virtualsketchbook2023

[virtualsketchbook2023]

THE FINAL EXAM- "Spider-Venom"                           

1. Logistics: Crafting the Venom Jacket

Taking every detail into account was critical in making the spider-themed jacket project come to fruition, from the abstract concept to the finished, artistic product. To lay the groundwork, one must first demonstrate strategic decision-making by choosing the right materials. Things like fabric paint, fabric spray paint, and cardboard stencils were the mainstays. Probably motivated by its longevity and compatibility with the jacket's fabric, the fabric paint was a deliberate choice. The use of fabric spray paint demonstrated a sophisticated manner of layering and texturing, which further enhanced the artwork's aesthetic value.

A creative touch was added to the logistical process with the creation of a cardboard stencil. The decision was made with accessibility and adaptability in mind. In addition to being a cheap alternative, the cardboard stencil was customizable, so I could carefully carve out the elaborate spider design. Using extra stencils for the eyes showed a multi-faceted approach, going beyond traditional artistic techniques in terms of attention to detail.

2. Documentation: Capturing the Evolution

Transparency and an illuminating journey into the evolution of the spider-themed jacket were guaranteed by documenting the entire creative process. Taking pictures of the jacket as a blank canvas before its transformation was the first step in the documentation process. The transformation would be best shown with high-resolution photos. From spray painting the fabric to painting the eyes with paint brushes, every step of the process was meticulously recorded. We recorded every step of the process so you can see it all in one place. The process was better understood through close-ups of the stencil making, the spider's shape-shifting, and the fine-toothed brushstrokes that gave life to the eyes.

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Virtual Sketchbook 4

A watershed moment in Jackson Pollock's development as an artist occurred when he moved from working with abstract imagery and his training with Thomas Hart Benton to creating his now-iconic "drip" paintings. The figurative art that Pollock inherited from his exposure to Benton's murals and regionalism is evident in his early works. But it was when he fully immersed himself in the emerging Abstract Expressionist movement that his transformation took center stage. The video clips highlight Pollock's methodical yet impromptu approach to painting, which he developed through a dance with paint. Pollock embraced the concept of the canvas as a platform for gestural expression as he immersed himself in the Abstract Expressionist ideology. His renowned drip paintings show how the drip technique freed him from representational limitations, letting his subconscious and physical movements guide his creative process. This non-traditional use of imagery highlights the unconscious and the spontaneity of creative expression rather than a random lapse in taste. The revolutionary impact of the Abstract Expressionist movement on Pollock's career is demonstrated by his foray into abstraction, which signifies a sea change in his artistic ethos.

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Virtual Sketchbook 1

1. WRITING AND RESEARCH

Hello everyone, my name is Katherine and this is my third semester at SCF as a business major. A little fact about me is that I like going to the gym, reading, journaling, and listening to music. 

This oil painting is currently located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Alice Neel was born in Pennsylvania (1900) and died in New York City (1984).

She suffered from a nervous breakdown, tried to attempt suicide, and was later hospitalized for six months. 

Neel was known for her portraits of different people. Some of them were often nude.

It took Alice five years to finish her self portrait painting. 

This artwork made me chuckle a bit and left me confused. When I read the title of this painting it was not what I had expected. I had imagined it was going to be like a Frida Kahlo self portrait or look like the Mona Lisa. I was surprised to see a nude aged woman. Moments later I started to appreciate and like this self portrait. Alice seems comfortable and confident with herself and her body given her age. Not that there’s anything wrong with an aged body. The way I felt about the art did not change from when I first looked at it. I was somewhat right in the aspect of the significance and meaning of this painting. The purpose of which Alice created this painting was to show that she was comfortable and accepting her aging body. At first glance I only saw a naked elderly woman, but now that I had a minute to analyze the painting I started to notice the various colors she used. Many of her paintings are colorful. For this painting I also noticed how she used various colors like red, orange, yellow, brown, and purple for the shadows on her body and skin tone.

2. ART AND WRITING 

The art I chose is a bunch of wall art in my mom’s bedroom. I find these items beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. The media of the flowers are plastic. The media for the hexagon shaped mirrors are steel for the frame painted gold, and glass coated with metal allowing it to function as a reflective surface. Meanwhile, the media of the clock and other small decorative item on the left are, I believe, ceramic. The use these items serve are for an aesthetic appeal, decorative element, mood enhancement, and personal expression. Wall art is used to enhance the visual appeal of a space, and in this case my mom’s bedroom wall. These items are strategically placed to complement each other and existing decor. They also help create a positive, joyful, tranquil, and relaxing mood for my parents, guests, and I when looking at it. These items are my mom’s form of personal expression because she chose these pieces of art. It is her own personal taste and preference. I think these items are beautiful because I like flowers, the hexagon shaped mirrors go well with the other decor, and I like the designs on the clock and small decorative item. However, this is not something I would personally choose to hang on my bedroom wall. The one thing I would choose to keep in my bedroom is the clock. 

