Module 11 Video Review

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

Both were videos that I honestly wanted to learn more about. My favorite is A Sunday on La Grande Jatte because there are a lot of unanswered questions. This painting makes you think more about it every time it is viewed.

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

I learned that pointillism is not only a style of painting but also a very time consuming and extraordinary artistic ability. This is a very difficult style. It is beneficial to learn the many skills it takes to painting in this style. The people are known to be ones spending leisure time. The women are suspected to be prostitutes due to the clues throughout the picture.

The Expressionism video seemed as though it has emotional transparency throughout making the viewers more concerned about the true meanings of all paintings. This was a very intense period of history but did not stop artists from doing what they loved best. Indeed, a new way to express feelings of art. Composition is extremely important along with how it is specially placed with every stroke of the paintbrush.

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

The history is represented in both the films and the textbook. I believe that the video about Seurat’s paintings give a lot more detail though. It takes us into the picture as thought we are standing around trying to come up with a reasonable explanation for everyone’s reason for being at that place. The video depicts the overall analysis of the artist and paintings.

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

I think the films were very informational therefore helping me understand more than I thought possible. Art concepts are very vivid in this painting and continue to influence anyone who was interested.  

Mask Making

 

African mask 1

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 the inspirational pieces because I had a few things in mind: shape and color. I based my searches on these three elements and principles of design. This helped narrow down my search and was able to find some great pieces of art. I chose to stick with African masks as my focal point since I have the most interest in them.

2. Include the analysis and description (art criticism steps) of the three (3) inspiration pieces.

Description – Describe what you see. (subject matter)?

African mask 3

African mask 1, http://africanpleaces.blogspot.com/2012/08/african-masks.html, took a long time to create with the excessive amount of detail, color and fabric that is displayed. It is in the shape of and ordinary face with a headpiece of some sort on the top. The eyes are closed or looking down with a sad expression. The side flaps may represent hair of the individual and its ears are present too.

African mask 2,http://www.keywordpictures.com/keyword/african%20masks%20patterns/, is a heart that is unique with its color and shape. The eyes are looking down and the mouth is open. This mask has a hard texture and is large in size. 

African mask 2

African mask 3, http://www.masksoftheworld.com/index.html, is very colorful and represents a sun and its rays on the forehead. Happiness is represented by the smile and colors. The ears have an item attached to the lobes. 

Formal analysis – (form) What principles and elements were used and how are they used?

Color, shape, line, texture, and variety are used in African mask 1. Color is represented which also creates lines that shape the entire mask. The texture must be of some kind of fabric because it would probably be soft to the touch yet hard on the inside to give form to the mask. There is a lot of variety that is represented through many design elements and principle.

African mask 2 demonstrates shape, color, lines and unity. A heart represents the shape of the mask. This includes colors that are soft yet vivid: red, yellow, blue and light orange. Lines that create the eyes and lips leave the feeling of unity within the artwork.

African mask 3 represents the elements and designs of color, shape, line, variety and unity. Colors are shown throughout the mask. The shape is long and lines are displayed around the eyes, sun, nose, mouth and forehead. Variety is consistent within the entire mask creating unity.

3. Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished mask.The principles and elements that are used include color, shape, line, rhythm, and unity. The colors are evenly spaced throughout the mask and do not continue just one color. Many are displayed to create somewhat of a rainbow effect. An oval-like shape representing a face demonstrates the whole work. Lines are displayed throughout the mask. There are straight, round and curvy lines that make up the overall structure of the entire mask. The mass amount of color and lines help to keep the consistency of the rhythm that is displayed and guides the viewer’s attention. All parts of the mask flow smoothly, which in fact create a sense of unity.

4. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask.

I believe that my mask turned out pretty good! My favorite thing is that many colors are represented throughout the whole piece of art. There are many different colors that are involved in the mask: blue, pink, orange, purple, yellow and green. This is made of sketch paper, colored pencils and glue to bind everything together. The mask is a face that shows every happy emotion by the colors it portrays. In my opinion, bright colors represent happiness in many ways, which is similar to my personality. I wanted to create something that left people with a smile yet peculiar look on their faces because my mask is different. I am definitely impressed with my finished artwork and hope others feel the same!

Module 10-Video Review

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

I chose the two videos because I wanted to learn a bit more about African art and Buddhism. Reading about them in the book intrigued me to choose them. The history behind them is quite interesting. 

