Sbongakonke Bhengu

During the creation process of this artwork, I have faced many difficulties as well as enjoyed certain parts. From tracing to copying it onto the paper and later painting, the tracing process was quick and efficient, whereas copying the image onto the watercolour paper took a concerning amount of time. Later on, I made the realisation of how I was pressing too softly, which is why the image wasn’t visible or was faint. To follow up, I began painting the background of the ocean. The technique of painting with water and then dabbing the colour was quite efficient and time-saving. A difficulty was the spots on the sea creature. Overall, I would say I enjoyed my choice in creating a resembling piece. My decision was due to my love for animals and the ocean. Instead of picking marine science as a subject, I picked Life Science as I was influenced by my parents. So every chance I get to create anything regarding the ocean or animals, I take it. Every once in a while, when viewing my work, I tend to notice something that agitates me: the white cast that remains, preventing me from making dark areas appear that way. As frustrating as it is, in future I have hopes to learn to perfect every struggle I faced and every detail I failed to portray, mainly the emphasis of the white cast. In my work, I’m proud of all my effort, especially in my growth to choose such a realistic piece that makes me feel most like me.