3. WRITING A SELF-PORTRAIT 

The “baggage” I bring along when looking at art is my life experiences. Every time I look at an art piece, I first see if it is aesthetically pleasing. Afterwards, I see if it resonates with any aspect of my life such as my cultural background, personal experiences, educational background, emotional state, social and political views, personal taste and preferences, religious beliefs, artistic knowledge, and societal influences. I am 19 years old and the gender I primarily align with is female. I was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida and my ethnicity is Mexican. For fun I like to go on morning runs, the gym, read, journal, paint, play sports (specifically tennis, basketball, and soccer), hangout with my friends, spend time with my family, listen to music, dance, explore the city, go to art museums, the opera house, the beach, shopping, and go to restaurants/places I’ve never been. I am part of the Girls Inc accelerate program for college girls and currently unemployed. What makes me unique is that I am a first generation student, aspiring entrepreneur, and advocate for causes such as education, female empowerment, the environment (especially for marine conservation), and entrepreneurship (specifically for minority groups). 

4. ART PROJECT (SELF-PORTRAIT)

I am fascinated with beautiful things. In my daily life I find myself enchanted by beauty in various forms. Whether it's a sunset, architecture, or a smile with beautiful eyes. I am drawn to the exquisite details that often go unnoticed in the rush of life. While creating my self portrait, I aspired to communicate a profound narrative about my love for beauty and wealth. This will elevate the viewers' understanding of me, my aesthetic, taste, preferences, and the things I find beautiful. Each element and feature intertwines seamlessly and or goes well with each other. 

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WRITING AND LOOKING - Virtual Analysis

Title: Pausias and Glycera

Date: 1612-15

Artist: Peter Paul Rubens and Osias Beer

Media: Oil on canvas

PHYSICAL QUALITIES

The painting I chose is ‘Pausias and Glycera’ by Peter Paul Rubens and Osias Beert. This painting is oil on canvas and was created in 1612-15. The dimensions of the painting are 203.2 cm for height and 194.3 cm wide. The colors used in this painting are several pastel colors such as yellow, pink, blue, and green. Not to mention, the vibrant red caught my attention. Other colors in this painting are white, several blue-gray shades, dark sea green, and skin tone colors such as pink, yellow, orange, tan, peach, brown, and black. The shapes used are geometric and biomorphic. Especially when painting the human form, circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles are mostly used. When painting nature like flowers and clouds, curved lines, and irregular angles (biomorphic) are used.  The subjects/themes represented are a romantic love because the painting demonstrates two people, ‘Pausias’ and ‘Glycera’ on a date or just simply enjoying the outdoors together. They are seated beside each other with the Pausias’s hand on the Glycera's shoulder. Both seem to be looking at a distant object with flowers around them. The painting was designed carefully with a strong emphasis on diagonal lines that guide the viewer’s gaze through the composition. The figures are arranged in a triangular formation, creating a sense of stability and harmony. The painting emphasizes a specific moment, making it timeless. It captures a rhythmic flow in the arrangement of figures, creating a sense of movement. Proportions are realistic, and contrast is used to highlight the dramatic lighting and shadows. The painting achieves unity through its cohesive color palette, composition, and theme. However, there is also variety in the expressions and poses of the figures, adding interest and emotional depth to the scene. 

THIS PART IS ALL ABOUT YOU:

This artwork makes me feel delighted because I find this painting aesthetically pleasing. I associate this painting with feelings of admiration, beauty, and a sense of harmony in the composition, color palette, and subject matter. When I first looked at this painting the flowers caught my eye. I thought that they were pretty and resonated with the ones I buy myself every month. The second thing that caught my attention were the two people in the painting. They made me feel how nice it must be to have someone special and share a cute experience outdoors. 

NOW RESEARCH:

