Self Portrait Project

Portrait of a Woman

Joaquin Sorolla Y Bastida

Oil Painting on Wood

150 x 120mm 1922

Portrait of a Woman

Samuel Lovett Waldo

Oil on Scored Panel

70 x 90cm

1820

 

Portrait of a Woman, traditionally indentified as Lady Hervey

Angelica Kauffmann

Oil on Canvas

58 x 74 cm

1770

 

 

1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces?

I selected these inspiration pieces because they each had features that I needed help on. The first one had eyebrow that stood out and were detailed. The second one had mastered the realistic look of hair. The last one had a detailed nose which I had erased several times because I couldn't get it right.

2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait?

I selected pencil because it is the for me to use.  It is easier to erase errors and make things look smoother.

3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them?

The challenge I faced was drawing the eyes and nose.  My eyes never matched up and I erased them probably about 10 times. Even after taking the picture I realize they were still uneven. I had a lot of difficulty drawing a nose it either looked to big or too small.  I overcame it by erasing it and trying something different each time.

4. How does this piece represent you?
This piece represents me as it is a portrait of myself. I tried to capture my eyes which is probably my most prominant feature beacuse I emphasize it with make up. I always use a liner on top that wings out which everyone knows that is how i do my make up. I tried to show this in my portrait.

5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work?

I applied texture in this piece in my hair. I know I didn't do such a good job with it because I never drew hair but I tried to do it the best I could.

6. Did you enjoy working on this project?

I didn't mind it, it was just difficult because I never draw human beings. It is hard to make it look realistic

7. What do you think of your final artwork?

My final piece isn't as bad as I thought it would look. I definately could use shading in it if I knew how to do it correctly.

Blog Reflection

1. Which projects did you review?

The project I reviewed was “The Dark Side of Love” by Vernnon Sullivan.

2. Why did you select the Exhibit you critiqued?

The first reason I selected it was because the title seemed interesting.  Another reason was my exhibit was actually about love so I thought it was interesting to look at an exhibit complete opposite from mine.

3. What challenges did you face in writing the critique article and how did you overcome them?

One challenge I faced was coming up with words to what I actually thought. I had to look at all the pieces individually and think of what the message they sent me and if it connected to the theme.  After I got started it became easier.  It was easier to critique this article becomes it was dealing with raw emotions that I could personally connect to.

4. How do you feel about critiquing your peers work?

I don’t mind critiquing other peers work.  I feel that it’s more helpful when another student tells me how my work is, rather than a professor at times, because they are on the same level I’m on.   For me it wasn’t uncomfortable as it may have been for others.  I like seeing the work that other people have done for the same assignment.

5. Would you like to read the critique your peers wrote about your Art Curation Project?

I personally would love to read any critiques that my peers wrote.  I would like to see what people think and they may see some errors or things that I could have done better that I didn’t see.

6. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your finished article and why?

I would rate my finished article with a 10 because I feel that I completed the task that I was supposed to.  I completely watched and read the slide show and was able to critique it based on what I saw.  I feel that my article it is well written as well as making sure my spelling and grammar were on point.  I also feel that my critique is a good reflection of the project I reviewed.

7. Did you enjoy working on this project?

I enjoyed putting my own style on the project and being able to pick the theme for my slide show.  The only thing I didn’t like was how time consuming it was.  It was hard for me to find pieces towards the end and pieces that connected to my title and theme.

AED 200 Reflection

1.      What were you expectations for this course and where they met?

After looking at my first post my original expectation was to become more knowledgeable about art.  After this course has ended I realize I’ve learned more than I ever thought I would. I learned about specific movements in art, the elements and principles of art, and how to critique art pieces. I feel that I know a lot more about art in general and have a better understanding of it. If in the beginning you asked me what the elements and principles of art were…I would say I have no clue. Now I can name them all and give specific examples to go along with it.

2.      Now that you've been through this course, What is art? How would you define it now compared to your initial posting?

In my first post I had said art is pieces that express a deeper meaning.  I said I would define it as an outlet to express feelings, emotions and stories.  After reading my original thought, I still stand by how I defined art. Art in my opinion is everything you personally think it is. When I did the curator project I viewed pieces that have been seen by thousands, but I had my own personal feeling and thoughts. Art pulls out these individual feelings which are their intended purpose.

