Process of Completion

 

END RESULT!!!

Acknowledgement
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to those who have played an important role in the process of producing this painting. 

First of all, to my course instructor, Mr. Khairuazhar, thank you for your guidance and supervision from the beginning till the completion of this design project.

To my classmates, Miao Wei and Unaisha, thank you for providing constructive feedback on my initial sketches.  

To my best friend, Joe, thank you for being patient with me at times when I was frustrated while experiencing difficulties.

To the Photoshop tutorials provider in YouTube, thank you for making such useful tutorials that are clear in instructions.  

Here's a list of tutorials that I've referred to:

1. Brick Wall Tutorial by College Tut 
2. Realistic Teardrop Tutorial by NeoMiguel HD
3. Glass Ball Tutorial by Nescreation
4. Energy Ball Tutorial by Duckitty 
5.  Abstract Background Tutorial by Designhelper  

Idea gone wrong! Revised Sketch!

The miserable case of idea going wrong!

All these while I thought that I am supposed to come out with anything, either painting or poster that has to do with child issues. Showed my initial work of blood and sweat to my course instructor yesterday and tadahhhh!!! Given to know about the reality. 

Here's some comments:

Upon discussion with my supervisor, 

I've come up with a new sketch.

Featuring the contrast between being happy and sad, as happen before and after abusive events, I retained some of the elements present in the initial work with the addition of a happy girl. The depiction of her brain being taken out by the abuser signifies the cease of healthy brain functioning and mindset. The mind is now smog with traumatic events that hinder average development and the child is no longer subjected to happiness.

Sketches

Sketch 1

This is the first sketch that I came up with. It has got a bit to do with surrealism. The child beggar is being in a situation where she is about to be engulfed by a strong force of evil energy. The 2 wheels represents child labor, and with it I connected the wheels to the drawing of a "evil monster" that symbolizes people involved with child labor and human trafficking. This illustration is supposed to show the immediacy and need in rendering support and help for the children. However, I feel that my supposed-to-be-very-evil monster looks way too cute. Therefore, I decided to try on something more realistic.

Sketch 2

Inspired by the artworks that I've shared in previous post, I tried to accentuate the pair of eyes of the child I drew in the sketch. After numerous attempt, this is the closest I can get to. The bar code and supermarket scanner idea represents the message of "I am not for sale". This idea is also derived from a poster I've shared in the previous post. With my own principle of being original in my work, I went on to sketch something originated by my own thoughts and ideas.

Sketch 3

A child beggar being on an island by his lonesome self. This is supposed to signifies his emptiness, loneliness and helplessness being in such circumstances. The house at the back is supposed to appear as a dream-like situation. I wanted to show the contrast of the reality and his wishes to be belonged to a home, his home. Later, I have an idea to show the contrast in a even more emotional stirring way! 

Sketch 4

I love my idea of child beggar because I am really against it! If you have noticed, I have been sketching beggar-related work from Sketch 1. I really think that every child deserves a regular and joyful childhood instead of being sold or forced to become a beggar! That said, this sketch of mine illustrated the needs of every children - a family and home. This child beggar is not begging you for money, but to save him from slavery and returning him home.  

Sketch5

This sketch delivers more or less the same message with Sketch 4. But the content of the beggar bowl is illustrated differently. Instead of just home, it now looks into a bigger picture - the child's future. I like my tagline "Faith in Humanity". It is about helping the children to regain trust in people, especially after being betrayed by adults who used them as slave, and to help them to reach positive growth and personal development. It is about saving lives!  

Among all sketches, I particularly like Sketch 4 and 5. Although I am still unable to make a choice now, at least I know my final project will definitely be either Sketch 4 or 5! It is good to know that I am in pace! Progression checked! Yay for sketches!

Inspirations for Final Project

Child beggar - the last thing any child should be put to become. 
I like the way her eyes see the world.  
It was as though nothing in this world matters anymore and nothing is ever going to change for good.
The expressions in her eyes conveyed tiredness, hopelessness and indifference, which is unusual for a child at her age. 

I like the meaningful tagline - "don't hide their identity". 

It implies how stopping child labor can bring about healthy child development that enables 
limitless self discovery and the exploration of hidden talent.

The illustration was creatively simple.

 

The teary pair of eyes transmitted the message of reluctance and unspeakable anger.
Reluctant but unable to fight. 
I am angry, so what?
 

To me, this piece is simple but yet very catchy. 
It is very straight to the point - stop child labor. 
Why stop child labor? 
The illustration of a child being hung showed me the consequences of child labor - death. 
Not necessary a dying child, it could be a dampen soul. 

This piece of work might not be in direct relation to child issues but I like the water color effect that has been 
used to justify the presence of emotionality through the demonstration of a pair of sharp and soulful eyes. 

Source of images: Google image

Ariel, The Little Mermaid

The sketch that I have selected from Google images.

Tried my best in painting the sketch.

 

 

 

 

This is not required but I just feel like placing Ariel under the sea! Google image.

 

Added some shadow but it still looks quite unnatural.

I think this is better! Adjusted with lighting effects and lens flare!

Surreal Representation of the Mind

1. The sky is moved to the canvas and darken.

2. Perspective was added to flatten the floor.

3. The background is now ready.

4. The woman's head is selected using the Polygonal Lasso tool.

5. A platform on the head is created and colored. Head shadow is added.

6. The grandfather clock, paper boat, suitcase and book is added.

7. The woman's eye is replaced by an old gauge. Shadow is added behind the gauge.

8. A water pressure replaced another eye. Shadow is created behind it.

9. The first and second texture was added.

10.Various color adjustment and enhancement has been made.

THE END RESULTS:

This Surreal Representation of the Mind artwork is a recreation and is based on Michael Vincent Manalo's tutorial.