matter the weather, strong and standing tall in it's place. The sun is shining down the pier, inviting me to walk to the end and look out over the bay, which I did. I feel more in control, stronger and clear headed. 

Bump in the road

28/3/16

During the time of this photo being taken, was quite a difficult time for me. I had just had hip surgery and was experiencing my first down moment and feelings of sadness, frustration and hurt. I also received some terrible news about a close friend that week, which really capped off the photo for me. This shot of the same pier around the same time as the first photo shows dark shadows which reflect my current state of feeling. The light shining through the clouds gives me a sense of hope that remaining positive and focussed is my best and only option. That sun will continue to push through and rise again tomorrow, forcing itself through the clouds to shine as bright as ever. 

Another key element that I reflected upon during my time down there was the structure and sturdiness of the pier. No matter the weather, the weight or the force of the tide it still stands there so firm and strong and I feel that I need to see myself as the pier. It may be tarnished and the wood may start to crack but it still stands there tall and true. I need to remind myself that during the high and lows that I will experience over the course of my final year as well as over the rest of my life, I need to stand tall, have confidence, faith and resilience to be able to push my self through any sticky situation. 

The Beginning

11/3/16

The day I took the initial photo as previously seen, I had so many mixed emotions as I was about to start the final year on what has been a long and emotional Journey. I feel joy and positive vibes as I stare out at the beautiful clear blue sky and reflections of the pier beaming off the clear water. I feel I am in a constructive mind set for starting my last year of what will be a very long and wonderful teaching career.

After completing my 3 drafts, where i used tracing paper to outline the exact detail I decided for my final piece I wanted to try free hand from visual cues. 

Like the idea of this semester with my photo, the blank piece of paper for my final sketch paves the way to my test, my journey and what factors will help contribute and influence me over the semester.