3.      Who was your favorite artist in your original posting and who is your favorite visual artist now? If there is a difference, why do you think so? If you have the same favorite artist, why do you think so?

In my original post I hadn’t picked a favorite visual artist because I didn’t know enough about any to make that decision. Now that I have went through this course my appreciation for Leonardo da Vinci as an artist has grown because he was so much more than what I originally knew. He was not only a famous painter, but a master sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, and writer.

4.      Now that you've completed this course, how do you feel about taking an online course? Is your answer the same as it was in your first posting? How is it the same or different?

After completing this course I feel the same about online courses.  I personally love taking online courses. I have taken several online classes and loved the freedom they allowed. I find that in school classes have more room for distraction. I tend to do a lot better with online classes because they are clear with what has to be done and has deadlines noted. I really feel that I learn more from online classes and truly enjoy taking them.

Week 15 Video Blog

For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Greenburg on art criticism: According to Clement Greenberg, "writing about visual art is much tougher than writing about literature or music". Greenburg felt some of the best criticisim he ever read was the criticism of music.  He says the great critics of the past like Ruskin and Sylvester weren't philosophical but knew the nature of the value judgment. He mentioned that he knew how to read, and that he knew that art. Greenberg claimed that true art is a product of the Enlightenment's revolution of critical thinking, and as such resists and recoils from the degradation of culture in both mainstream capitalist and communist society. He also felt good art could come from anywhere, you just have to be receptive to it. 

An introduction to the Italian Renissance: The Renaissance is marked by a renewed enthusiasm in the arts and many Italian artists contribute to its development. The byzantines artists followed set rules that protrayed their religions, and were not allowed to created realistic images that mimic gods work. so byzantine work became flatter and flatter. Giotto is one of the first artists to revive the realistic style of the Romans by using perspective found in architecture and landscape. Giotto influenced many artists. Cabinet makers and goldsmith are also artist, they carve and shape, hammer and chissel, therefore they are considered to be artist as well. Masaccio's figures reveal physical and psychological depth. He also shows emotion in his art. In the sculpture "David," Michelangelo drives for perfection, creating a powerful symbol of the Republic. The painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Florence represents man's relationship to God. At 14yrs old he was given free access to the gardens with particular artworks. Michelangelo was convinced that by creating physical beauty he represented the essense of the super natural and of the devine.

Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Criticism project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.

Both videos do relate to art critisim. The first was a video inteview with an actual critic and the second seemed as if it was a father and son talking about the sons journey, yet the father was criticing each artist his son came across. He also got a little history lesson in there as well. 

What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of art criticism?

As i learned a lot already about art throughout this course, these videos was kind of a refresher for me. I learned more about michaelango from this film and the italian renaissance. Art is history and there is always a lesson to be learned behind it. Overall art is whatever we want it to be.

Art Curator Relection Journal

The process for creating this project was definitely quite lengthy.  I had spent several hours working on this.  After picking my theme which is love, I had searched for any pieces that had to do with two people showing some sort of affection.  I used some pieces that were quite heated and passionate while others dealt with flirtation and shyness towards a crush.  The reason I picked this topic is because there is no emotion that is more true and raw than love.  Most people have already felt love or will feel love at least once in their life.  For that being a relateable feeling it made it easy for me to really connect and indulge in pieces that have the same emotion.  It amazes me how an artist can capture this emotion and feeling which is so strong. After picking out the pieces I was going to write about, I picked them apart to what I personally thought they meant and combined it with what I researched. I also kept in mind the elements and principle of art and included it into each of my criticisms. After all was said and done, I organized my PowerPoint and added color.  I chose Red to be throughout my slides because the color signifies love and passion. Overall this project was quite time consuming but I am very happy with my results.

Video Review

1. The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art- This video discusses "lowbrow" art and the views that people have of it. Some of the influences of Lowbrow come from comics, hotrods, rock and roll, and Cold War imagery. Many also associate Lowbrow styles with pornography. Lowbrow artists generally do not like the term "lowbrow" because they feel it is first of all a label, and second of gives of the implication that the art is cheesy or not truly artistic. 

