Reflections of this course....

My expectations for this class were definitely met. My main goal was to learn about art and get some more experience with it. I have never had any experience with it and have only gone to a few museums, but have never really looked in depth at the pieces I was looking at. I didn't expect this much work coming in, but the work wasn't difficult it was just stuff you had to put sometime into to be able to finish and get a good grade.

After going through this course, I would define art as a creative piece that is used to entertain and connect an emotion with the viewer. The idea is to portray what is going on in the artist's life, mind, or the world at the point in time, but it is up to them to be able to evaluate it any way you need to. Art isn't just something that hangs on a wall. It can be something we see everyday like an advertisement for a store or a billboard that is placed on the side of the road. Art is a lot more than a simple response.

In my first response I didn't really have a favorite artist because I wasn't very into art and didn't really know much about it. I think if you were to ask me today I couldn't pick a favorite artist, not because I don't know anyone, but because every artist is different and shows something different through their art. Not every artist is going to paint the same way and paint for the same reasons, I don't think I have a favorite anymore because there are still so many to choose from.

My answer in regard to taking an online class is still the same. I have taken online classes before and I wasn't concerned with how it was going to go because the work is a lot and you have to make sure you are prepared to do it and do it on time. I am a very organized and time management person so these classes are difficult for me. I have considered using the extension policy, but I had never had to use it for this class and although it would've been nice to have, I was able to finish everything on time with the best of my ability and maintain a great grade. I still have the same opinion about online classes, They are far from easy, but just like a regular class I was able to learn a lot.

Gallery Visit #3

This week it was difficult to get to a art gallery especially with finals be underway and for me almost over. This semester has been challenging and busy, but I have loved every minute of learning new things, meeting new people, and adjusting to a new school. But, for this final what I loved was the fact that I learned a lot about art. For the gallery I visited, I checked out the Google Arts and Culture Female Artists self-portrait gallery. The portraits were wonderful and definitely not what I expected from an online gallery. The first piece that I used for inspiration was Judith Lester's Self-Portrait painted in 1630 as an oil on canvas. The second piece I choose for inspiration was the "Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting" by Artemisia Gentileschi in 1638 and 1639 as an oil on canvas. The third piece I chose as my inspiration piece was The self-portrait of Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun painted in 1781 as another oil and canvas painting.  I chose these pieces because I feel like they are what I wanted to do something more realistic piece. I didn't do oil on canvas because that would have been a tad difficult and I am definitely not an artist, but I wanted to show something similar. I chose to draw my piece in pencil because it was the easiest way to erase mistakes (which I knew I was going to make). It was an inexpensive and quick way to know that I had some way to be able to make sure I could erase and fix any particular errors that would be made.

My biggest challenge with my self-portrait was the fact that I know nothing about being an artist or drawing so I didn't know really how to start or how to create a self-portrait. I did my best! I overcame this obstacle by just drawing an realizing that it didn't matter how much it looked like my piece as long as it looked similar and was somewhat of a self-portrait it would be okay. It was an extremely difficult to be able to pick the picture of what to use, but I overcame this by searching through selfies that I had taken in the past. This piece represents me because obviously it is me and I love that way I look in this initial picture. The picture I had based it off of is also a picture I took while visiting my brother in Missouri and the first time I have ever been to Missouri. It represents me and how I am an open book, plain and simple with how things work. Honestly, this piece didn't intrigue me as much just because I am not a artist so for me what I was more focused on was making it somewhat resemble the picture I had initially chose. I am truly impressed with my final piece!!! It may not be the exact same or a very close piece, but for me I think it was a good start and a good thing. I really am happier than I thought I was going to be with the final product. I had thought it was going to be a lot work.

For my piece I was able to use value and the contrast between the gray pencil and the paper. I didn't use color because I know it makes my piece look a little more amateur which I am. I wanted it to represent the artist. Color would've also given a way my eye color more, but the way I did it the darkness of the eyes stands out to the viewer. I do love my smile also so the value and contrast between the white and the darkened pencil marks help draw attention to this area as well. Using black and white I didn't use too many of the art elements and principles and just the two really of value and contrast in this piece.

Reflection of the exhibit....

I loved being able to create the exhibit. At first it was difficult to think of what I wanted to create an entire art exhibit on. But, after googling a few ideas one of the things that popped up was creating something about a natural wonder or a local landmark.  I automatically thought of Letchworth State Park. We are so lucky to live so close to this natural wonder of the world that most people will never get to see. But, we take advantage of this opportunity and don't cherish the beauty that comes from it.

