Last Updated on April 2, 2023
This article features two AS Art projects: an AS Art examination and Coursework project by Hamad Ali, completed while studying at Cordoba School for A levels, Pakistan. These projects were produced as part of CIE A Level Art and Design, for which he was awarded an A* grade. Hamad Ali writes about the two projects below.
Contrast: AS Art Examination
The universe is in a constant state of flux. Nothing is static. Everything is moving, changing, transforming; from the tiniest quark to the largest super cluster. This is apparent when, upon close scrutiny, patterns begin to emerge.
My investigation into the inner-workings of the universe begins with a response to forms in nature. I focus on transformations of candy forms. The work always begins with observational figure drawing. These drawings then undergo a scientific-esque process in which they are investigated, analyzed, dissected, and then transformed into new forms using both traditional and digital techniques, often alternating back and forth between the two.
I love the bright funky colors of candies against the pale dark tone of my hand, creating a very interesting contrast.
I especially love the swirling patterns on different candies and lollipops. I want to explore this unique contrast of these patterns and my fingers together.
I like the way artist David Mazure has explored the human form in his work. According to him:
Just as there is an order to the universe, so must there be a logical reason for every decision made in my creation process, from the medium, to the imagery, to its inevitable display. I am not devoted to any one medium and often discover that a mix of traditional and new technologies will achieve my desired goals. Choice of medium is dependent upon the message. Herein lies one of my most formidable challenges; how to unite the medium and message to strengthen one another. – David Mazure
In this topic ‘contrast’ I explore the use of opposing elements, such as colors, forms, or lines, in proximity to produce an intensified effect in a work of art but the difference in brightness between the light and dark areas of a picture creating opposition or juxtaposition of different forms.
Lock’n’keys: AS Art Coursework
I started off with few observational drawing of things in my room. This is how I decided upon exploring locks and keys. I always had this curiosity to look beyond, to look what is hidden, what is covered. It was kind of a personal topic.
The first sheet has a few observational drawings and paintings, which introduces my topic.
The second sheet has a realistic foreshortened painting of one lock with several keys. I tried to create an impression that a lost key had been found. The blue watercolor work is a study of a work by Melissa Lezlie. The second sheet also includes a progressive abstraction painting. The third preparatory sheet shows locks and keys painting in traditional Pakistani truck art patterns. I have used foil to give it a shimmer to the base, depicting metal. The right image on this sheet was inspired by the idea of melting in Salvador Dali’s painting Persistence of Memory. I further used the painting style of Kristen Vincec and created a marble-effect in the work.
On the fourth sheet I have used ink, coffee, and subtle washes of watercolor to create a chaotic feeling in my painting. I then further divided it into triangles for more confusion. In the work on the right, I divided the whole painting into small triangles and then filled each triangle with a different shade of color to add variety.
In the final work I included the idea of melting an incorporated bright colors. I tried to bring the effect of jelly to my objects.
This high school art project was shared with our audience so that other students may benefit from the ideas, techniques and approaches used. We celebrate the effort and achievement of high school students and Art Departments around the world. If you would like to share your own art project (or that of your students), please read our submission guidelines.
