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.

Mask creation....

For my inspirational masks I used these three examples. I chose they for several reasons. First, if you notice each mask is semi unique in shape and uses a variety of different colors. The first one is a more oval shape that has pointed ends. The color scheme focuses mainly on browns and tans (darker shapes) and the face movement looks for as if the person who created it was looking for a more negative approach. The way the eyes are slanted and the mouth is slightly open shows the created was angry or upset in some manner. Whoever created that mask also focused on using the element of value in which they used a darker color and offset it with the lighter tan to emphasize certain perspectives. The lines that are used to clarify the eye lines as well as the tan marks that are located around the mouth draw your attention to those areas.

The second one I chose because of the elaborate color scheme and the bright colors. This mask doesn't show an angry aspect but it shows that the person didn't really show much emotion. There isn't much emotion to show here. The color scheme is bright, but seems to contrast a bit drawing one's attention to the white dotted lines that encompass the entire piece. The major portions are shown as blue and orange. Those two particular zones allow your eyes to be drawn to the entire piece.

The third one I chose is more a circular shape that uses darker shades of blue and red to give the viewer some perspective. The creator seems to be a happier person who wants to emphasize different spots of their mask. He uses the white shade to draw out the parts of the face that women usually draw out with makeup. The cheek bones, the top of the head, and the chin area. They also use a touch of value in contrasting the darker red and blue with the bright white. Despite not using some shade of black it still shows the idea of what they are trying to portray.

Not going to lie that when I saw this project I had a feeling it was going to be pointless. But, in the process of creating the mask it made me realize how much work and creativity that really goes into making these masks that represent that person that created the mask. It is a piece of beauty because of the personality that can be seen not only through the art but also through the facial expression and features that are given to each mask. The masks act as a fingerprint and there just happens that there is not one mask that is similar to another. My mask uses colors to show the meaning and expression behind my creation. You can see that the blue represents ocean and a waterfront which is my place where I love to be and relax. The red clashes with the pink with the idea that softball is my life and has taken control of everything I do. I used lines in that the red and blue through my eyes draw attention the eye portion and the center of the face than focuses on the forehead of chin (those are my worst qualities). The I also used value on the right side of my face to show that I may not be completely happy with how happy I always look, but you can always cover up imperfections. The white and the black contrast to show the beauty of night and day and how the world is seen in two different views. I am always the one to look at life with the glass half-full instead of as a pessimist. The wings and halo are to show a type of perspective that each of us has a guardian angel whether we know it or not. I loved this project and how I had the freedom to express my thoughts and not have to be completely open about why I chose certain things, but as a viewer you can gage how I feel and my perspective.

Module 10- Blog review...

We had to choose two videos in which to watch and relate to the readings from this week. The first video that I had chosen was the video titled "Buddhism." Buddha encouraged his followers to find their own way and he had provided mentors and supporters to follow them and encourage them along the way. Buddha believed in the eight-fold path. This is considered " the path to nirvana, comprising eight aspects in which an aspirant must become practiced: right views, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration." Most art in the Buddhism world is made my architects and are sculptures or art galleries carved into stone. They carvings tell the story and life of the Buddha without portraying him as an actual human-being. The lotus flower is actually the sacred flower of Buddha and the largest Buddhist temple was built in the shape of a lotus flower. There is actually a monastery located in Carmel in upstate New York. That isn't that far from where we are and where we live our lives everyday. 

The second video I had chosen to watch was the one that focused on Hinduism and it's impact on art as well. Hindus belief that live is for billions of years which consists of life, death, and rebirth. Unlike the Christian religion they don't believe that life will eventually end. Hindus perform many religious sacrifices and ceremonies that are actually considered a form of art because of the beauty that they put into the ceremonies. They are extremely intricate. They have the ability to practice anywhere and don't just focus on practice within a temple. But, Hindus are encouraged to practice their religion where ever. They have temples that are small but contain beautiful intricate carvings that are dedicated to one of their many spirits. It was interesting to learn that a devote Hindu isn't allowed to touch a dead body. That was intriguing to me because they cremate that their people, so they have to be able to touch it somehow. If a devote Hindu can't touch the body, how do they burn the body? Either way the burning body creates a symbolism to the people, that the spirit is being released and that person will be reborn again within someone else's body. 

