In and Out of Focus
![Picture](/uploads/6/4/2/3/6423960/2011714.jpg?1297364173)
18x36, Charcoal on Paper, Caught, 2008
Objective: For this project we were suppose to show both in focus and out of focus in one drawing, while using a dark color paper and white and black charcoal to create value.
The inspiration for this project came from a variety of different images of spiders and spider webs. In the end I took parts from different sources and put them all together to create my final composition. The main reason I chose to do a spider is simply because I think that they look amazing when viewed up-close and personal.
The process used in creating this project was, first, developing the out of focus web. For this I used a chamois, small shop rag, and rubbed the charcoal to create the faded, blob-like look. I then took white charcoal and created the light reflections on the web. For the spider, I developed the highlighted areas first so that they did not get muddied by the black charcoal. It was also necessary to use the dark gray paper as value scale, which changed how I thought about shading. The main thing that I tried to do through the drawing process was really capture the surface texture and feel of the spider to make it feel as life-like as possible. I felt that this would help add a sort of unease for the viewer seeing such a realistic and enlarged depiction of a spider.
Through this project I learned how to better portray depth of field in an image. I also learned a new skill in using the color of the paper to aid in adding value to a drawing. I also learned how to better render moist or slimy surfaces as seen in the mouth area of the spider. Overall it was a good experience in broadening my skills in drawing.