Look back at it (reflections)

Now its time for a reflection, I was asked to go back to week one and re read what I had written as an introduction. And here it is.

1. What were you expectations for this course and where they met?
My expectation was to grow a better knowledge about art and the people who spend their lives making it. Yes Absolutely. It was a rather broad expectation but that's really what how I felt!

2. Now that you've been through this course, What is art? How would you define it now compared to your intial posting?
Honestly I would define it basically the same way as I did before which was "I think art isn't necessarily something that could be defined in words. But if I had to say art is a form of visual expression, It has no right or wrong answers but has to be somewhat understood in order to create it"


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?
Well, I do feel the same way as I did. It's hard to label one particular artist as my favorite while so many of them have different things to be offered and can nt be compared on the same scale. However if I had to pick one artist in general ir would still be Salvador Dali. For the same reasons he was the first time, because of his surrealist approach that makes us question what we see,

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 neutral. I personally enjoyed this class but art is my favorite subject. I'm not sure how I would like a math or English online class. But It was straight forward enough to get used to. The only thing I struggled with in the beginning was trying to figure out when the right time to do homework that was due on the weekend. Eventually I was able to work around my work and school schedule.

Self

Its a very busy week for me so I decided to visit a gallery virtually.  I chose this particular gallery from Google Art Project

https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/user-gallery/self-portrait-guidence/hQLSSV3ZMJqgJg?projectId=art-project&position=0%3A12

These are the inspiration portraits I chose.

Self portrait with highlight on nose, 60х50, Painting, Voligamsi Rinat

Ivan Le Lorraine Albright, 1951, 24 x 20 inch, Self portrait

w810 x h962 x d50 cm , Nora Heysen, self portrait, 1932







                                                                  My Final Drawing

Beerkittenz.wordpress.com

*Note- I used a mirror to look at myself instead of drawing from a two dimensional picture, I did however take a picture of myself at the time and angle I was drawing from*

1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces?

I selected the three self portraits above because I'm not sure which angle I'm going to go with yet but I like how different they all are from each other.

2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait?
I chose Colored pencils on black paper because of the powerful contrast it creates.

 3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them?
I have had to make other self portraits in the past so I have experience working with my own face. The only real challenge I had was the mirror I was using was to small, so it was hard to see all of my face at one time.


 4. How does this piece represent you?
It represents me because I am the subject. I was debating making a fully abstract portrait but I decided to do a realistic one. Everyone that I showed said that it does look like me!

5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work?
Color, I've done black and white portraits in the past and I really wanted to use color to my advantage. Contrast, The black paper is very dramatic against the light colored pencil. 

6. Did you enjoy working on this project?
Yes I did. I really like to use my self as the subject, more so then drawing someone else.  

7. What do you think of your final artwork?
I really enjoyed the way it turned out. I wasn't sure if I would like the medium I chose, but I ended up liking it.

Reflection Jorunal Art curator project

The Process of making this curation project was fun yet challenging. At first I wasn't to sure how to come up with a theme. But after watching the assigned videos I understood more about categorizing the artworks. The theme I chose was the influence of cats in the art world. A title was easy because I love naming things. "For the love of cats". I searched through many cat artworks until I found ones that worked well and complimented each other

Week 13/14 Blog video review

Step 1: Watch All Three Videos.
 The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art

Tate Modern (four part series)

An Acquiring Mind: Philippe de Montebello and The Metropolitan


1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Lowbrow -To be honest I wasn't even sure what lowbrow was until this video, that being the main concept I learned. Lowbrow is a category that people find hard to categorize, it is very similar to surrealism but seems to have more naked women, cars and bright colors.

Tate Modern- I have heard of this gallery, in one of my other cases we learned about "the weather project". It was very interesting to see the other live exhibits and interacting performances that they have offered.

Acquiring mind- This video was very real for me. I live very close to NYC and I remember the first time I went, I was in 4th grade and we went to see an exhibit with Egyptian art and jewelry. It is one of my favorite museums and have been there many, many times. It was interesting to see the gallery from a different perspective.

2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Exhibition project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.

Yes the sure do! By watching these videos it very much put into perspective on how I would going about picking a theme. The term "Theme" is kind of intimidating because of its general and vague meaning. This was very helpful to the creation of this project.

3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of the art concepts you practiced while creating your curation project?