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

The African Art: Legacy of Oppression video discusses the artistic creations and styles of the African culture. The Belgium Tervuren Museum is one of the largest that contains hundred of thousands of pieces of African art. (video) There are many works of art that may seem disturbing but leaves a message of African history. The most common of all were masks, which symbolized numerous things such as feelings and challenges in life. These help us to understand how it was back in time. The existence of the past endures our future.

The Buddhism video focused on the creation and inspiring motives of Buddha himself. He represented not in human form yet through symbolism such as carved animals, flowers and figures. Also, the temple and Stupa were places of worship that created serenity to all people who took the time to meditate. The largest temple was called Borobudur, which represented a place to learn of Buddhism. The afterlife was worshiped and reflected upon, creating heaven on earth to Buddhists. 

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

Both relate to the text by how they expand on the history of African art and Buddhism. African art is symbolized through the many things that were made. These influenced the future of the world and created new life to the culture. Buddha created Buddhism in regards to his unique liking for art and architecture. When Buddha died, his spirit emerged influencing cultures and inspiring happiness and simplicity. 

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

I enjoyed both films as they expanded my imagination on both African art and Buddhism. There is always an advantage to visual documentation that allows one to see the history through a different perspective. This helps me to understand the concepts more clearly.

Module 9-Exploring Lines

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

This is somewhat difficult because you cannot set it down and look at it. Also, your hand cannot just sit still in the position that you want it to stay. 

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

I chose to draw this in pencil since last time charcoal was a bit messy. I wanted to work with a pencil this time to create lighter strokes. Also, it is easier to erase if I need to make a correction.

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

This was difficult since I really cannot draw well to begin with and writing with my left hand has never been an option for me. I simply cannot write well with it. You would definitely be able to tell the difference between my left and right hands and which one was my dominant without me having to tell you.

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

I have to say that my right hand came out pretty well but wish that my left hand was better. If I could steady my left hand more, the end result may have worked to my advantage. 

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

No, I would not be able to create artwork in the future with my non-dominant hand because I don’t feel comfortable using it. I feel like my fingers just do not write well at all on my left hand.

Module 9 Video Reviews

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

 I chose the two videos, The Drawings of Michaelangelo and Albrecht Durer: Image of a Master, because they were interesting and inspiring. Art history is displayed and explained thoroughly which also relate to our test in many ways.

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

The Drawings of Michelangelo video discussed many interesting facts. His works of art are known to all and can be seen in the British Museum where art student are able to view more than ninety of these sketched drawings. Michelangelo focused on creating masterpieces that impacted other artists for centuries and even presently inspires numerous amounts of people. Many of his drawings were destroyed because he was a projectionist and did so himself. He was intrigued with the shape and form of bodies and based a lot of his ideas on this. He also taught himself to sculpt which is difficult to do. Paintings and sculptures were of importance to Michelangelo because he had a passion to create things that were of a mystery or better than others.

Albrecht Durer was an artist known in the era of the Renaissance and spend a lot of his time in Venice, Italy, where he became even more inspired than he had in the past. Not only a painter but a printmaker being able to print numerous amounts of paintings to be sold for profit. Working on a grid helped him to master his drawings and paintings. This allows Durer to create the perfect masterpiece by using circles, triangles and squares. The grid allows everything to flow together in unison. Also, this allows the artist to make the image bigger. Everything from peasants to architecture inspired his work. The Apostles painting was most known and unique. This painting left an impression for many years to come.

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

Albrecht Durer video relates to the history of paintings in the text by reflecting on the Renaissance’s beauty and importance.

The Drawings of Michelangelo video relates by how the paintings and sculptures are explained. The ideas and steps taken to create are shown by artists of our generation.

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

 This visual representations helps us as students to envision how it was in the past for artists. The challenges of the world and how to create masterpieces that have been around for centuries is explained in both films. The history sets the mood for the time and essence giving an understanding of the concepts that we will never forget.

Module 8 Video Review

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

I chose the videos because they seemed of interest to me. I wanted to learn more about the ones that I chose to get a better understanding of the past ancient times. The video somewhat related to each other yet were different in some ways too.