These videos relate to the text because of the short blurbs that are talked about in the chapters about the different religions. Beginning on page 428, the text begins to talk about Buddhism and how beginning back in 800 B.C.E many began to preach social equality and a more direct and personal access to the spiritual realm. This is how Buddhism was born. That is why I chose this particular video. I shows actual moving emphasis of what the book talks about. An example would be on page 429, the book talks about the reliefs of Sanchi which tells the story of Buddha which is then talked about in the video and the beautiful, extravagant architecture is shown. The text begins to talk about Hinduism on page 432 and it's artistic culture. It originates out of India and eventually replaced Buddhism as the religions virtually disappeared from his birth place. The text then talks about the temples themselves and how the form of the temple itself has representation. For example, from the text they talked about the central temple complex at Angikor Wat in Cambodia and how the exterior represents the energies of the god radiating out into the world. 

The two videos I chose were the two that had to focus on the aspects of religion and how they viewed art. These two religious belief systems have had a huge impact on society and it is amazing to see the sculptures that still stand today that were created a long time ago. I loved this aspect that was brought forth in these videos. They really gave you the perspective that isn't mentioned in the book. Unfortunately, the book doesn't go into whole lot of depth about art within these religions. I am a semi-religious person and this concept has always entertained my thought. I really liked these videos (not only because of the shortness) but I liked them because they helped emphasis what the book was getting across. The book doesn't go a whole lot in depth about these religions and the individual videos go in depth and gave me the idea of what was actually being presented. 

Hand Sketch...

Well, I knew this wasn't going to turn out pretty because I am not an artist or artsy in any means. But, I have to say I was pretty impressed with how well I did considering what I was working with and my lack or experience. Using my own hand as a subject matter was weird because you could see all your own imperfections or all the little pieces that your never notice or truly take note off. Using my self as a subject was weird not just cause I am not an artist, but because I had to focus on myself and I am not one who focuses on myself in most cases. I am one who thinks of others or what I can do for someone else or putting them and their needs above my own. This is something I am working on, but I don't like all the attention being on me either. I have never been one for attention and using myself as the subject was strange.

For my piece, I chose pencil because me being not an artist is was easy for me to get a hold of and also it was an easy media to be able to erase any of my mistakes. Charcoal isn't the easiest media to change any errors without it looking sloppy or having to start over. Creating the second sketch with my non-dominant hand was nerve racking. I was comfortable and semi-confident with how my first hand came out and then realized my second one will come out worse because it is my non-dominant. The nerves that I felt probably made my sketch even worse than it would've been if I wasn't already nervous for the project as well as having to use a hand that I don't use often or ever really. So, using my non-dominant hand in anything else wouldn't ever cross my mind or intrigue me in the future.

My dominant drawing was definitely more defined and looks a lot better than my non-dominant. I have noticed that my non-dominant hand sketch was a lot shakier even though it had taken me longer I had used smaller lines and shorter strokes. My dominant hand drawing was quicker because not only was I more confident, but also it was something that was easier to control on my end. So, comparing overall I think that my dominant one did come out better, but I took more time and focus using my non-dominant hand. These studies were a success knowing that it is a proven fact that people perform better with their dominant hand, but it does take more focus and determination to be able to use the non-dominant hand for any activity including art, writing, hitting in baseball, or throwing any type of object.

Module 9: Video Review

The first video I decided to watch for this module was "The Drawings of Michael Angelo." I chose this particular video because of how famous he was and that he was one of the most famous artists that has been heard of in anyone's lifetime. Believe it or not even though most of his paintings now can be seen by any and all, back in the day of Michael Angelo, his paintings were locked a way from the public eye. He actually destroyed most his paintings because they showed hesitations and second thoughts that he was having. He was a perfectionist and didn't want the viewers to see him as a failure even though most his paintings are extremely famous in our time. Michael Angelo was not only a painter, but a sculpture. He only has one sculpture that is signed by him and this makes it one of his most famous. His drawings actually set the precedent for any of the future bodybuilders in our day today. Think about how most bodybuilders look and then take a look at any of Michael Angelo's drawings or sculptures. See any similarities?