My honest opinion of these videos is the same as every other video I've had to watch for this class. The videos take much to long to show the concept at hand, BUT I do find it easy to watch videos for information as opposed to reading chapter after chapter. They all did add depth to the understanding of the art concepts I practiced while creating my curation project.

video blog posting mod 12

The two videos I chose are hyperlinked below

 

Hockney on Photography

 

Andy Warhol: Images of an Image

 

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose
I chose these videos based on content. I am a fan of Andy Warhol

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
andy-i learned a lot about the act of silk screening and how it works. This is something that I did know.

Hokney- I found it very interesting how they went into depth about his first experience with a polaroid camera


2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
As usual the videos closely relate to the text with the same slash similar content. Many of the pieces in the videos are in the book but further explained.


3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

My opinion of the films is neutral. The films add depth to the understanding of the readings and art concepts simply exactly how I stated before. With the same content just displayed in a different medium.

The gallery, the second time.

I went to the Burchfield Penney gallery and saw the Jack Drummer:The Effects on Time exhibit.

1. What is the title of the exhibit?
Jack Drummer:The Effects On Time

2. What is the theme of the exhibition?
I would say the theme is making art out of industrial products, like rubber, steel and dyes. Manipulating something we wouldn't consider beautiful into art.

1. What type of lighting is used?
It was overhead lighting

2. What colors are used on the walls?
In that specific exhibit the  walls were white, the color varied depending on where in the museum it was

3. What materials are used in the interior architecture of the space?
Honestly i am a little confused of what this question is asking. There were benches in the middle of the gallery,so one could sit and view the art work

4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space?
The art work invites you to walk through the whole gallery with its intriguing use of color and space between the pieces.

1. How are the artworks organized?
They seem to be next  to pieces that are aesthetically similar, with much space in between each other

2. How are the artworks similar?
They use similar materials in similar ways

3. How are the artworks different?
They all have a sense of uniqueness to them, making a different statement with the same materials.

4. How are the artworks framed?
I don't believe they were framed, each piece was very large and very many were three dimensional

5. How are the artworks identified and labeled?
There was a small plaque with the artists name date and title, many of his works were not titled.



6. What is the proximity of the artwork to each other?
It did vary some were about a foot apart, many were meters apart or in separate sections of the gallery.

 This piece is called Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak no evil. It was made in 1962 with a medium of oil on tin,cardboard, and wood. Many of the other pieces i saw did not have titles, i think it adds to the effect of the viewer. Color is a very strong aspect in this work. also the three dimensional aspect makes it feel more alive. The space between each block of color, almost feels like a stop light to me. The colors chosen show great contrast.

This piece is called "untitled" (2004-2006) and the medium is stretched rubber, tar and rubber stitching. This one particularly caught my eye because of the high contrast between the black and white rubber. When i first saw this piece i thought it was leather because of its shiny texture. The white stitching creates a certain movement that catches your eye and brings it around the whole canvas. 

  

This piece is also called "Untitled" (1995-1997) It is made from Stretched and Dyed Rubber and consists 21 panels. This piece was actually so large in scale that i couldn't get a good picture of it i had to take it from the galleries website, it practically took up the whole wall. The one thing that stands out from the other is the use of color.  All the colors used are very similar in tone but slightly different at the same time. It creates a feeling of unity

:What did you think of visiting the Gallery and purposefully looking at the exhibition from a different perspective - the physical space, the architecture, theme, etc.?

I live very close to the new York city and have been to many musuems and galleries but this experience was different, yes i was focusing on the art but realized the the architecture and physical space was an art work in itself

Mod 11 another video blog posting

The two videos I chose for this assignment are as follows:

Dada and Surrealism

The Impact of Cubism

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

 I chose the two videos above for a few different reasons. I am a huge fan or surrealism if I had to pick a favorite art movement it would definitely be this one.  Salvador Dali is my favorite artist from this time period, I picked this video in hopes they would go into his artwork and background!

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Dada and surrealism- I learned about these movements in depth last semester so I knew a lot of the information given. I was very interesting in the Dali segment as anticipated. I learned a few things I did not know prior. The narrator said and I quote " Ever since he was a child Dali had an erotic fantasy about crutches that later developed into a fetish". I felt that was bizarre enough for me to quote, that is something I learned.