No, this wasn't easy because finding pictures that truly did the natural wonder justice was difficult and I struggle with selecting the perfect ones. Plus, I wasn't sure what the theme was going to be other than Letchworth. But, I decided it was going to be showing the serenity and calmness that can come from being alone and experiencing something beautiful. We don't put down our electronics or put aside our lives enough to see what we are really missing out on. I loved this project and once I got started it was hard to stop. It did take me two hours to complete the whole thing especially with having to analyze and interpret each piece. But, I think it opened my eyes. I chose the background  I did because it doesn't take a way from the color of the pictures. It actually helps emphasize the colors I am trying to portray. I loved the light brown and the bold dark lettering. It all just comes together and I think if I was to actually create this exhibit in a gallery it would be amazing. I have never understood art and truly appreciated it until I was expose d to this class.

Video Review Curator Project....

The first video, " The Lowdown On Lowbrow," talks about the artistic period from the 1940s-1950s and the types of art that existed back then. They also discuss how art and the display of it has turned into a capitalistic routine for artists. Even back in that time they were trying to sell art, but what they were painting and creating actually had meaning. Some of the more recent stuff may not have meaning and may just be created for the sole purpose of stirring a profit. It is discussed in that there is a visible difference between the type of painter that is creating the piece. There is a clearing distinction between commercial painters, soul painters. and those who are focusing on the piece. What the video doesn't talk about, but you can notice throughout the piece are the way the pieces are presented either in a gallery or when they are being presented. For example, the section talking about tikis and showing how they were presented the wall color was a red color trying to pull out and compliment that brown wood that tikis are made from. I think this piece does semi-relate to the powerpoint project because they speak about many pieces that involve comic books and posters. The way comics and presentations are created and displayed these are used the same way as people use an actual gallery. It isn't easy for people to get into galleries or museums so those in the art community have to make their own way of presenting their works. This specific video doesn't exactly mention much about galleries, but if the viewer paid attention you could notice small things from when the paintings or works of art are shown.

The "Acquiring Mind" Video was all based on museums and how pieces are curated. Yes, it definitely does relate and help with the projects that we are currently completed for this course. The first few things that were talked about were how a museums are never finished and that actually caught my attention. I had never figured that. I don't think most people ever realize that museums and galleries are always changing and that they won't always remain the same. The work is never done and rarely the same. It was amazing to find out the over 2 million pieces are currently placed in the MET's collection and are presented to the public. That is a lot of pieces in one gallery/museum; it is incredible to think how many of these may be located all over the world. The process of what is gone through before something is bought and put on display. A piece must go through an extreme vetting process and the first thing is to get the director onboard with the piece and the decision. Having the director's approval is the biggest part and the hardest struggle because he/she needs to be interested.

I think the second video has a bigger impact and more relevance to the project than the first, but I think both of them has something to add to the knowledge that we need to help make this project better. I have yet to finish my pieces yet and these videos will help me with selecting my pieces that are going to be in my pieces of art. The biggest thing is making sure it is something I am interested in as well as something that may intrigue others. It is important to find the medium between the two and be able to be objective. I think both these videos did a good job of developing the information and providing a little bit of an idea of what a gallery and museum should do with pieces of art. The first video didn't discuss much of galleries or museums, but if the viewer was paying attention there were subtle pieces that would help create your piece. They didn't use just white walls like some galleries, but they presented the back wall in other colors such as red. I liked watching the videos, despite the fact that the second video we were required to watch didn't work.

Module 12 video review...

The first video I chose was " Andy Warhol: Images of an Image." Andy Warhol created many paintings using Marilyn Monroe as his muse. He would repeat the same motif over and over until she actually made him famous. The next muse he used was Elizabeth Taylor. He would create paintings of these two women that were extravagant and used the same image in just multiple images of was. An example would be the blue image of Elizabeth Taylor that he had created that had an image from the paper faded in a blue hue. The video also talks about how to transfer a picture into a silk screen and how it has to be enlarged several times and but on a half- sheet that was originally made of silk. What Andy Warhol does is takes the screens he creates and multiplies them onto a canvas several times that creates an image of an image. In the transfer, the ink may create unique smears and marks in the piece. He would use the same screen for multiple years he would just change the background of color of the image. In his piece of Elizabeth Taylor it was compared to the 10 commandments in the video, the their were 10 commandments and 10 pictures in the paintings, what is the purpose?

This video relates to the reading because of the section title "Pop Art" that addresses Andy Warhol and his impact and influence on art in his time period. The idea of this time in art was to find a way to mass-produce objects and images of America's pop culture. This is how the idea of advertising and the media has been transformed along the way. The piece focused on in the book is Marilyn Monroe and how she was a troubled film star back in the day. She had taken her own life in August of 1962. Warhol doesn't use direct portrait of the actress, but he creates paintings of her by creating the silkscreens that are also mentioned in this video. Andy Warhol also has his own page in the book that talks about his journey and how he got there. I like this video because it enhanced what the book was discussing in regards to Andy Warhol and how he created most of his art. Although, there were a lot of similarities from the video and the book it was still an informative piece.

