What is an SI?  

"In the context of AP Studio Art, a sustained investigation is a body of work that demonstrates an ongoing process of inquiry, exploration, and development of a specific artistic idea. It's a cohesive series of artworks that reflects the artist's thought process, experimentation with materials and techniques, and the evolution of their artistic vision" - College Board

My SI:

"How can we use character and environmental design to symbolize personal struggles and our relationships with them.”

Resignation                    

I've always had issues knowing when to give up or when to not bother getting involved. Due to this nature, I spend time fixing and thinking about things I don't need to change. This piece depicts the realization of a young warrior that enough is enough and sometimes one must yield to challenges that are too big.

  (14x8)

(10.5X10.5)

Adaptation

Change is frightening and many have issues welcoming it with open arms. Including me. I've always been fine with up and moving my belonging and trinkets but actually having life rework itself around me is a scary thought. This piece shows a pirate waiting at the docks, ready and willing to pick up her life and move on to the next adventure.

Exploration

Throughout life I've found myself typecast as one person "The Artist Kid" and while I'm proud of my identity, I'm trying to make an active change to alter people's perception of me by trying new things. This piece portrays a demon who's taken on gardening as a way to step outside of her box. 

(18.75x15.6)

Selected Works

The Space we take 

A piece about the space we take in daily life, emotional, mental, and physical space.   

Medium: Acrylic Paint 

Mountain Lion

A self-portrait showing my Californian identity through one of our local big cats .

Medium: Pencil 

Kintsugi

We can be stronger even after breaking. Kintsugi, the practice of restoring  pottery with gold. 

Medium: Oil Paint

Vanity 

 A piece about our connection with modern tech and its contrast with tradition. 

Medium: Color Pencil

Surf School

A still life of Seal Beach's local surf school's van. I wanted to show my appreciation.

Medium: Watercolor 

Mind Maps 

Development

  1. Conceptualization

I start by thinking about my concept. I begin to make connections between the feeling I want it to portray and relevant character and environmental art knowledge. By now I have started brainstorming positioning and perspectives for my next step.

2. Thumbnailing and Sketching

Next is a quick thumbnail to get a grasp on what I do, and don't like about the arrangement. After creating about five more rough thumbnails, I have an idea of what the final product is going to look like. I then make a digital sketch that adds details and dimension. This is the final sketch.

3. Rendering

After the final sketch, I start on Lineart. After lying down and playing with my base colors I start rendering the main figures. After the “characters” have texture I move on to the background and lighting that brings the piece to life.