Displaying Modern Art: The Tate Approach- This video on the Tate Approach discusses a thematic way of displaying art. The Modern Tate divides the themes into four categories, which consist of landscape, still life, history, and the nude. All four of these categories are very common themes in art, which help coordinate the pieces and those who view them. 

Bones of Contention: Native American Archaeology- This video discusses the controversy and struggles that come along with archaeology. Specifically, we are introduced to a Native American woman who gets word of remains being dug up from a grave. While the remains of white people are reburied, the Native American remains are used for study. This was considered to be a form of discrimination. Instances such as this have lead to court cases and variety moderation's made to the rules and regulations of archaeology. It is also very common for museums to have many remains in storage for their own study. 

An Acquiring Mind: Philippe de Montebello and The Metropolitan- This film discusses Philippe de Montebello and his 31 year career as director of The Met. During his career de Montebello had worked to acquire over 80,000 pieces for The Metropolitan. His view of art and goals as director influenced this well-known and respected art museum. 

2. I feel that these videos will help me steer me in the right direction for my project.  I will keep them in mind when trying to think of creative ideas.

3. I found these videos to be very interesting, especially the video on Lowbrow art. I think the Tate Approach also provided insight to themes for our project.

Module 12 Video Review

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

The first video I selected was about Abstract Expressionism.  I chose this because I enjoy Pop Art and it is familiar to me.  I chose the video on Andy Warhol because I have seen many pieces of his work and find his style to be interesting.



2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Abstract Expressionism and Pop: Art of the 50's and 60's- This video discusses Abstract Expressionism and its birth during the controversial times of up and coming pop art. This form of art was created by the combined ideas and influences of American and European art. A few artists that represented this artistic style were Franz Kline, Jasper Johns, and Andy Warhol. While their works were similar to that of abstract styles, they sought to express something.


Andy Warhol: Images of an Image- Andy Warhol was one of the most well known artists during the Pop Movement. He began as a commercial artist and later found an interest in advertising images. His most famous works are generally repeated images, whether faces or objects. Common examples of his style are that of Ten Lizes and the soup can. He commonly used the concept of silk screening where he would blow up photographs and transfer them to a canvas which allowed for ink and paint.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The style of Abstract Expressionism and the Pop art movement were both discussed in the text. Andy Warhol and his pieces are mentioned throughout the book as well as just an art icon in general.  The video expanded on what I already knew about Andy Warhol and his pieces. 

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

The films were interesting and I especially enjoyed the film about Andy Warhol. I enjoyed the way that they showed his works relating to Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe who are both iconic female figures.

Module 11: Art Gallery Visit #2

Step 1: The Exhibition

Questions about the exhibit:
1. What is the title of the exhibit?

The Artists Among Us

2. What is the theme of the exhibition?

WNY Art and Artists

Step 2: The Gallery

Questions about the physical space:
1. What type of lighting is used?

When looking at the lighting I realized two things.  There is lighting on the ceiling around all artwork, but what I noticed was some lighting was directed on the artwork and some were directed on the floor right next to the artwork.  The lighting that was directed on the floor was then bounced off of the floor and lit about the pieces.  I thought this was a unique way of showing off the artwork.

2. What colors are used on the walls?

Throughout the gallery the majority of the walls were either white in color or a light grey.  I feel that they chose to use more neutral colors so it wouldn’t take away from the pieces.  With crazy painted walls our focus would leave the artwork and be directed elsewhere.

3. What materials are used in the interior architecture of the space?

I noticed the architecture to be simpler.  The bottom floor had wooden floors and a high ceiling.  There was a lot of lighting as each individual piece had its own source of lighting. 

4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space?

The movement of the viewer was done by splitting the gallery up in sections.  Each section was themed as it had similar artwork in each section.  One portion showed law enforcement and you were able to easily see where it started and ended.  At all times you knew when you were going to be looking at a different exhibit with a new topic.  I never felt that I missed something and needed to turn back.  Overall I thought the gallery was very organized and moved me through all the exhibits the way it was set up.

Step 3: The Artwork

Questions about the artwork:

1. How are the artworks organized?

The artwork is organized by topic and by artist.  They are also organized by medium used.  All of   
the photographs were all grouped in a similar area.

