Reflecting on first full week.

Over the past week we have completed exercises such as verbally describing art, Collaborative Drawings, pour paintings, and mapping still lifes. Although one could argue these exercises are random and unconnected if you look at the fundamentals these lessons stress you will find a common trend. In each of these activities we were asked to analyze and think critically about very different types of art. None of the different projects we completed were given to us straight on, each presented its own challenge and unique twist. We never were assigned to look at an object and draw exactly what we saw, we had to work around our obstacles, whether they be unplanned splatter, each other, or simply guidelines set into place we all had to think creatively to come up with a product. In each of these we also practiced basic drawing which helps develop the hand eye coordination that is vital when learning the basics of art.

re visiting observation/description activity

Well, although it the picture Mia created is not exactly the same as the original there are many similarities. (Many more than my picture had) the location of the shapes and shades are almost dead on although they do not mesh together the way they do in the original. She really got the atmosphere of the piece in its lineless simplicity and blurred effect. If I were to do this differently I would recommend materials such as cray pas and stress the lack of definitive shapes and tones.

Spill pictures

In my painting I see.....

a lions head

a tail

fire breath

an eye

a mouth

a snake

a flower

and a red mouse

Giving Up Control: POURS

Giving up control and letting go of the need to make definite lines was interesting. Once we got past the messiness of the paint it was fun to embrace the messiness of the image itself. Watching the colors merge and dry in different shades than we had originally planned it was exciting, we stood witness as spirals formed and mushed. It was fascinating to see what the materials would do if we left them up to their own devices and let the art form itself.

collaborative drawing

Collaborative drawing, was at times, very frustrating. When you have another person working on something you have invested yourself into it can hard. They add some of themselves into what you made, and sometimes you do not like the final product. (this says a lot about failed relationships) I started my picture based in a tropic setting, so when I came back to see an igloo had been added I was less then ecstatic. I started out with a vision for this piece which was then blurred by other peoples inputs, opinions, and tastes. In the end I just had to laugh and accept the igloo palm tree heaven day night mess, because thats all you can do otherwise you will never be open to others views

homework due 9/21

1.An artist is someone who channels their personal creativity through physical expression

2. It means to think critically, abstractly, or to be actively inspired by an object or image.

3. An artist not only needs an open mind but the physical material to paint, sculpt, write, or whatever their craft needs. They need inspiration, modivation, and to more than anything love what they are doing!

Call

Otto Steinert. Germany. 1950

First Impressions:

The dark figure in the city scene gives the piece sense of mischief or urgency. The overall darkness of the photo adds intrigue.

It was taken just before WWII. The artist was said to be the founder of subjective photography movement.