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

More Human Than Human video discussed history of the human body and how it was created in reference to our ancient ancestors. Nomads were key in the discovery and impacted the Venice of Willendorf. Many countries created replicas of her because she symbolized fertility by its emphasis on her breasts, stomach and private areas. Her arms, legs, back and head were left unfinished and give us a sense of wonder as to why Venice was created this way. In 1972 an Italian man, Stefano Mariottini, was finishing up his summer vacation. He noticed, while spearfishing that of a human figured buried in the sand at the base of the water. Later known as the Riance Bronzes, these figures were the greatest ever made. Such detail could not be created today and will remain a mystery. The human body is of influence not only in the past but the future as well.

The Greek Awakening video focused on key points of the Greek Parthenon that symbolized Athena on one side and Poseidon on the other. This once had a building inside of it and was used for a temple, church, mask and historical landmark. Back in time, thousands of years ago, parts were bombed and destroyed when battles were going on. Today, restoration is key in preserving what is left and adding to make it new. Keeping what is known in history and preserving for the future.

The Measure of All Things video focused on the human body in relation to Greece conveying it to feelings and emotions. This culture was spread throughout history and even though we cannot prove the meaning since we do not have written documentation, we can only assume. The materials such as statues found in history, help to understand meanings. The revolution of art is discovered by the human anatomy. The ideal body is a symbol of the Greek history and what is known as the human body. Many statues are represented throughout the video that gives important meaning to the Greek history of the gods in reference to the human being. The Greek artists produced realism and beauty in forms and paintings. Every body has a particular shape that gives life and understanding.

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

More Human Than Human video related to the text by how it brings a few lessons together. It expanded on how the nomads created the “Venice of Wallendorf” and related it to other images throughout ancient times, including Greece and Egypt. The human form was and still is the most important image studied. The many discoveries throughout time impacted how we relate to the future of our society. The human body is know to many as the most looked at image and can also be the most criticized.

The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5th Century video focused on the symbolism of the Parthenon. This relates to our text by how the structure and ideas were described. This is a visual experience of the meaning behind the Greek awakening and what is represented for our future. If we know the past, we will know who we are as people and strive for our future.

The Measure of All Things video related to the text by how it focused on the important Greek history of form in relation to the human body. It explained material used to create such statues that influences artists for years to come. 

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

The films were very good. I thought that it was great to expand my knowledge of the ancient history. I had learned about western civilization but did not always understand completely the details of most of it. It is amazing to reference the art in this history and love learning new things. The videos add depth to the readings and art concepts because they give life and visual representation. I found video on the Venice of Willendorf most interesting and glad that I learned more about this ancient figure.

Module 7 Video Review

For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
The “Architecture-The Science of Design” video was based on specific structures and how the environment influences the ways these buildings are made. Skyscrapers are built in proportion with the wind and height. Buildings will slightly sway especially if it is very tall with many floors. The most interesting part of the video was the smart apartment which is made up of computer based applications that are linked to the electrical appliances and machines in the house. Many things include automatically starting the coffee pot in the morning at a specific time, heated tiles in a bathroom after a shower, and if the house is empty the energy consumption is minimized throughout the entire place. This building is completely made from the influence of technology.
The “Prairie Style” video is based on homes that were either completely designed by Frank Lloyd Wright or inspired by his unique styles. Many of his designs are made with the intention to be an organic, open floor plan with a sense that represents the relationship of the nature outside to the harmony of the interior. The landscapes are meant to leave you with the impression that they grew out of the site and belonged with the entire property. Wright’s horizontal layers create a lasting impression on many especially fellow architects.

How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The video relates to the readings in the text by how structure is explained. Every house or building has to be created based on the environment surrounding it. Weather has a very important bearing on how a specific building should be built. The Architecture video explains concrete made of sand pebbles, broken stone, cement and water as a dominant material used in all buildings. This video explains homes that I would reference back to the text such as the Glidehouse. This home was made with the intention of being green. Both videos show buildings or homes that are similar in taste.

What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?
I really enjoyed both videos especially the “Prairie Style.” I liked the explanations of how the homes were inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and the positive affect that he portrays. This helped structure my understanding of architecture. Both videos helped me to get the overall concept of the detail that is used and the unique minds of architects. They not only come up with a design yet expand on it using the exterior as a motive to the interior.

From the group of four that you had a choice: Why did you choose that film?
I chose these video’s because I felt as though they explained more of what I was interested in when reading through the text. I enjoyed learning more about the architects mind and the inspirations that makes them create their own legacy. I do truly believe that Frank Lloyd Wright was the best American architect of all time, as many would feel the same.