2. How are the artworks similar?
The artworks are similar as they were all created by WNY artists.  Some artists even went to Buffalo State which I thought was really cool.  In my opinion the gallery portrayed more realistic art.  I saw actual buildings, outside scenery, weather, and emphasis of human faces.  I would say this is where the artworks are similar.

3. How are the artworks different?
The artworks are different when it comes to subject matter and the mediums used.  Also although the lower floor shows more realistic art, the upper floor (Ellen Steinfeld exhibit) showed more abstract art.  Her pieces were bright in color and showed different objects and shapes.

4. How are the artworks framed?

I noticed that the majority of the artwork on the main floor had a white border around the pieces and than a black frame.  I feel that it drew your eye more to the piece being bordered in white and then framed in a dark color.  I also noticed in different exhibits some were framed in brassy metals, some were wooden, and some didn’t even have a frame.  It was definitely apparent that there was a reason behind the choice of frames in relation to the artwork.

5. How are the artworks identified and labeled?

The artwork was labeled with a white plaque to the right of the artwork.  It first would list the name of the artist, the title, and then the location and date.  Each exhibit was also labeled as soon as you walked in, in big letters higher up on the wall.

6. What is the proximity of the artwork to each other?

I had recognized that the majority of the artwork was spaced out about two feet in between each other.  Something else that I had noticed is that the pieces with almost the same subject matter were closer to each other. 

 

Artist:  Bruce Jackson

Title of work:  St. Mary’s-on-the-Hill Episcopal Church, Niagara and Vermont Streets

Media:  Photograph

Date:  2010

Size:  N/A- Unknown

Source of picture:  Photograph taken at Burchfield Penny Art Gallery

Description – This photograph captures the unique architecture of the church and shows the clearest of blue skies.   

Formal analysis –

Texture:  The stone looking bricks of the church show a definite texture as they all are protruding in and out in different areas.
Color:  The skies are not just an ordinary blue but the brightest blue a sky could be.  The artist was fortunate enough to capture the beauty of the skies color.

Bracketing – This photograph reminds me of the most relaxing and beautiful days.  A lot of the time’s people become consumed with work and other things that they don’t get the opportunity to take in the world’s simplest beauties.  This photograph ultimately reminds me of the days where I have nowhere to be and can just sit on my porch and enjoy the outside.  When I see this photo I see beauty, relaxation, and peacefulness.

Interpretation – I feel that the artist was trying to capture the beauty in the architecture of the church and the beauty of the sky.  I also feel that the artist was trying to convey his appreciation of the church and sky and also gave a sense of peacefulness with the combination of the two. 

 

Artist:  Ellen Steinfeld

Title of work:  Bolero
Media:  Watercolor on Paper
Date:  2012
Size:  N/A- Unknown
Source of picture:  Photograph taken at Burchfield Penny Art Gallery

Description – This watercolor painting is vibrant in the use of colors of the different sizes and shapes of objects.

Formal analysis –

Color:  The artist definitely favors bright and vibrant colors.  Within all her pieces in the exhibit she uses similar colors.  The variety of colors makes this piece very appealing to the eye.
Shape:  The shapes in this painting vary.  There are smaller squares, circles, ovals and other shapes. 
Line:  There are outlines on the objects as well as squiggly and curved lines in this painting

Bracketing – This painting reminds me of when I was younger when my art teacher had us create a piece using different shapes and colors.  We had full reign to make the piece however we wanted to as long as it met those guidelines.  To accurately say what the feeling the photo represents it would be childhood meets sophistication. 

Interpretation – I feel that the artist as I said before loves vibrant colors.  There is not a piece in her exhibit that had dull or muddy colors.  Her piece exudes happiness in her use of bright colors and creativity.  I feel that she wanted people to look at her pieces and feel cheerful and remember the child that will always be in us.

 

 

Artist:  Charles Burchfield
Title of work:  The Evening Star
Media:  Oil on Board
Date:  1994
Size:  N/A- Unknown
Source of picture:  Photograph taken at Burchfield Penny Art Gallery

Description – This painting uses darker and muddy colors.  It should also be noted that there is one lonely star up in the sky.  The reflection of the sky is shown on the pond which than emphasizes the deer.

