The word stochastic is defined as a glossary of random variables such at situations or models containing a random element, hence unpredictable and without a suitable pattern or order. In this workshop we explored drawing using elements of chance and sequence in a variety of ways.

For this method we used varying types of string and dropped them onto a sheet of paper from a height. We then used charcoal to draw the string onto the paper, adding detail to distinguish between different textures of string. This exercise contained elements of chance because the patterns in which the string fell in were unpredictable.

In the next exercise we drew a grid and six boxes underneath it. We assigned a colour to each box and numbered them. We then threw a dice. If it landed on a four, we would colour the first four boxes with the colour assigned to the number 4. If we then threw a 2, we would colour the next two boxes with the colour assigned to the number2, and so on. This exercise used chance because we used dice, and we created a sequence.

In this exercise we all started with a sheet of paper that we had to draw a line onto. we then had to pass the paper round, each time drawing something different on it such as the view outside the window, a pattern, what we had for breakfast. the result is shown on the second slide. I then edited my sheet to eliminate things I didn’t like and to make the piece my own. The last few slides are my examples of drawing a pattern and drawing the view outside the window.

In this last example we painted (or drew) an area of shadow, then wrote our answer to the question ‘How are you feeling right now?’ We then repeated this to create a sequence of emotions, building up an emotional self portrait.

I furthered this workshop by doing another string drop exercise and then filling in the shapes the string made by using the dice method. I liked the element of chance in this workshop as it takes the control out of your work and introduces a new, more free way of working. I think that my collaborative piece worked particularly well because of the minimal use of colour, and the symmetry of there being patterns in the two top corners.