The second video that I chose was the "Uncertainty: Modernity and Art." The industrial revolution changed the perspective of art in this time because it allowed for a larger freedom in consumerism and opened up the world of advertising to a whole new realm of civilization. Most modern art is seen as fun and superficial because of the impact of advertising and the amount of modern art that is used in advertising and the media. Modern art has taken obscurity and turned it into something that is admired and visited millions of times a year. This actually never stops changing and keeps responding to society everyday and what is needed in that new world and the new views of society. So, even what we experience now is considered modern art that began in the late 1900s. Instead of a view of standardized images and entertainment, it encouraged artists to become more individualized and provide more "out of the ordinary" pieces or also known as degenerate art.

This video relates to the text because this section of the text was mainly focused on modern art and the times of what has come. It was actually informative to hear and not just read that everything changes even in the art world. There is always someone looking to do something different and change what has been. The text tries to focus mainly on the people and what they have done to impact modern and postmodern art, but the video focuses on the questions that modern art asks. The video also constructs how something broke 100 years ago and can't be put back together and that is where the idea of modern art comes from. I like how they do go hand in hand and that the book focuses mainly on the idea of modern art, but doesn't focus on society as the video does. They reinforce and emphasize each others flaws.

I chose these two videos because they were interesting and didn't just talk about the time period, but were more current to this day. I think it is amazing that modern art is still something that we experience everyday in our lives. Modern art is constantly changing and there may never be a normal for modern art because as time progresses so does the art world. Andy Warhol didn't just paint portraits of famous people or take pictures of landscapes, he went above and beyond. He found his muses and worked with them creating art that is simple but amazing and still creates an impact today. He chose to capture the positive side of those who were famous in that time period and not be so objective towards the subject. His goal wasn't to be the tabloid.

Module 11 Video Review...

The first video I chose to watch was the one title "Expressionism." I chose this specific one because instead of learning about a place or person this week I wanted to mix it up and learn about a time in history. It is intriguing that there have been all sorts of periods during history where people have created their own forms of beauty. This is how times like expressionism came about. This video relates to the readings because the book for this week does talk about the period of expressionism. The differences is that the book only scraps the top of the Expressionism era of art and how expressionism is brought into today's art. This video  emphasizes and builds on what the book has told us prior to watching this video. "The Scream" painting is actually mentioned in both the book and the video. It talks about how the artist Monk, uses blood to paint the background which causes for the scream. The idea of expressionism is to question the motives of society and what they have been told to do through society. There is a painting in which a horse has been painted blue. Yes, you have never seen a blue horse, but the idea was to implement more color despite the meaning of the color. It didn't matter what was supposed to be or what was viewed to be correct. I think one of the most important things to take from this vide is the expressionism is kind of similar to abstract, in that it has to be deciphered. Nothing is just put out in front of you for you to look at it, there is a level of interpretation that has to be overcome to understand or figure what is going on in a piece.

The second video I chose to watch was " The Impact of Cubism." I decided on this one because of the uniqueness in the video and the topic that it covers. Cubism is more relevant to the 20th century that started in Europe. It intrigued me that paintings and sculptures can be captured in just the shape or corners of squares. Picasso was a main contributor to the idea of cubism. This type of art allows for more artistic freedom and comprehensions to create a more rich effect. This art is very similar to expressionism as it has to be deciphered and thought out otherwise it isn't just laid out in front of you to comprehend. The artist expects the viewer to be able to think and interpret what they are trying to show. I didn't know that they refer to nudes within this video, but it isn't like a naked painting but it is someone moving and the attempt to show the perspective and step by step events of the movement. Cubism is a lot of disorientations and this changes perspectives throughout the painting. It is very detail, but not explicit in that it is obvious in what you are looking for. The best way to do this is by closing your eyes, taking what you have seen, and pulling apart the abstract piece.

I am always one to watch videos and get the second form of information but something I was not a fan of for these videos was that they were broken into several different artists and sections. It made things a tad confusing even though you knew when the other section was ending . But, I began questioning what had to do with what and the point that was trying to be made in each section.  Although, I had still learned a lot from these videos and it brought forth more examples of what was talked about within this chapter for the book. It was not easy and was quite confusing in doing so.

