C

 

Pencil, 2013

 

19 x 24”

 

Art 102 Foundations Two-Dimensional Media

 

 

When the artist’s brain is trained to see nothing more than patterns of light, darkness, and color, the artist stops looking at the subject matter in a literal manner. Often times, clear and transparent objects hold the most light and dark contrast. Paradoxically, because of this contrast, these objects also hold the most details and patterns.

 

In order to create an illusion of transparency and reflection, C depicts an interaction among value, light, and shadow in four ice cubes surrounding a letter C. As the ice cubes melt, I use primary highlights to allow the viewer to see the smooth and transparent surface of the water.