The impact of cubism-I learned that in cubism, painting tends ignores the traditions of perspective drawing and it shows you many views of a subject at one time.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The videos pretty much reinforce the readings with similar information. They relate  in explaining the events that occur in history and how it had it's impact in art. I enjoy the artist bios in the book I find that very informational.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I have to be honest here I wasn't the biggest fan of these videos they were both very dated and slow moving. I found the content to be interesting but found myself very bored at the same time. I think its the narrators voice, it makes me very sleepy. Just kidding!

module 10 video blog response

The two videos hyperlinked below are the ones I chose for this module:

Buddhism

 Hinduism

  

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I was very satisfied with the video choices this week, all were very interesting concepts. I made my choice based on my growing interest on spiritual beliefs. I have recently taken in the practice of yoga and I knew I wanted to learn more of the cultures it derived from.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Buddhism- I found this entire video to be very interesting, I learned many concepts and terms. One thing that I learned from this video was the concept of Tanha which means the extinguishing of all desire for pleasure, positions and possessions. And with freedom from these meant a monk could be in the world, not of it.

Hinduism- One thing that I learned from this video is how different Hinduism is from other reliogns. They can practice their worship anywhere. They do not have to go to a church or temple. The other thing is that they worship many gods and goddesses as opposed to just one.


2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The videos related to the text, they had two but small sections about Hinduism and Buddhism in the text. I Liked how the book showed pictures of art works related to both of these beliefs as the videos just went into the culture. I found both very interesting.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I really enjoyed each film, both are topics I want to learn more about! I was very pleased with the knowledge that I gained from the combination of the book and videos.

Making a mess.. I mean mask

After doing some research about masks I had the purrfect idea for this assignment... Cat Mask!

Turns out there are tons of images of different kinds of masks... Here is my inspurration

 


After finding some inspurration I made two very modest sketches of what I wanted it to look like

Then I put my sketches to action creating this wearable cat fashion mask!

 Upload the three inspiration images Explain why you selected the inspiration pieces.
I picked these three images because they all captured the cat theme I wanted to create. I wanted pieces that had elements of line space unity and color, so I could use those in constructed my own piece

 Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished mask.
I knew the elements I wanted to use I just had to figure out how I would put them to good use. Line was something that I knew I needed to use to make my piece stand out, It was very simple. I also used color to draw attention and contrast the black line work. Unity was a little bit harder for me to capture, in the beginning stages it didn't seem to flow very nicely, the use of pattern defiantly help the piece feel unified!

Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask.
I had a lot of fun creating this mask! I thought it came out a little childish but still fun and lighthearted. I wasn't sure how I would give this paper creation three dimensional elements, but it came pretty clear when I saw my easter candy looking at me! I just used colored aluminum wrappers and rolled them into little balls to look like gems. I used sobo glue to stick them on then added a string to keep the mask on my head!

Line exploration

  I call this "lefy and righty"... I'm going to play that off as if it was intentional

1. What was it like using your hand as subject matter for a drawing?

I have had similar assignments in the past, but I truly do enjoy drawing the human hand. It can be very interesting and dramatic subject matter.

2. What media did you select - pencil or charcoal? Why?

I chose to do this assignment in charcoal. It is one of my favorite mediums because of its intense and forgiving manner

3. How did it feel to create a drawing with your non-dominant hand?

It felt extremely awkward. I am not useful with my left hand whatsoever, I had a very difficult time.

4. Compare and contrast your final drawings. Do you think they are successful studies?

After I had started drawing with my dominant hand I realized I had picked a very boring perspective of my hand and wish I had put that into consideration earlier. I do think that they were successful studies, but this will defiantly not make it into my portfolio!

5. Would you consider using your non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future?

I actually may! I like to make were abstract and different styled art and I think this method may lead to a hand collaboration in the future!

I recorded a video of my process of drawing my hand for my blog. Which you can see Here

Mod 9 Video reviews

The two videos I will be referring to are linked below: 

Albrecht Dürer: Image of a Master

Velázquez

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I have to be honest although I found the subject of both videos to be very intriguing, I based my choices mainly by comparing the lengths of each video.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Durer-I found this video to be very interesting, we are learning about this time frame in art history so it really helped me understand the content, I found the most interesting thing I learned for this video to be the description of  his 1506 oil painting "Feast of the Rose Garlands". They said he would use four to six layers of paint to get the desired finish. He also including himself in the background holding a signed dated document.

