1. What were you expectations for this course and where they met?
My expectations were to be able to understand what an artist wants you to see in their work, and to learn about different styles of art. Both of these were met with great results. I am now much better at seeing what an artist wants you to see. Also, I understand the different styles of art and have learned some new ones.
2. Now that you've been through this course, What is art? How would you define it now compared to your intial posting?
I still believe that art is anything that you do to express yourself. However, now I believe that art is anything that you do to express someone else as well. It is still not just a piece of writing or a painting.
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?
My favorite artist before was Antoni Gaudi. I feel that he is still my favorite visual artist because I got a chance to see his works of art up close when I went to Barcelona three years ago. His artwork has stayed in my mind and I will never forget it.
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?
I feel that taking an online course allows you to take your time on things. If you are having a busy week then you can do the work on the weekends. Also, online courses allow you to get ahead.
Buffalo State Art
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Project 4 Reflection
I ended up having more fun than I thought I would while doing this project. I loved looking at all the paintings of nature I had found. Most of the artists I have never heard of before and it was great to get a feel for their style of painting. I think my favorite painting was the one of the mother tiger and her cub. I adore tigers and this painting captured their inner beauty instead of their ferocity. The hardest part of this project was doing the interpretation of the artwork. It is not easy to look at a painting and figure out what you are suppose to see because everyone will see something different. Overall I felt that this project helped me get familiar with new artists and get better at finding the hidden meaning within artwork.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Video Reviews
1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I chose the video The Impact of Cubism because I have always found this art form interesting to look at. I chose the video Expressionism because I wanted to learn more about that movement.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
For the video The Impact of Cubism, I learned that cubism is an art form unlike any other. It was the most influential art movement of the 20th century. This style was created by making use of simple geometric shapes, interlocking planes, and, later, collage. For the video Expressionism, I learned that expressionism was a form used to depict emotions. To do this the artist had to distort the painting radically in order to create the full emotional effect
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
Both of the videos relate to the text because they show more examples of each movement. They also described how each of the examples fit into that art form.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I felt that both videos were interesting to watch because they each showed lots of art work to look at. Most of those paintings I have never even heard of or seen before. This helped to keep my attention for the whole video. They also helped me understand how to spot each movement style with other pieces I might see later in life by how they described them.
I chose the video The Impact of Cubism because I have always found this art form interesting to look at. I chose the video Expressionism because I wanted to learn more about that movement.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
For the video The Impact of Cubism, I learned that cubism is an art form unlike any other. It was the most influential art movement of the 20th century. This style was created by making use of simple geometric shapes, interlocking planes, and, later, collage. For the video Expressionism, I learned that expressionism was a form used to depict emotions. To do this the artist had to distort the painting radically in order to create the full emotional effect
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
Both of the videos relate to the text because they show more examples of each movement. They also described how each of the examples fit into that art form.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I felt that both videos were interesting to watch because they each showed lots of art work to look at. Most of those paintings I have never even heard of or seen before. This helped to keep my attention for the whole video. They also helped me understand how to spot each movement style with other pieces I might see later in life by how they described them.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Art Making/Material Exploration Blog: Mask Making
1. Upload the three (3) inspiration images to your Blog (or link to your Photobucket account). Explain why you selected the inspiration pieces.
I selected this image because it looks like it could be some type of animal with human features. The teeth look really interesting with they way they look. I never realized you could make teeth like that on a mask.
I Selected this mask because I like the colors on the mask. The red and yellow made the mask jump out at me.
I selected this mask because it looks like a cat's face. Also, I like the texture along the edges of the mask and the paint around the eyes. Both of those really made the mask stand out to me.
2. Include the analysis and description (art criticism steps) of the three (3) inspiration pieces.
For the first picture, the artist used the elements of line, form, color, and texture. Line was used for the hair, teeth, and eyes. Form was used for the nose to give it a greater 3-D effect. Color was used on the whole piece. Texture was used on the hair to give it the illusion that you could really feel the hair. The artist used the principles of pattern, proportion, balance, unity and emphasis. Pattern was used on the hair, teeth, and nose region. This mask was not in proportion because the nose is so much larger than it should be when compared to the rest of the mask. Balance was symmetrical for this mask. Unity took all of the elements and principles of art to give the mask a sense of completion. Emphasis was on the nose for this piece because it is so big compared to everything else and it jumps out at you.
