Advance Creative Enquiry – Going Trompe l'oeil

With the first semester of my third year studies well under way I’m currently half way through completing my advance creative enquiry module. The module is packed full of workshops and practical tasks exploring a vast variety of drawing techniques and making methods. Each workshop has a different theme and drawing medium. Today in the studio we were exploring drawing responding to the trompe l’oeil style, using the work of Michael Angove as inspiration.

I first became familiar with Michael Angove’s work after an exciting lecture last year. I quickly became inspired by his highly realistic and detailed drawings demonstrating an exceptional level of skill and concentration. Michael’s practice sees him draw/ render objects using solely sharpened pencils. I instantly became inspired by the realistic and detailed artwork he achieves through using this widely available medium.

Image of Michael Angove's work

In homage to Michael Angove, we were tasked with selecting three objects using sharpened pencils to record the objects in response to the trompe l’oeil style.

My Drawing/ study page from workshop

With a natural eye for detail I found this task and theme of the week enjoyable, I enjoyed spending a longer time on one study in contrast to the quick drawing activities in previous weeks. Throughout the module I have gained significant confidence in my drawing abilities with a wide range of mediums, and have enjoyed rising to the challenge of working outside of my comfort zone. Being able to adapt to different methods of working will be a highly employable skill for me, to respond to the variety of design briefs I may experience throughout the rest of my studies and possible future employment.

Both theoretical and practical research have been a fundamental daily practice throughout my studies. Research and practical tasks carried out in response to today’ s theme demonstrate the importance of research, allowing me to learn more about the industry and market place and most fundamentally develop my knowledge and skills further. Alongside drawing and painting skills research will be a highly sought after skill from employers.