This particular video relates to the text because a majority talked about Michael Angelo and his Renaissance influence. There is an entire page dedicated just to his background and that is what made this video interesting. It emphasizes and elaborates on the minimal amount that the text tells us about. The text is about to give us his background and a short piece of his life and how he worked. But, this video helped elaborate and emphasize some of his techniques and went more in depth on his work. I liked this video specifically because it focused on one person and wasn't trying to bounce all around talking about thousands of different artists in a short period of time. They focused on Michael Angelo and his works during his time period. He is such a famous artist and created thousands of paintings and sculptures, but many that we will never get to see.

The second video that I chose to watch was the "Power of Art: 1 Caravaggio." Although this was one of the longer videos, it intrigued me with the realism and the more story way the video is told. It wasn't exactly told in the way of a documentary. Yes, it was supposed to be informative, but it draws your attention and keeps you intrigued. That is why I decided on this video despite the length of the two I had chosen. Believe it or not Caravaggio isn't his name he was born as MichaelAngelo Merisi. He was born in Caravaggio, Italy on September 28, 1573. He had many run ins with the law and was charged for several assaults and for killing one of his tennis opponents. He was on the run of several years after being released and made his way to Naples, until being pardoned by the Pope and being imprisoned again. In this image, Caravaggio turned a simple meeting or a group into an emotional, religious piece. The focus isn't on Christ, but is focused on where the finger is pointing and this is when Matthew becomes Christ's disciple. The emphasis and focus is drawn to the hand and the fingers that are being pointed towards those that aren't paying attention. Caravaggio is an amazing painter that takes the saint and turns them into the sinner and he focused more on what he "can't" get away with.

This video relates to the text because Caravaggio was seen as the most revolutionary of his time. He would fit into the revolution section of this text. He abandoned most the rules that guided artists for years in regards to humans and religious experiences. He challenged what he was taught and what others thought were the "laws" to follow. That is why I liked this video and thought it added to the reading. The reading doesn't focus much on the Revolution and the influence it had on the art world. But, this man changed art and showed the art world that there isn't just one specific way to do things. He had the ability to paint a beautiful fruit basket and turn it into despair and sorrowful feelings. His art has the ability to reach you and tear it's way out of the frame and make the viewer feel the intense feelings, that is why he has such closeness with those that are pictured in his paintings. He wants the viewer to feel uncomfortable, but the purpose was not erotic.

Module 8 Blog Review

The required video we had to watch was actually extremely intriguing and brought forth a lot of interesting information. They had made the point that no matter what the painting or sculpture looked like or was used for it had no resemblance to an actual human being. Humans are so dominated by images of themselves that are completely unrealistic.  These images and beliefs steam all the way back to Austria when the first few sculptures and paintings of humans were created. The Venus of Willendorf is the first real sculpture showing why the world perceives people in such an unrealistic manor. The sculpture that is only 4 inches tall and currently is located in the natural history museum is a symbol of motherhood and fertility. But, we don't see women walking around that look like this: virtually no arms, huge breasts, overlay of fact, stumpy legs, and even her sexual organs are smaller and proportionate to what we would see in reality. The belief is that the humans that created the Venus figure had a brain that was programmed to focus more on the fertility and fatness. They were living in terrible cold climates that would make those two things more prominent and focused on than others such as arms and legs. I found it intriguing that the entire video was based around this one small sculpture that only stands to be 4 inches tall.

The second video that I choose to watch was "The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figures."  I decided on this one because it was one of the shortest on the list and watching a 59 minute video I didn't have the attention span to watch a whole nother movie. But, I also thought this one would be interesting in that the above one that was required was about human figures and how we perceive ourselves not as we actually area and prefer to see ourselves in an unrealistic perspective. Now this video focused more on the human body and how Greeks play apart in this. The Greek artist and sculptures are actually infatuated with the human body and they have been for  thousands of years. The focused more on using stone to carve their sculptures and most that have been found, located mainly in graves, were of women that looked as if they were pregnant or had scratches on the belly making it look as if they had already given birth. Fertility is a monumental remembrance and sculptures wanted to focus on realism. Producing the human body in three-dimensional figures that view as if they are going to move and giving them perspective in that they are created as a more realistic view on the human body. The part of Western Art that I really liked is that people try and show the inner beauty of humans in a piece of stone. Artists try and show some type of inner beauty through what they are producing.