Velazquez:  One thing that I found very interesting about this film was the depth about him as an artist. They went into why he chose myths as his muse. And the reason is because he want to as a painter give it substance making ir appear real like the viewer is looking at the myth itself and not just a painting.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
 Both of the videos coincided with the details of the book very well. the videos helps put the ideas learned in the text to action, I find it very helpful to learn about the artist themselves to help understand their art and time frame.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I really did enjoy the videos it's like a lesson from the text that I don't have to physically read. Hearing and seeing these concepts add better understating for me.

m7 video review

Prairie Style (Frank Lloyd Wright)

Architecture: The Science of Design

'

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

I never really understood the concept of a "prairie"  until watching this video, now I know it is a flat landscape.I learned a lot from the science of design video as well. They really broke down why and how, going into detail about the science of it. I found this video very informative. I also learned a bit of fashion advice from the woman narrating the film,  That advice was to never wear a mustard colored outfit even in the year 1990.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The videos  went with the material in the text hand in hand. The book broke down the terms and explained in detail the structures and each part was called. The video shows us first hand where and why different structures are the way they are, as well as gives us footage as opposed to just pictures.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?
I found the films to be very interesting mainly because architecture is something I don't know much about. Because of this I didn't understand a lot of the lingo used in the videos. I did my best and learned things I never knew!

4. Why did you choose the films that you watched?

I am going to be honest i chose these films strictly because of length. I don't always have the time or patience to spend hours watching videos about architecture. But I am glad I choose these two because I found both of them interesting.

Sculpting Mod six

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Through the eyes of a sculptor-
 I learned that every stone has a smell, which I thought was very fascinating simply because I've never smelled a stone statue. I also learned that stone carvers are rarely asked to carve an entire sculpture just pieces at a time, like a hand or foot.
Glass and ceramics-  I learned about glass and how its made. I liked how the went into serious detail about its chemical make up, these are all things I did.t know prior to this video.



2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The textbook and videos go hand in hand with this topic. The videos show you how and the book explains why. I have no real hands-on experience with sculpting. I am taking intro to 3 dimensional design this semester. I found it very interesting the process and learned a lot form the textbook and videos.



3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the topics: Sculpture, Installation, and Craft?

They added to the depth of my knowledge because they really broke down sculpting, in terms that make it relatable. The gentlemen in through the eyes of a sculptor went into his life and how he knew that's what he wanted to do with his life. To me that's a true artist. I also learned a lot about glass and ceramics which is one art field I do don't have

module six peer review

      First off,  I want to be honest and say I was pretty disappointed, I had to go through many student blogs to find 2 that had actually completed the two project assignments. I started reviewing the blog above me, after commenting, I realized that project one wasn't posted. So if I may just review the second one and review project one on a different students blog.

1. The Blogs I reviewed:
http://ardamuz9001.blogspot.com/ for project two
http://wheelej01.blogspot.com/ for project one
http://daartdude.blogspot.com/ for both one and two

2. When looking at Project #1: (Elements and Principles), did you agree with the element or principle the artist listed with the images? Did you see other elements and principles in the images?

       

     I was very impressed by both slideshows I viewed! For Jaimies,  Yes I did see other elements in the images. I really liked her variety of subject matter and loved the puppy pictures! For Daves slideshow I could say the same. He did a great job of finding the principles of art in everyday simple objects that we take for granted (ice cube tray, Toilet paper)

3. When looking at Project #2: Were there any images in the Peer Blogs the same as your own? If yes, what were they? Where the reasons the image was selected the same or different as your own?

    No, There were actually not! Out of all the blogs I looked at not many chose to do Monets exhibit. I can see why, there are so many wonderful works of art in the gallery to choose from. There were however similarities in the works picked in the two blogs I looked at!

4. Where there any images that your Peers selected that pique your interest now? If yes, what are they and what is your connection with them? What would you want to know about them?

 After looking up the definition of the word pique, I would say yes and no. I am a student of art and have been to the gallery numerous times. I have seen and learned about the majority of these works prior.

5. What do you think about  the process of reading your peers reflection? Do you find this to be a valuable in your learning?

   I found it very interesting and haven't done this before. I really enjoyed being able to look and compare the different opinions and values on the thing I love most, art! I do think this is a valuable tool for the learning process.

6. Check your Blog and read comments posted by your Peers. Do you find their comments helpful?
 I did it was very nice to see. The student who reviewed my blog (Jimmy) even commented on my logo, even though it wasn't assigned, Just to tell me I did a good job. Thanks jimmy!

Logo Design

1. Discuss what you thought about creating your logo.

I Had many different thoughts going on about this logo. I had a very similar assignment last semester but my logo was created digitally. This time I wanted to make it different. I had started a blog a few weeks ago and making a logo for it would really make it look professional!

