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High scoring post-graduates! Tips on the Exam/Unit 4 folios?

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Yendall:
I'm really determined to score highly (45+) in Studio, and I was wondering if some high scoring ex-students could provide a little insight in regards to the final folio, works and the end of year exam.

I am currently in the process of completing:

* Five canvas finals (Oils) that make up two works. Four (30inch x 24inch) and One (70inch x 60inch)
* Unit 4 Focus statement and Development pagesMy finals will be a set of greek Gods, each depicting different areas of Greek Mythology, as my study this year is Mythology. My four pieces will consist of four different Gods (Opposing physically, through mythological aspects and in regards to colour) and one large piece consisting of a mixture/fusion/metamorph of Gods, personas and fantasy-creatures.
I would love to hear thoughts on my choice of subject matter, canvas size and ideas, and also how I could create something that will show versatility (not only through choice of subject matter, but techniques with oils)

Thanks for any feedback and insight.

Max.

MJay1993:
In terms of the theme, it sounds like you have a solid grounding in what you're doing. If you have a strong understanding of the subject matter, and you can interpret that in your own unique way, then you're definitely on the right track.
Canvas size seems about right (don't quote me on that, I'm a photographic one-trick pony), not overly large but comparing it to stuff I saw in Top Arts this year, definitely about the right size.
The versatility is really going to come from how you interpret your overall theme. As long as you have your own subjective interpretation of your subject matter, and you can justify it, then you definitely should have a sense of uniqueness in your pieces. And that subjective nature of your thinking would automatically translate to how you apply the oils that you use, your consideration of the formal elements and principles, and how you're eventually going to present all the canvases as a cohesive body of work :)

Yendall:

--- Quote from: MJay1993 on July 12, 2012, 08:30:26 pm ---In terms of the theme, it sounds like you have a solid grounding in what you're doing. If you have a strong understanding of the subject matter, and you can interpret that in your own unique way, then you're definitely on the right track.
Canvas size seems about right (don't quote me on that, I'm a photographic one-trick pony), not overly large but comparing it to stuff I saw in Top Arts this year, definitely about the right size.
The versatility is really going to come from how you interpret your overall theme. As long as you have your own subjective interpretation of your subject matter, and you can justify it, then you definitely should have a sense of uniqueness in your pieces. And that subjective nature of your thinking would automatically translate to how you apply the oils that you use, your consideration of the formal elements and principles, and how you're eventually going to present all the canvases as a cohesive body of work :)

--- End quote ---
Yes I think my canvas sizes are reasonable. At Top Arts this year there are quite a few large scale pieces, which was surprising. However, I saw a large amount of small sized pieces too.
I think the fact that I'm fusing a God with a creature shows versatility just in the design process itself. It kind of shows my use of imagination and research.
When I am focusing on my paintings, should I let the elements and principles of design flow naturally? Because I have been drafting pieces that have eye paths, proper alignments and relevant colours, given the nature of the pieces.
Another thing with canvas alignment, do we have to pretend we are hanging the pieces in a gallery when we present them at the end of the year? Do we take into account the height from the ceiling and the viewing distance?

Thanks for responding as well!

MJay1993:

--- Quote from: Yendall on July 12, 2012, 09:16:38 pm ---At Top Arts this year there are quite a few large scale pieces, which was surprising.

--- End quote ---

Guilty as charged!

Honestly, if you think the canvas size is appropriate for representing your subject matter in the best possible manner, then you're probably right. As long as you don't doubt that there's a different size that should work better, then you're fine.
Yeah it definitely sounds like you're on a unique pathway at the moment. From what I've gathered, mythology and the like are themes that are less addressed nowadays (in comparison to bygone eras), so that definitely helps your cause as well.
Well obviously you're going to have the potential directions from your first folio, so you're going to have to take those into consideration for your final pieces. Although definitely don't think you should be restricted to having to follow a regimented process as a result, be natural and let the work flow AS LONG AS it's relevant to what you want to present, and what the key concerns of your folio are. If it's a more representational kind of folio, obviously you're going to have to restrict the flowing, kind of abstract styles of painting. But just make sure that the style, whether free-flowing or otherwise, is suitable to what you're presenting.
You definitely need do. Not so much in terms of height from the ceiling/viewing distance (although addressing those two highlights how considered you're going to be with your presentation), but rather how all the different pieces are juxtaposed on the wall in relation to one another, the distance between each of the pieces and how they interact, lighting (if necessary) etc. Basically most considerations that exhibition designers would take into consideration for hanging works.

No problemo, if you need any help, I'm still on my uni break at the moment so I'd be able to give you a bit of advice if you need it.

Yendall:

--- Quote from: MJay1993 on July 13, 2012, 11:51:03 am ---Guilty as charged!

--- End quote ---
Which was/were your piece(s)? :)

I think I have the right scaling, and my teacher agrees with me so I will keep it that way.
Could the fact that they are less addressed ultimately end up being less interesting and generic? Are the examiners looking for that 'modern art' abstract styling?
Basically my developmental folio was along the lines of experimentation of mediums and media, alongside a lot of metamorphic ideas and creature development (but not so much Gods). My teacher said that my Unit 4 ideas are relevant to Unit 3, but in a more logical sense rather then visual.
I have to present my pieces as two works, yes? Because I'm thinking of presenting them separately in different spaces. Maybe I will attach some flood lights, or regular lights to showcase the subject matter of each painting, I think that would add a completely different atmosphere, but only time will tell. I'll figure that out later in the year.

Okay great i'll be sure to keep in touch :) Thank you for your advice thus far!

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