Both videos relate to the text in that the text goes on to talk about sculptures and the uses of sculpting as it has progressed throughout time. The main product that is used for sculpting is clay because it is the easiest to work with and the easiest to correct mistakes. Those who use stone have very little room for any error because it isn't as easy to correct. The text also talks about the perception of the human body and how artists have used the human body to create many works of art. Unfornately, the videos help talk about how people in today's society have an unrealistic perspective of what the body should look like and what is expected. I feel like a good example of modern day is that women and even men have issues with body image due to advertisements and what we have been fed my the media. If you are somewhat over weight or look athletic in anyway you aren't what society classifies as "beautiful." That's why I enjoy these videos because they do help with the understanding of what is trying to be shown in the text but in a more modern way. I personally am a visual learner, so seeing the videos and listening to them give examples of what the reading is actually trying to portray just solidifies what we were getting from the textbook. I do enjoy the textbook, but sometimes you get lost in the book and stop absorbing what you are reading. But, these videos help break that up and provide me as the reader and student a way to see a real purpose of what we are learning.

Mod 7. Video Review

The first video I chose to watch was the "Architecture: The Science of Design." The main focus of this video was obviously architecture, but also it revolves around how the buildings are designed and built in that they are safe. Something that intrigued me during this video was they talked about how high rises have to be thought out as if the wind is going to be much stronger at the top. At the top of a 100 foot high rise the wind is going to be much stronger and when the wind actually hits the building it forms it's way in swirls and produces these things called vortexes. These whirlwinds are what make the buildings sway at high levels up to a whole meter. The swaying motion is actually absorbed by the building joints, unfortunately if it is poorly designed it can cause nausea, sickness, and can possibly end badly. I also found it interesting that an architect will actually strategically plant trees that would help absorb some of the wind that could impact the high rise. The trees will act as a barrier and block out some of the wind. The second half of the video talks about smart houses and how we have developed into a technology dependent society. You have the ability to set your house to turn on before you wake up things such as: warming up the shower, heating the floor, coffee brewing in the kitchen. These are simple everyday activities that  most people still have to do on their own unless they can afford some type of house like this. But, it is hard to believe that our society will be dependent on things like this in the future.

The second video I watched was the "Architecture is Art" video by Frank Gehry.  The thing that stood out to me in the beginning is that he says the he doesn't plan anything he bases his projects on the place, the people, and the technology that is available to him. He uses the technology to develop a "language" that has changed and developed over time. That really hit me because he talks about how he doesn't like to repeat himself and that he makes the piece based on the surroundings and not one thing is the same to another. Which is interesting when you think about it because buildings are like people, not one building is built the same or designed the same as another. They are like fingerprints and each one has it's own identity. The video also identifies that buildings are created to relate to a human response to the building. We have discussed previously that art and sculptures have a way of creating a human emotional response, but to think that a building is created and designed to create some type of emotional response from people is amazing. I have never really been connected like that with a building but I guess if you imagine places like the Eifle tower for example people have their own emotional appeal.

I chose these two videos because they relate directly to the text and I wanted to stay with the idea of architecture and the idea of art. They related well with each other in the fact that they speak about technology and how it has helped develop art in the world today and influences the designs of artists and architects. The text talks about architecture and structures along with the new technologies and new materials that are available. The one thing that I really enjoyed was the fact that both talked about the use of digital design in architect today. They now have the ability to create a design online and then produce it to become an actual building. But, with this capability they can use electronics to predict the weather the building might face and how it will react to that particular weather based on that specific design.

I liked the two films that I chose or obviously I wouldn't have sat and watched them with the fact that I had other videos to choose from. They both helped me understand the reading and real life examples of how people took technology and didn't just settle for creating a painting or a sculpture and think of creating a building as art. I didn't ever really think of a building as a piece of art until I watched and read these chapters.  The videos helped me develop the message from the text and put it in a real-life perspective for me. That is why I do like these videos because the text is just telling you and is a lot of facts when the videos give you something to pay attention too.