2. Describe the process: creative thinking skills and ideas you used in the logo creation.

 It was kind of hard to come up with an idea. I knew I wanted the logo for my blog to be different yet original. I came up with a few different ideas. The Name of my blog is "BeerKittenz", its a self-proclaimed nick name that I've had for years because it describes my life so accurately.  I knew the logo had to involve the use of beer as well as kittens. I had the idea to wear cat ears, drink beer and take pictures of myself so I could then use those as a reference in drawing a self portrait. Then I looked through the pictures I had taken and drew a few thumb nails to map out how they would look on paper. I picked the one that I thought would be the best composition and I drew in out large. I colored it, wrote out "Beerkittenz" and used some effects on photobucket. The last and largest image below is the final logo

3. What was the most important discovery you made in the creation of your logo?
 I know that this isn't a traditionally logo, Usually logos are simplified pictures not detailed drawings. I knew for my purpose that this is what I wanted to work with. But because of this I did run into difficulties such as scale and color.

4. What is the most important information you learned from watching the videos, powerpoint, and reading material  for this project? What is your opinion of the videos?
I found the videos to be very helpful. It was very interesting to see the whole process of creating a logo from the designing to the product itself.

See my logo in action check out my personal blog Beerkittenz.wordpress.com

A Trip to the albright knox

I hadn't even heard of the Albright Knox until my career as an art student at buffalo state. I live very close to new York city and have been to the Met and MoMa countless times. I've been to the Albright a handful of times last semester but it's always a treat. I decided to go to see the Monet exhibit!
So I grabbed my notebook and kept these questions in mind:

A.) Which artworks make an impact or impression on me? Why?
B.) Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?
C.) Which artworks would I like to know more about? Why?



A.)

I really enjoyed the work Les glaçons (The Ice Floes), 1880. Oil on canvas, 38 1/4 x 58 1/4 (97.2 x 147.3 cm).  It did make an impression on me. I think this is because when you are in front of these paintings in a way it feel like you are there, seeing what monet saw but over a century later.

 On the Bank of the Seine, Bennecourt, 1868. Oil on canvas, 32 1/8 x 39 5/8 inches (81.5 x 100.7 cm).

I would say this one also made an impression me because of the overall vibe I got from taking a minute and looking at this painting. it almost takes you to this lake and makes you want to swim in it

B.)

I was very excited to see Monets "Water Lilies" in person. This work especially, I remember learning about in art classes when I was younger and it was really nice to see it in physically in front of me.  It was painted 1908. Oil on canvas, 31 1/2 inches (80 cm) in diameter

I was really attracted to the piece "The Break up of ice" made in 1880. It uses cool colors and really has an icy feel to it.  I connected with it because I remember the day I visited the gallery it was cold and snowy. But to just look at this painting close up is invigorating.

C.)

Towpath at Argenteuil, winter 1875-76
Oil on canvas
23 5/8 x 39 3/8 inches (60 x 100 cm)
I really enjoyed this work, its the kind of piece that makes you ask questions. The one thing I found interesting is that this is the only Monet work that the Albright actually owns.

art making exploration #1

1. Discuss what you thought about creating the Value Scale and Color Wheel.
     
      
      I have made color wheels and value scales in different mediums prior to this experience. I have found it very beneficial because I hadn't made either in quite some time. As an artist I use both color and black/white in my work. I enjoyed mixing the colors and using acrylic paint. Overall I enjoyed the making of both! 


2. Which media did you enjoy working with the best and why?

 
    I choose charcoal to do my value scale with, I have experience working with charcoal it's one of my favorite mediums. I enjoyed working with it because it is simple to manipulate and is very forgiving in terms of making mistakes. Given the option to use a graphite pencil I decided against it because it wouldn't give me as rich and dark of a value.


3. What was the most important discovery in the creation of these studies?

      
      A discovery that I made in the creations was the importance of quality in terms of supplies. I unfortunately did not have access to high quality paint and I could feel the difference. I was still able to complete and get the full effect of the assignment. I would have been more satisfied with my end product had I used better paint.


4. What is the most important information you learned from watching the videos for this project? What is your opinion of the video?
 

              I found this videos helpful to watch before beginning the project. I found "the truth" to be very interesting. It felt very hands on watching him mix the colors. It showed the mixing of the "primary" colors red, yellow and blue, and mixing them to make secondary colors. Then they countered it by showing the colors cyan, magenta and yellow mixed into secondary colors. The end product revealed a truer color wheel.