Preliminary drawings using marker pens to consider alternative compositions. Characters sitting, standing on objects, characters sharing the same speech bubble, a single character creating a monologue speech bubble, a character speaking into three distinct speech bubbles, three characters standing on a line, speaking and the inclusion of the overarching brand name; The Sermon Show, as a banner. I'm considering producing pieces based on all of these individual ideas, however the strongest idea is potentially the use of objects from which each speaking character sits/stands to project their words.
Three pieces of dialogue, a single dialogue (multiple strands) and sharing dialogue are all new concepts that should be further explored. I'm finding preliminary drawings strangely helpful and not at all conclusive, in terms of limiting the next step of completing a large scale acrylic piece. Instead, these initial offshoots of ideas and start points only determine the initial idea, composition and potential concept. As I have found through experience, the final, acrylic piece always develops whilst being constructed and is not in any way tethered to or restricted by the initial marker pen drawing. Marker pen drawings are produced in between moments of time, when at work or simply when there is a gap between events or commitments. Small, A5 compositions allow the nucleus of an idea to evolve.
Digital (vector) drawings serve a purpose and are pleasing to construct. These seemingly complete and 'finished' pieces have also performed the role of preliminary (pre-cursors) to the acrylic pieces. Flat, vibrant colours are instantly applied, whilst text has been both 'mouse' drawn and appropriated from existing fonts, available in the application (Adobe Illustrator)
These are tow of the initial pieces, created before any commitment or investment in the painting (acrylic) process started. Always perceived as idea drawings, however still published as complete pieces, behaving independently from prototype sketches and not as accomplished in status as the final A2 paintings.
Four completed paintings, in chronological order, from left to right. The first piece was directly inspired by my son's imaginative engagement with his Alexa device. Every evening, before the bed time routine begins, well actually, as part of the bed time routine, he will set a timer for brushing teeth. And every evening he will create a new and ingenious title for the Alexa timer. On this occasion, I made a note, thinking this would become a painting, in the future. The placement of the characters are in the same compositional space, in each of the four pieces. The blue avatars in the first piece also appear to be floating, within the wall space as defined by red paint lines. I'm particularly pleased with the floor, in this piece as it starts to evidence a certain energy and controlled chaotic brush marks that develop across these four paintings.
The second piece, from the left combines two distinctly different statements from Sermon Notes and the life style TV series, 'A Place in the Sun.' The two figures face each other, as if engaging in conversation, however this is clearly not a conventional conversation as there is no obvious question and or reply. Instead the figures are making statements that could potentially be part of the same dialogical frame, however they seem to miss each other and exist in their own monological space. The simplistic background consisting of a singe line works well as does the figure on the left side. The red hat and red object on the floor just to the right of the first figure (far left) also works effectively. The object creates an additional layer of meaning (or potential meaning0 whilst the red hat could suggest a type of uniform?
The SERMON SHOW banner appears first in this painting as a significant object and backdrop. I particularly like how the word 'show' is painted and I've considered replicating this within Adobe Illustrator as a vector image and potential brand (logo) design. Now this dialogue is more of an example of a conversation between characters as opposed to distinct statements. I am interested in the juxtaposition between text and how new meanings could emerge from differing statements. Statements that are appropriated and repositioned for contemporary art purposes.