Extra Credit Module 16

This course actually exceeded my expectations by a lot. I am a totally inexperienced artist that took this course as a requirement for IF. I expected that it would be a struggle and that I would not get much enjoyment or learning out of it. I was wrong. 

I would define art as an expression of one's unique vision that may take a variety of forms. My initial definition was not totally off base. What I took away from the ability to analyze the different forms mentioned in my new definition. 

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 in my original blog was Banksy. I still appreciate this artist, however, my knowledge and exposure was broadened a great deal! I now appreciate artists such as Frida Kahlo as being favorites. 

I enjoyed taking this course online. Submitting my work online was less intimidating for me. I also liked the ability to manage time as it fit my unique needs and schedule. There was such a great variety of assignments in this course. Im not sure that could have been achieved in a classroom. 

Project 5 Art Analysis

Pablo Picasso's painting, Guernica, uses several elements and principles of art that have been discussed throughout the course. The contrast and change in value from white to black are most obvious. There is also the use of shape and forms throughout the piece. The use of distinct lines create these very defined shapes.

Guernica is a mural size canvas oil painting. The influence of Nazis on the Spanish American War. It is said to be Picasso's most political piece and a response to Nazi bombing of the town of Guernica.  Picasso used the bull and the horse (popular Spanish characters). This makes interpretation difficult, but in my opinion the bull represents fascists threat over the horse(people of Guernica).

I feel that the absence of color and the dramatic and harsh shaped in the mural create a very intensely disturbing response. I feel a sense of anxiety and fear when studying this painting. Even though the forms of the people are abstract they still show the emotion of fear in their faces and the positioning of the characters depicts violence. I think that it is difficult to criticize the work of a famous artist by Picasso. I do not like this piece myself, but it is not because he did anything wrong in making it. I think the emotions that I felt looking at this painting is likely what he intended to create.

https://www.pablopicasso.org/images/paintings/guernica3.jpg

Self Portrait

Photograph of myself

Pencil Drawing based on photograph

The inspiration pieces below all make good use of space to create a rather realistic more than abstract version of a self portrait. I used the online resource provided to visit a virtual art museum. I was drawn to portraits of women that I felt some similarities and connection with in order to gain inspiration for my own attempt and drawing myself with pencil. I thought that pencil would give me the most control over my drawing and I did use a tracing technique to begin the project. My own lack of confidence in my drawing skills was my biggest obstacle. This piece captures me in a kind of cartoonish form and I actually really like it. I used the principle of light and dark shading in this drawing as well as line and texture for my hair. There is no color in this drawing and I am glad that I left it a black and white piece. I did not think I would enjoy this project as much as I did. I think for a non art major it is pretty good!

My three inspirations

Self Portrait with Necklace by Frida Kahlo

Portrait of Pita Amour by Diego Rivera

Unnamed by Nuno Pinto