Orlaith O Shea

Edward Twohig, an Irish artist, who specialized in drypoint etching influenced me this week for my use of drypoint print and inspiration directly from nature. I like his simple but affective use of etching, and how the effect of movement flows through his artwork. In the third piece his use of leaves surrounding the moonlight is captivating and makes me want to create more drypoint prints in the future.

I did this again with a different design of tissue paper to attempt my perception on the project 'movement'. I even placed the sheet of acetate on the paper multiple times to interpret movement through the artwork.

I really enjoyed this print workshop and would love to do it again. I like how it got me outside of my comfort zone, I look forward to my next week of print.

Doig also uses negative space and abstraction effectively, suggesting movement even in what remains undefined. This approach invites the viewer to complete the image, engaging more deeply with the artwork.

I then added some dimension to each part making it look more three dimensional. The time went quick and then I was finished. I enjoyed this workshop although I don’t typically like painting people. It was a good experience.

Last Thursday I sat outside the college and did a half hour watercolour paining of the movement of the trees and twigs. I enjoyed the fresh air and the freedom the watercolour gave me. Watercolour is probably my favourite media to use while capturing a landscape. I love the wash you can make with the use of a lot of water and the depth it gives while using barely any water.

On Tuesday I brainstormed the project ’movement’. I’m am going to focus on natural movement including water and wind.These interest me as it is all around me and there is endless primary sources. I will experiment through painting, printmaking and ceramics to show my work.

Brainstorm and artist research for the new project : MOVEMENT

Here I painted a still life using acrylic paint and gouache paints. I enjoy painting still life’s as I can see the primary sources for what they are in front of me. I like how precise you can make the painting using smaller brushes and accurate proportions.

Linocut is a type of relief printing where designs are carved into linoleum. It's softer and easier to carve than wood, making it ideal for bold, clean designs. Linocuts are popular for their versatility and strong graphic quality.

Here I used oil pastels to resemble magazine covers. The makeup in these images inspires me to see makeup as an art form and a tool for self-expression. From bold contrasts and glossy lips to playful paint-like textures and ethereal color gradients, each look pushes creative boundaries. They encourage me to experiment with bold colors, unique textures, and cohesive designs that blend fashion and art.

Putting on jewelry each morning is a cherished ritual that completes my look and adds a personal touch to my style. Whether it’s delicate earrings, a statement necklace, or meaningful rings, each piece reflects my mood and enhances my outfit. This simple act brings a sense of elegance and confidence to my day.

Morning routine: My love for makeup is rooted in creativity and self-expression. It’s more than just a routine, it’s a form of art that allows you to enhance your natural beauty and experiment with different looks. Makeup brings me joy and confidence, serving as both a personal passion and a way to showcase my individuality.

In ‘The End and the Beginning’ , Kathy Prendergast uses human hair to explore themes of memory, loss, and transformation. The hair is intricately woven into delicate, lace-like patterns, symbolizing both presence and absence. Hair, as something both personal and lasting, represents the cycle of life—its continuity and fragility. Prendergast’s work powerfully reflects on identity and mortality, using hair to connect intimate human experiences with broader themes of time and impermanence.

I’m really drawn to Alice Maher’s use of hair in her work because it transforms something so familiar into a powerful symbol for identity and self-expression. I love how she uses hair in unexpected ways—braiding it into dense, tangled shapes or turning it into objects that feel both beautiful and a little unsettling. It makes me think about the layers of meaning in everyday things we take for granted, like hair, and how it can embody strength, fragility, and personal history. Maher’s work resonates with me because it explores the complexity of identity in such a visceral, intriguing way.