Formal analysis –
Movement:  The artist definitely had put the tree in the position it is for a reason.  As we follow the trunk of the tree and to the oddly shaped branch that is going straight up, we can see that the branch is indirectly pointing to the lone star. 
Emphasis:  As the sky reflects onto the pond it is one of the lightest portions of the painting.  The artist put emphasis on the deer as he positioned them right in front of the glowing pond.

Bracketing – This painting reminds me of going camping to Allegany.  When going in the woods I remember the beautiful scenery just as it was getting dark.  There’s deer throughout Allegany but I remember seeing the baby deer sticking close to their parent as they walked through. 

Interpretation – I feel that the artist Charles Burchfield was trying to show a close relationship through a parent and a child through the use of the deer.  I believe this painting was used to show the relationship between himself and his child.  The lone star makes me believe that he viewed his child as his one and only star.  It is apparent that he was trying to relay that his child meant the world to him and was the only thing that mattered in his eyes.

Photo of Gallery Above


What did you think of visiting the Gallery and purposefully looking at the exhibition from a different perspective - the physical space, the architecture, theme, etc.?

I felt that going to the gallery with the questions given I was able to analyze and appreciate the gallery more.  If I would normally go to a gallery I would walk through it quiet quickly and not realize a lot of the galleries aspects.  This time I noticed how the lighting was positioned, how the artwork was displayed, the connection the pieces had with eachother and understand why the artist created the piece that they did.  In all honestly this class has given me an eye opening experience and a new appreciation not only for art but the galleries that display the art.

Module 11 Video Reviews

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

For my videos I had chosen Dada and Surrealism, and Expressionism.  I chose these because I chose to write about them earlier in the week on the class discussion board.  Seeing that I already knew about the topics I felt that these videos would come easier for me to understand. 

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

The first film I watched was Dada and Surrealism.  After World War I the movement of Dadaism surfaced. Dada was an art movement that was against any sort of structure, especially government. During this time art took an interesting leap towards means of protest. Kurt Schwitters was known for the use of collage which he used in his art to prove a point. Hannah Hoch was also a well known Dada artist whose work was well known.

The second film I had watched was Expressionism.  The end of Fauvism leads to the movement of Expressionism. Expressionism, like Fauvism, placed a large emphasis on color. However, the goals of color in Expression focused more on emotional properties rather than the formal structure of color like Fauvism. For example black, white, and red were used to express emotional symbolism in Marc's work "After the Fall".

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The videos relate to the text because each of these movements was talked about in Chapter twenty one. The videos added on and elaborated on the information I had read in the text.
 
4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings

The films were interesting. I especially liked the work after "After the Fall" mentioned in the Expressionism video and what the use of black, white, and red were used to represent.

Mask Making

 

(1&2) The first mask is quite odd but I liked the random display of fun colors which is why I had chosen it.   The element of color is apparent and the mask uses the primary colors.  Texture is also shown in what looks to be hair with the gouged in lines.  I had chosen the second mask because I liked how creative it was and how there was no open space.  The mask has a definite pattern that all comes together, and makes it feel planned and organized.  Unity is shown as all the colors and patterns although different make it feel as one.  Both sides are almost identical which makes this piece balanced and symmetrical.  The third mask I chose because it had an older style and it’s design caught my attention.  The texture is seen with its stone look to it and with the raised portions under the eyes and on the forehead.  The nose is the largest portion of the entire phase which shows the principle of emphasis.  The nose is pushed our forward and large which creates an emphasized look.

 

 

 

 

 

4. Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished mask.

I used the elements and principles in the making of my mask.  Color was used with all the vibrant and different colors.  Line was used in the spikes on the mask and on the forehead and cheeks.  I used different directions of my lines to give it a different look.  The mask is also balanced with both sides being exactly the same in pattern and in color.  I used shape in my mask such as small circles and rectangles as well.  I had seen all similar qualities in other masks and I carried it over into my own.  The three pictures I looked at had an influence on my final mask.

5. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask.

My opinion of my final mask is that it looks quite bizarre.  I really didn’t know where I was going with it.  I had seen masks with an older style that I had found interesting but were quite bland.  I knew I wanted to make something very colorful and chose to make mine that way.  I didn’t mind making the mask it allowed me to be creative which I liked.  Mine is clearly a low skill level as I have seen some crazy and detailed mask.