The cultural background of the theme associated with ‘Pausias and Glycera’, comes from ancient Greek mythology and literature. Glycera was a courtesan, and Pausias was a painter. “Pausias was a famous fourth century Greek artist well known who was in love with a fellow townswoman named Glycera who was particularly gifted in the making of floral wreaths.” According to legend, Pausias fell in love with Glycera and decided to create a painting of her. In his attempt to capture her beauty, Pausias invented a new technique involving pigments mixed with hot wax. This story reflects the intertwining of art, love, and innovation in ancient Greek culture. “Pausias was the first to master an illusionistic painting technique. He employed his skill to reproduce Glycera's floral compositions with great exactness.” As for the artists Peter Paul Rubens and Osias Beert, both distinguished in their craft, each contributing distinctive creative ideas and approaches to the painting. Their collective skills and techniques harmoniously melded to create a cohesive masterpiece. “Because of the great expertise of Beert, the still-life specialist Rubens employed, it is likely that the friendly competition between Pausias and Glycera was repeated in modern terms”. Peter Paul Rubens was born on June 28, 1577, in Siegen, Westphalia (now Germany) and died May 30, 1640, in Antwerp, Spanish Netherlands (Now Belgium). “His canvases can be said to define the scope and style of High Baroque painting through their energy, earthy humanity and inventiveness. A devoutly religious man, a man of learning and a connoisseur of art and antiquities, he was also a man of the world who succeeded not only as an artist but as a respected diplomat in the service of Isabella and Albrecht of the Spanish Netherlands.” Peter Paul Rubens was a highly influential Flemish Baroque painter known for his extravagant style, dynamic compositions, and masterful use of color. “His mastery of color along with his knowledge of antiquity is seen particularly in his mythological paintings. Rubens became the most influential figure in Baroque art in Northern Europe.” He was not only a painter but also a diplomat and scholar. Rubens often worked with a large studio, and his prolific output included religious and mythological subjects, portraits, landscapes, and more. His work played a crucial role in the development of the Baroque style, characterized by dramatic lighting, emotional intensity, and a sense of movement. He was also “knighted by two monarchs and master of a successful workshop, Rubens became rich and famous in his own time. Having executed over 3,000 paintings, woodcuts and engravings of all types, he died the most respected artist of his time”. Meanwhile, Osias Beert was possibly born in the 1580s, in Antwerp, Spanish Netherlands (now Belgium) and died no later than 1624. He “was an outstanding Flemish painter of still life and flower pieces. Beert became a master in Antwerp in 1602 and also carried on a business as a cork merchant.” While the exact details of Beert’s life are not well-documented, there is some uncertainty about his birth and death dates. Beert’s paintings are characterized by their careful composition, use of light, and attention to realism. Overall, while both artists were active in the Baroque period and were from the Southern Netherlands, their styles and subjects differed significantly. Rubens was a versatile artist known for his grand historical and mythological paintings, while Beert specialized in the detailed and refined genre of still life. 

THINKING:

The movement that this work of art is associated with is from the Renaissance and Baroque period. The artwork reflects the artists’ skill, style, and creative vision. It reveals the artists; ability to capture emotions, depict relationships, and convey a narrative. The artists are trying to say that since that painting features Pausias and Glycera, it might express a story or emotion related to their relationship. It could also reflect the artists’ views on beauty, love, or other themes associated with the characters. The clarity of the message is communicated well because it depicts the Greek mythology story of Pausias and Glycera. 

THE LAST PART:

The reason I chose this is because it made me feel something and it resonated with me. For example, the flowers resonated with me because at least once a month I always buy myself flowers. I think that they are beautiful, and it makes me feel good. Not to mention, ‘Pausias and Glycera’ gave me a warm feeling because seeing a couple makes me wonder how nice it must be to have someone special. However, my informed opinion of the painting is that I can see how the visual aesthetics of the painting, including color palette, composition, and style, significantly contribute to its popularity. The painting certainly tells a compelling story, conveys strong emotions, and explores universal themes that could resonate with a broad audience. This painting definitely has artistic merit because it demonstrates the exceptional artistic skills, creativity, and technique of the artists. The painting also has an artistic reputation because the artists behind ‘Pausias and Glycera’ are well known and respected which contribute to the popularity of the painting. 

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Black and White Vs. Color Photography

Group 6

Black and White Vs. Color Photography

Lee Jeffries is a portrait photographer from Manchester, England. He is mainly known for his work portraying homeless people. Lee is a self-taught photographer and advocate for the homeless. He uses light and shadow religiously in many of his portraits to capture a serious, intimate, emotional, and authentic expression. What makes black and white photography different from color is black and white is used to give more intense and serious emotions. Black and white photography influences the way people are feeling and looking at a subject more intensely. The lack of color makes the viewer focus on the subject which is what motivates those to use black and white. 

Lee Jeffries, B, from the Portraits of the Homeless series, 2012

This photo portrays a couple dancing a traditional Mexican dance. What motivates people to choose color photography is to show the beauty of a subject. For example, this photo is festive and lively. Using colors in photography helps viewers enhance their mood or feelings. 

Photo taken from Seoul, South Korea

[virtualsketchbook2023]

1. WRITING AND RESEARCH

Hello everyone, my name is Katherine and this is my third semester at SCF as a business major. A little fact about me is that I like going to the gym, reading, journaling, and listening to music. 

This oil painting is currently located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Alice Neel was born in Pennsylvania (1900) and died in New York City (1984).

She suffered from a nervous breakdown, tried to attempt suicide, and was later hospitalized for six months. 

Neel was known for her portraits of different people. Some of them were often nude.

It took Alice five years to finish her self portrait painting. 

This artwork made me chuckle a bit and left me confused. When I read the title of this painting it was not what I had expected. I had imagined it was going to be like a Frida Kahlo self portrait or look like the Mona Lisa. I was surprised to see a nude aged woman. Moments later I started to appreciate and like this self portrait. Alice seems comfortable and confident with herself and her body given her age. Not that there’s anything wrong with an aged body. The way I felt about the art did not change from when I first looked at it. I was somewhat right in the aspect of the significance and meaning of this painting. The purpose of which Alice created this painting was to show that she was comfortable and accepting her aging body. At first glance I only saw a naked elderly woman, but now that I had a minute to analyze the painting I started to notice the various colors she used. Many of her paintings are colorful. For this painting I also noticed how she used various colors like red, orange, yellow, brown, and purple for the shadows on her body and skin tone.