Art Gallery #2

Title of exhibit: Picturing Niagara
Theme: This exhibited focusing on picturing Niagara Falls and different perspectives that are taken on one of the natural wonders of the world.
Lighting: The exhibit used dimmed lighting that way the oil on the paintings wouldn't fade, but there was a brighter light that was on each piece that way it helped the piece catch the viewers eye.
Colors: The museum used all white walls and didn't really change much for this particular exhibit. There was no reason to change the wall color.
Interior Architecture: There wasn't much interior architecture used by the museum for the exhibit.
Movement: Moving through the gallery was easy and free flowing, but it doesn't really guide you to the exhibit. It was difficult to determine what was part of the exhibit and what wasn't.
Organized: The exhibit is organized by the date of the painting, but began to mix as the paintings got closer to today in year. It was well organized once the viewer determined the layout it was easy to navigate.
Similar: All the pictures show a perspective of Niagara Falls and most were painted on canvas with oil. Most the older paintings were just portraits of the natural wonder.
Differences: Each artist had a different perspective whether it was the Canadian side of the falls, a different set of falls (horseshoe), or the main falls seen on the New York side. One of the paintings used mixed media and combined it with the oil background of the falls and another used oil and created an outline of the chemistry make up of the water within the falls.
Framed: All the framing is different with one using a set of copper piping with actual water shut offs. There were several that actually had no frame for the piece and then there were even some that had extremely elaborate frames. These frames were mostly made out of a wood material and carved with elaborate designs.
Identified and Labeled: Each piece was labeled and identified with a small white box on the left side of the painting. The boxes contained the year it was published, the artist, the medium, and a small blurb of the piece.
Proximity: The art was located about 5 steps from each other and with this length it allows the artist to walk a few steps before being in front of another. But, each painting wasn't located so close to another that the viewer's focus is distracted or taken away from the piece they are viewing.

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1. Frank C. Moore

Niagara, 1994-95

Oil on Canvas

 Description: This painting is gorgeous and does a great job outlining colors and the beauty in the little things. I see a man that lived a life of science and saw the falls as a piece of science to research. The viewer can date the painting based on the video camera or camera that is being used. The city can be seen in the background (faded but it's there).

Formal Analysis: Frank Moore definitely takes advantage of uses specific bright colors that are used to catch the viewer's eye. The contrast between the green water and the blues that are used draws eyes to the falls. He uses shapes not only in the mist that can be seen, but the same shapes can be seen in the water that is settling. There are hexagonal shapes that are being used by the artist. The artist also using perspective with the city buildings that can be seen in the background of the image.

Bracketing: The shapes and symbols that are located within the mist reminds me of chemistry and trying to figure out the makeup of something. The copper piping seems like a metaphor for how human's try to dominate natural resources, as if something like the falls can be shut off and controlled.

Interpretation: I feel that the artist was trying to show the chemicals that can be contained within the falls. He has exposed a lot of uncertainties that most don't want to identify are related to the falls, but he has changed perspectives of many peoples and himself especially.

2. Stephen Hannock

The Great Falls at Dawn for Xu Bing, 2013

Polished mixed media on canvas

Description: I see a different perspective for the artist who is trying to bring art into the 21st century and not just create another depiction of the falls. This piece was based of the sunset and is trying to be relatable.

Formal Analysis: The artist uses lines to show the 3-D image that is the falls and the output of the edge. The white writing contrasts with the brown cliffs that are being shown and portrayed through this picture. This stands out to the viewer and allows them to be able to see the point that is trying to be made. The colors also contrast in the sky with the sunset. The reds, oranges, and yellow show the value of the color red from white. It allows the viewer to determine when the painting was painted.

Bracketing: There are a few pictures that are shown within the piece that show a woman walking down a street in a suit and there is writing that symbolizes the 21st century and the ability to relate to the newer generations. I think the pictures symbolize the busy life of the city that contributes to the busy life of the falls.

Interpretation: I think the artist is trying to say that the world around the falls is as busy as the falls themselves. The falls are running 24/7 and don't have the ability to be shut off, but the pictures shown are of people who are still moving and that haven't stopped. Most are busy people, college students, and working life.

3. Harry Fenn

The Horseshoe Fall from the Three Sisters, 1893

Watercolor on paper

Description: I see the horseshoe falls which is also known as the three sisters. This looks as if it was painted from the American side of the falls. It looks extremely realistic and the viewer can definitely tell that the falls were running rapidly.

Formal Analysis: The texture the artist uses focuses on the beauty of the evergreen trees that line the edges of the falls and the rocks that are in the midst of the falls themselves. The space used is extremely important when it comes to the perspective in this painting due to the fact that he is trying to portray three different falls in one image while keeping the natural beauty noticeable. The harmony in this piece is also essential. Everything flows well together and messes with the waves and the natural essence that one can gather from just a simple painting.

Bracketing: This piece doesn't really have anything that stands out or that differs from others. It is a basic portrait of the landscape.

Interpretation: I feel the artists idea was to embody the dangerous allure of the rapids. He wanted to show the beauty of the horseshoe falls at the same time as portraying the dangerousness and temptations that some see when they are in the midst of the natural wonder.

I thought that visiting the gallery to view things from more of the artist and art world type was interesting. I never really focused on the spacing of the paintings or how they were arranged throughout the exhibit. But, to actually be looking for these things in the gallery was actually fun and intriguing. It gave me a different perspective and made me think in a different light.