Video Review Mod 6

In the first video that I had to watch, "Through the Eyes of the Sculptor", there was a lot of information provided in regards to sculpting. It was interesting actually to hear them talk about how sculptures would leave bridges of uncarved marble between any pieces that stood in the air. The purpose was to make it stronger and be able to withstand any type of traveling that it had to make. The bridges were actually taken away once the sculpture is set into place. Marble is the product of limestone from when the tectonic plates were crushed together hundreds of years ago. It is an impact of pressure that was created and put on the limestone. It was intriguing to see that artists actually make casts of sculptures so they have the ability to find out how things are put together and how it will exactly look. It takes a lot of focus before they can or choose to move to the next stage.

The second video that we had to watch, "Glass and Ceramics", focused on the idea of glass making, ceramics, and even the uses of glass. Glass seems to be everywhere and we use it in our everyday lives. It is cool to find out that glass is made from sand which is actually the most abundant resource on the planet. The sand mainly contains silicon and there are other things mixed such as soda, oyster shells, or pot ash. They prevent the glass from taking to much of a liquid state. It was really cool to watch them create a delicate piece art from just a small piece of molten glass. They have the ability to man handle the piece as much as they want as long as it doesn't cool too much. The impact of air actually causes the glass to harden and take on a solid state.

These two videos relate to the readings in the text because of the topics. The readings talked about three-dimensional art and that is what sculptures, glass, and ceramics. The reading and videos talk about the same initial aspects of sculptures and how you must create castings that can be made for outlines and castings have the ability to make a model the exact way that you want it to turn out. Carving is an extremely long and intricate process that takes a lot of focus and time. It isn't easy to create a carving and it isn't something that it is as simple as erasing a mistake.

I think the videos were good and helped emphasize the topics that were given in the book. It was able to identify those topics that are extremely important and that we should put focus on. I like the videos because they helped me learn as I know I am a visual learner personally and that is why I do so well with online classes. I like when the videos are short and sweet because it helps with getting to the point of the topics. Dragging out the video and information only makes it worse.

Reviewing Art Work...

Click here for BLOG #1
Click here for BLOG #2

For the most part while looking at their blogs I agreed with their choices for elements and principles. There may have been a few that I may have labeled them something different, but that is just because I have a different eye than they each do. For example, I may have choose a different one for color for the second blog that I looked at. But, it is all based on the artists perspective I can't tell them that theirs' is right or wrong. I think that's what awesome about art, you can't tell someone what something should be or is. It is all based on the perspective form the viewer and the artist.

For the blogs, neither of them chose images I had used in my posting. I did noticed though that there were some images that when I was in the museum I had felt a connection with just not as much as I did with the one's I ended up choosing. One that I remember was the Medium Rare painting that was mentioned in the second blog. She talked about how she was curious about how the artist would have created it with being paralyzed and how it intrigued her to think that he was able to create such an intricate piece. That was the same thing that intrigued me about that piece as well. I loved it, but it didn't connect with me as much as the ones I had picked.

Some of the images they posted that I didn't see piqued my interest as well. The piece that was painting of Niagara Falls was beautiful and really captured the beauty and essence that you feel when you are there. I know this piece is in Albright Knox because it is located in Buffalo, but I feel like this should be located in another museum not close to here so people can see the beauty behind nature and everything it has to offer. I truly think this is a piece that could truly make an impact. Another one I thought was interesting was the projection that was put together through IPAD images. It mainly grabbed my attention because of how it was created. It was more modern than most art that you see, but I would love to see how she created it and how that idea came about. I would have so many questions if I could sit down with the artist.

Looking at other's blogs was actually intriguing and helped me. It gave me some different perspectives on pieces that others also looked at. It also allowed me to be able to really see where everyone else is coming from in regards to work. We are all going to think differently because we aren't all art majors and we are not the same people, but I have realized that is the beauty of art. You don't have to be an art wizard to really be into art or have a passion for it. I have established a new vision or art in just the last month and a half with this class. I have loved it and learned a lot in such a short period of time. I am learning a lot not just from the work, but also gaining a lot from my peers.

I haven't received any comments yet on my work, but I am excited to see what they have to say when I finally do get some. I can't wait.

Logo it...

