I have always sensed drawing as a means to explore and develop my skills of representation and graphic development. I tried to gain experience with various materials and techniques. Every drawing in this portfolio was made from a live model. Although, in some cases, I emphasized and manipulated certain elements to achieve other meanings. This aspect has always fascinated me. I like how through drawing I am able to convey different messages by changing the original shape, colour or dimension of some elements. I have always enjoyed showcasing the reality that surrounds me through my artwork. Being able to show others how I sensed reality and giving them a diverse perspective is always a splendid feeling. I am also interested in the effect caused on the drawing by the use of different materials and their ability to change the significance of the artwork.

I explored different media, materials, instruments and processes, acquiring a taste for experimentation and manipulation, with an open mindset to new challenges and ideas. During my yet brief journey in art, I have tried to develop a capacity for critical evaluation and applying it to the different stages of my work. I also began to grasp the structural concepts of visual communication and plastic language.

In some works in this portfolio, I tried to push myself and accept more challenges. That is why I worked with larger scales. It helped me create a new mindset, one that tests the limits of my drawings. My drawing teacher also helped me discover new ways of viewing my work, saying that sometimes the unfinished pieces are more interesting than the finished ones, because they can be left for interpretation, giving them the possibility of having various meanings.

There are numerous artists that I look up to and whose artworks I usually study, such as Henri Matisse; the portuguese painter, Nadir Afonso and Edward Hooper. All of their work has contributed immensely to my knowledge in art.

Nonetheless, I would like to go deeper into the dimensions of my works. I am eager to experiment the use of different materials other than the ones I have worked so far, in order to try to understand how they change the composition. Learning other painting techniques and its details such as the canvas’ preparation process is another goal in my mind.

From what I researched of your fine arts painting programme I am confident that at University of Brighton I will be able to do all of these and more. I especially like how the course is presented, the idea of experimenting with various mediums, always under the supervision and guidance of the teachers. This will help me become a more complete artist and prepare me for what comes after my studies.