For the second picture, the artist used the elements of line, form, and color. Line was used for the eyes and the details on the nose. Color was used on the whole piece. The artist used the principles of proportion, balance, unity and emphasis. This mask was in proportion because everything looks to be the right size when compared to each other. Balance was symmetrical for this mask. Unity took all of the elements and principles of art to give the mask a sense of completion. Emphasis was on the yellow section of the mask because it stands out from being next to the red.
For the third picture, the artist used the elements of line, color, texture and value. Line was used for the details on the mask around the eyes and cheeks. Color was used on the whole piece. Texture was used on the edge of the mask to make it look like you could really feel it. Value was used in the painting of the face of the mask. There are darker and lighter sections of the same color to show depth on the cheeks, nose, and ears. The artist used the principles of pattern, proportion, balance, unity and emphasis. Pattern was used for the details on the mask around the eyes and cheeks. Balance was symmetrical for this mask. Unity took all of the elements and principles of art to give the mask a sense of completion. Emphasis was on the section around the eyes. This is the most interesting part of the mask to look at.
3. Upload images of your sketches and finished piece.
4. Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished mask.
For my finished mask, I used the elements of line, and color. Line was used for the eyes, and details on the cheeks and around the eyes. Color was used on the whole piece. I used the principles of pattern, proportion, balance, unity and emphasis. Pattern was used for the details on the mask around the eyes. The mask is in proportion because everything is the right size compared to other parts of the mask. Balance was symmetrical for this mask. Unity took all of the elements and principles of art to give the mask a sense of completion. Emphasis was on the eyes. This is better to see when in the dark because the white part of the eyes are glow in the dark paint.
5. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask.
I have always wanted to make a mask of a cat's face because I love cats. I love how it looked at the end. If I were to do this again some time, I think I would change the colors I selected. I would go with more unnatural colors for a cat. For example, the fur would be purple instead of black. Creating the mask wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I thought the paper mache mask would be hard to get off of the mold, but it came off pretty easily. This was a very fun project to do.
I selected this image because it looks like it could be some type of animal with human features. The teeth look really interesting with they way they look. I never realized you could make teeth like that on a mask.
I Selected this mask because I like the colors on the mask. The red and yellow made the mask jump out at me.
I selected this mask because it looks like a cat's face. Also, I like the texture along the edges of the mask and the paint around the eyes. Both of those really made the mask stand out to me.
2. Include the analysis and description (art criticism steps) of the three (3) inspiration pieces.
For the first picture, the artist used the elements of line, form, color, and texture. Line was used for the hair, teeth, and eyes. Form was used for the nose to give it a greater 3-D effect. Color was used on the whole piece. Texture was used on the hair to give it the illusion that you could really feel the hair. The artist used the principles of pattern, proportion, balance, unity and emphasis. Pattern was used on the hair, teeth, and nose region. This mask was not in proportion because the nose is so much larger than it should be when compared to the rest of the mask. Balance was symmetrical for this mask. Unity took all of the elements and principles of art to give the mask a sense of completion. Emphasis was on the nose for this piece because it is so big compared to everything else and it jumps out at you.
For the second picture, the artist used the elements of line, form, and color. Line was used for the eyes and the details on the nose. Color was used on the whole piece. The artist used the principles of proportion, balance, unity and emphasis. This mask was in proportion because everything looks to be the right size when compared to each other. Balance was symmetrical for this mask. Unity took all of the elements and principles of art to give the mask a sense of completion. Emphasis was on the yellow section of the mask because it stands out from being next to the red.
For the third picture, the artist used the elements of line, color, texture and value. Line was used for the details on the mask around the eyes and cheeks. Color was used on the whole piece. Texture was used on the edge of the mask to make it look like you could really feel it. Value was used in the painting of the face of the mask. There are darker and lighter sections of the same color to show depth on the cheeks, nose, and ears. The artist used the principles of pattern, proportion, balance, unity and emphasis. Pattern was used for the details on the mask around the eyes and cheeks. Balance was symmetrical for this mask. Unity took all of the elements and principles of art to give the mask a sense of completion. Emphasis was on the section around the eyes. This is the most interesting part of the mask to look at.
3. Upload images of your sketches and finished piece.
4. Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished mask.
For my finished mask, I used the elements of line, and color. Line was used for the eyes, and details on the cheeks and around the eyes. Color was used on the whole piece. I used the principles of pattern, proportion, balance, unity and emphasis. Pattern was used for the details on the mask around the eyes. The mask is in proportion because everything is the right size compared to other parts of the mask. Balance was symmetrical for this mask. Unity took all of the elements and principles of art to give the mask a sense of completion. Emphasis was on the eyes. This is better to see when in the dark because the white part of the eyes are glow in the dark paint.
5. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask.
I have always wanted to make a mask of a cat's face because I love cats. I love how it looked at the end. If I were to do this again some time, I think I would change the colors I selected. I would go with more unnatural colors for a cat. For example, the fur would be purple instead of black. Creating the mask wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I thought the paper mache mask would be hard to get off of the mold, but it came off pretty easily. This was a very fun project to do.
Video Review
1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I selected the video Islamic Art: India and the Middle East because I love learning about the Middle East. In today's world, the U.S. seems to always be in the Middle East and I want to know anything I can about that region. I selected the video Buddhism because I find their religion fascinating. It is impressive how calm and relaxed people in Buddhism are and that makes me want to learn their ways.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
From the video Islamic Art: India and the Middle East, I learned that the truest evidence that any civilization ever leaves behind about itself is art. Art never lies. The best example of this is the Taj Mahal in India. The Taj Mahal is a pristine and gorgeous building. From this, you can say that the people of India are just as elegant as the building is. In the Middle East, the art is different depending on if it is made from a Shiite or a Sunni. Shiite art is usually more ornate and florid than Sunni art, but sometimes it is the other way around.
From the video Buddhism, I learned that Buddhism is all about being kind to others and finding peaceful harmony in your life. At The Mahabodhi Temple, you are greeted by a giant statue of Buddha. You can feel a sense of gentleness and serenity from the look of the statue. Also, the Great Stupa is an example of how Buddha wanted his followers to live a simple life without needing material possessions. The building is plain and there are simple carvings of flowers, animals and mythological creatures on the railings as you work your way to the top. The three levels represent the steps to heaven.
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The video Islamic Art: India and the Middle East relates to the beginning of Chapter 18. This section talks about how Islam began and different buildings that came out of this region. Specifically, it touches on the Taj Mahal and how it is based in Persian architectural forms. Each of its four facades is set with an iwan.
The video Buddhism relates to the beginning of Chapter 19. This section talks about the beginning of Buddhism and the artwork from that time period. Specifically, it talks about the Great Stupa in Sanchi. A stupa is a solid earthen mound faced with stone. Buddhists visit the stupa by ritually walking around it.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I felt that the Islamic Art: India and the Middle East video helped me understand why Islamic artwork can be extremely different depending on where or who it was made by. I felt that the Buddhism video helped me understand why so many people have statues of Buddha in their homes and at sacred places.
I selected the video Islamic Art: India and the Middle East because I love learning about the Middle East. In today's world, the U.S. seems to always be in the Middle East and I want to know anything I can about that region. I selected the video Buddhism because I find their religion fascinating. It is impressive how calm and relaxed people in Buddhism are and that makes me want to learn their ways.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
From the video Islamic Art: India and the Middle East, I learned that the truest evidence that any civilization ever leaves behind about itself is art. Art never lies. The best example of this is the Taj Mahal in India. The Taj Mahal is a pristine and gorgeous building. From this, you can say that the people of India are just as elegant as the building is. In the Middle East, the art is different depending on if it is made from a Shiite or a Sunni. Shiite art is usually more ornate and florid than Sunni art, but sometimes it is the other way around.
From the video Buddhism, I learned that Buddhism is all about being kind to others and finding peaceful harmony in your life. At The Mahabodhi Temple, you are greeted by a giant statue of Buddha. You can feel a sense of gentleness and serenity from the look of the statue. Also, the Great Stupa is an example of how Buddha wanted his followers to live a simple life without needing material possessions. The building is plain and there are simple carvings of flowers, animals and mythological creatures on the railings as you work your way to the top. The three levels represent the steps to heaven.
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The video Islamic Art: India and the Middle East relates to the beginning of Chapter 18. This section talks about how Islam began and different buildings that came out of this region. Specifically, it touches on the Taj Mahal and how it is based in Persian architectural forms. Each of its four facades is set with an iwan.