Click Here for Logo

In my process of creating the logo it was fun trying to figure out what truly represents me. But, as a college student I already know what I love to do and where my love has lied for a long time. Softball is the one thing that I have always counted on for a release and it is one thing that truly defines who I am. I work hard and dedicate most my time to making myself the best athlete I can possibly be at this time in my life. What else do I really have to worry about other than my education right now? I will never have this opportunity. So, I thought creating the logo was interesting trying to narrow it down to certain things that show who I am and at a glance you could tell that it is me. 

The process I used, well that is similar to what I talked about earlier. I first tried to figure out what truly represented me and I knew it would have something to do with softball, but I am not just softball I also have my brain and education that stand out among other things. Then, I just had to figure out which direction I wanted to take it. I know that I needed to be able to show who I was through a quick picture and I think if someone was to look at the logo I created they would realize that it was me and describes who I am. The next thing I did was just start drawing, which is what they say is the way to write (free writing). It is a way to get ideas flowing and see what direction you want to go. 

The most important discovery I made while creating my logo was that I am not just softball or just education. I am a lot of things. I am a special girl who has come a long way in life and my path hasn't been the easiest, but I am not just one thing. I am more than that and when they say "substance over beauty" well I think I got lucky in both departments even though I am not exactly your Victoria Secret Supermodel, I am not ugly either. I am not going to lie that the biggest discovery I had made was about myself and not necessarily about art, but I think this goes to show that when an artist is creating something they learn more about themselves and who they are. 

The videos and powerpoint were interesting because a lot of it was stuff that I have learned in my marketing and business classes. I want to go into advertising and that is why this necessarily wasn't a difficult assignment for me. I loved being creative and being on the business end of things. The videos actually talked about how a logo has to be universal meaning it has to be able to be used on letterhead, a website, business card, or even a napkin, if need be. But, it has to make sense and show some type of image that portrays the business. I thought that was interesting to think about because when you look at Nike that swish is EVERYWHERE! You can put that swish anywhere and everyone knows what it means, "Just do it!" That is what intrigued me the most was that you really need something that can be used on any surface and any medium. 

Art Gallery Visit #1

 

 



 
 

 

 

 

 

  These two pieces really made an impression on me. At first, you question what the artist was trying to get across but then you read the description of the purpose behind the art and realizing the beauty and sentimentality behind the art. The first one is by James Drake painted in 1996 called " A Thousand Tongues Burn and Sing." The artist used charcoal in the process of explaining the relationship between the convicts of El Paso County Detention Facility and their loved ones. Sign language was used to convey messages among long friends and family members.  The second painting is by Ursula von Rydingsvard created in 2003. It is currently untitled but the artist used graphite and methyl cellulose on vellum to create this masterpiece. It really left an impression on me in the fact that the artist tried to infuse her art with her emotional experiences from refuge camps. When it's really focused in on you notice there's a man sitting down and a young boy in a faded color.

 

 

I felt a connection with the next two pieces because of the mediums that were used as well as the color selection. The first piece was by Jason Middlebrook created in 2012 by steel and fiberglass. What drew me to the sculpture that made the biggest connection with me was the refracting colors of the fiberglass. The artist actually arranged the colors nicely that there are portions of brown, green, and blue all mixed together in spots. It was amazing to see. The second one is from 2006, Reed Anderson titled "Midnight Peacock Music." This piece was done with acrylic on cut paper. The thing that caused my connection with this painting was the beautiful arrangement of colors and the different pictures that are found throughout. You can notice the owls that are found throughout, the wings, and just all the technique. It is gorgeous to look at and appealing to the eye and the mind.

 

These last two images I would love to know more about. The first one pictured is by Sandra Cinte painted in 2009 on acrylic and permanent pen on a canvas. What made me want to learn more about this image was the waves that bring shipments in and shows the struggle that ships face on their journeys. It is amazing to truly see the beauty that is brought forth when you look at the painting and I would love to learn more about the artist and the inspiration.  The second painting shown is by David Hammons from 2001 on harlem earth on paper. It was intriguing on how the artist got the texture on the paper. He did this by rubbing a basketball in the dirt and bouncing it on the paper, giving the paper the texture. But, the overall meaning is related to the young black children that are growing up with psychological issues. I would love to learn more about how the artist came about this technique as well as more about the painting in general.