The video Buddhism relates to the beginning of Chapter 19. This section talks about the beginning of Buddhism and the artwork from that time period. Specifically, it talks about the Great Stupa in Sanchi. A stupa is a solid earthen mound faced with stone. Buddhists visit the stupa by ritually walking around it.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I felt that the Islamic Art: India and the Middle East video helped me understand why Islamic artwork can be extremely different depending on where or who it was made by. I felt that the Buddhism video helped me understand why so many people have statues of Buddha in their homes and at sacred places.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Art Making/Material Exploration: Exploring Line
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| Drawn with dominant hand |
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| Drawn with non-dominant hand |
1. What was it like using your hand as subject matter for a drawing?
I have always had a hard time drawing hands but this time both of my drawings actually look like hands. When I would have to draw hands in high school art classes or middle school art classes, the drawing barely resembled a hand. I am not sure why I have a harder time drawing hands than anything else.
2. What media did you select - pencil or charcoal? Why?
I used pencil because charcoal is too messy for me to use. I would end up getting charcoal all over the sides of my hands and then it would smear all over the drawing. Also, we didn't have charcoal at home and I didn't want to go out and get some if I was only going to use it a few times.
3. How did it feel to create a drawing with your non-dominant hand?
It felt weird drawing with my non-dominant hand. I am ambidextrous with most things but drawing is not one of them. I was most surprised that my drawing with my non-dominant hand actually came out looking like a hand.
4. Compare and contrast your final drawings. Do you think they are successful studies?
I think both are successful studies. However, I feel like my dominate had did a better job drawing the outline of the hand. The outline of the hand drawn with my non-dominate hand looks shaky compared to the other.
5. Would you consider using your non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future?
I don't think I would use my non-dominate hand to create this type of artwork in the future because it took a lot longer to draw a hand with my non-dominant hand compared to my dominant hand. I made many more mistakes that had to be erased with my non-dominant hand. However, I liked the shading I did with my non-dominate hand, so I might considering shading that way from now on.
I don't think I would use my non-dominate hand to create this type of artwork in the future because it took a lot longer to draw a hand with my non-dominant hand compared to my dominant hand. I made many more mistakes that had to be erased with my non-dominant hand. However, I liked the shading I did with my non-dominate hand, so I might considering shading that way from now on.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Video Review
1. Explain why you selected the video you choose from the selection listed above.
I selected the video Cairo Museum because I have always been interested in King Tut. Also, the Cairo Museum has only of the largest collections of artifacts in the world. This makes it even more intriguing to learn about.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The text talked about the statue The Venus of Willendorf. It was created during the Paleolithic time period about 25,000 years ago. They feel statues were made like this to promote pregnancy and childbirth. However, today experts feel that it is unlikely that a single simple explanation can account for all of them.
The text also talked about the typical pose of Egyptian art. When they depicted an important person, the Egyptian artist tried to show each part of the body from the best angle so it could be "read" clearly by the viewer.
4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I felt that both films were interesting to watch because we don't learn about ancient civilizations from an art standpoint in school. Also, the More Human Than Human video helped me understand where the first statues of humans came from and possibly why they were created. The video about the Cairo Museum helped me understand more about why Egyptians did what they did during their time period.
I selected the video Cairo Museum because I have always been interested in King Tut. Also, the Cairo Museum has only of the largest collections of artifacts in the world. This makes it even more intriguing to learn about.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
For the video More Human Than Human, I learned that nomads moved around in large groups often. This made it hard to find their works of art from that time period. Also, the statue The Venus of Willendorf, was the first statue to ever depict a human. After it was found, archaeologists started to find more statues of humans that had the same exaggerated features as The Venus of Willendorf. The second big thing I learned from this video was that Egyptians carved unrealistic pictures of the human body. They did this because they wanted to show the interesting parts of the body from the right angle.
For the video Cairo Museum, I learned that Egyptians were very advanced for their time period. They performed surgery on people if they lost appendages. For example, on man lost a toe and they replaced his toe with a look-a-like toe for him to walk. Also, the Egyptians decided to send mummified kings done the banks of the Nile river to their final resting place. This ended up sending them to the now Cairo Museum.
The text talked about the statue The Venus of Willendorf. It was created during the Paleolithic time period about 25,000 years ago. They feel statues were made like this to promote pregnancy and childbirth. However, today experts feel that it is unlikely that a single simple explanation can account for all of them.
The text also talked about the typical pose of Egyptian art. When they depicted an important person, the Egyptian artist tried to show each part of the body from the best angle so it could be "read" clearly by the viewer.
4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I felt that both films were interesting to watch because we don't learn about ancient civilizations from an art standpoint in school. Also, the More Human Than Human video helped me understand where the first statues of humans came from and possibly why they were created. The video about the Cairo Museum helped me understand more about why Egyptians did what they did during their time period.
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