Rembrandt van Rijn 

Rembrandt in a Cap, Laughing: Bust1630

Physical Dimensions:

w4.13 x h4.93 cm

Provenance:

Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Calvin J. Holmes

Type:

Works on Paper - Prints

Self-Portrait in a Cap, Open-Mouthed1630

Rembrandt van Rijn

Dutch, 1606-1669
Etching; only state
plate: 2 x 1-3/4 in. (5.1 x 4.4 cm); sheet: 2-1/16 x 1-13/16 in. (5.2 x 4.6 cm)

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) Self-portrait wearing a soft cap: full face, head only, 1634, Etching

1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces? I selected these Rembrandt sketched, because I really enjoyed the simplicity of them. I like how Rebrandt uses cross hatching to shade the self-portarits

2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait?
I used pencil and charcoal to create my portrait, because I am most comfortable with those materials. I wanted to be more confident in my self-portrait, so I decided to be on the safer side, and go with what I know. 

3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them?The biggest problem I had with drawing my self portrait was drawing the lips and nose: this is always the hardest part for me to illustrate. I overcame both of these things, by taking a step back and looking at the lighting and shading, then using the pencil I gently outlined them
4. How does this piece represent you? I believe this piece represents me in a happy moment. Being optimistic is very much a salient feature; therefore, I tried to convey it in my portrait.

5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work? In this piece I used the element of light to utilize hatching and cross hatching.  I also used contour and outline to define the shapes and distances. This piece also required balance and emphasis and subordination to complete
6. Did you enjoy working on this project? I did enjoy working on this piece, and I plan on trying a second self-portrait after finals. 

7. What do you think of your final artwork? I like my final piece. I definitely need to practice more of the techniques in shading ( Emphasis, subordination) to make it really come to life, but given my lack of experience, I am quite please with the final result.

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

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

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?

Module 12

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above. The two films that I selected were “ The Power of Art:Rothko” and “ Andy Warhol: Images of an Image.” The reason I selected the Rothko film was because I was really intrigued from what I read about him in the textbook. I chose to watch the Warhol film, because I knew about his history with The Velvet Underground, and I wanted to learn more about him.

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

The Rothko video described the tortured soul that was Rothko. He spent decades trying to perfect a form of art which would convey the deepest of human emotion. Rothko wanted to give his paintings the same emotional force as the old masters (Rembrandt, and Turner). Rothko is considered one of the greatest American artists of all time.

The Andy Warhol was the complete opposite of Rothko’s. Rothko despised the idea of making art for decorative purposes for the wealthy. This is why his four seasons painting was meant to convey uncomfortable feelings, because he wanted to ruin the appetite of the patrons. Warhol was the complete opposite of Rothko. Warhol’s painting to easy to create, because they were mostly done on silk screen. Warhol wanted to produce products more than art.

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

The videos relate to the text because they illustrate the transition from modernism to post modernism. The text helps to put the context of these artists into the history of art and its culture. Chapter 23 helped to describe how art has changed, since Warhol and Rothko’s contributions.

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

I really enjoyed Rothko’s film. I appreciate the level of consideration and emotion he put into his paintings; however, I did not like Warhol’s video much. I found Warhol to be too much of a commercial artists, concerned more with making money  than trying to push the boundries of art.

Art Gallery Visit #2

Step 1: The Exhibition

Questions about the exhibit:
1. What is the title of the exhibit?

The title of the art exhibit I visited is “Manet, Monet and the Impressionists” at the National Gallery.

2. What is the theme of the exhibition?

The theme of this particular is exhibit is impressionism.

Step 2: The Gallery

Questions about the physical space:
1. What type of lighting is used?

In Room 43 at The National Gallery, there are two sources of lighting. First, there are skylights; however, there are steel plates blocking direct sunlight from entering the room. The Second source of light is through directed LED lighting that is attached to a set of rails, so the lights can be moved.

2. What colors are used on the walls?

              The walls are painted a deep, and natural dark purple. The walls are accented by white decorative molding at the top, and a dark granite baseboard.

3. What materials are used in the interior architecture of the space?

The floors in Room 43 are made out of wood of different shades and patterns. The center and perimeter patterns of the floor have the boards lined up, one after another, and this is accented by diamond wood patterns in the floor. The bottom baseboards and entryway molding are made of dark granite. Along the top base boarding there is decorative white molding, which continues into the white, decorative vaulted ceilings.

4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space?

The room, which is about 30x30 has the viewer walking around the square perimeter of the room. In the center of the room, there are two wood benches.

Step 3: The Artwork

Questions about the artwork:
1. How are the artworks organized? As you enter the room and go left, there is a collection of over 12 Monet pieces on two walls. The remaining two walls are covered by a variation of Monet, Manet, Renoir, and Sisley.
2. How are the artwork’s similar? The subjects of the paintings can be categorized into two styles. As you enter the room, and go left, all of the paintings of landscapes. The other half of the room is portraits.

3. How are the artworks different? Apart from the difference of subject matter, one painting by  Ignace-Henri-Théodore Fantin-Latour  “ Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Edwards”  is not an impressionist painting, rather it is surrealist.
4. How are the artworks framed? All of the artworks in Room 43 are framed in a gold painted, decorative wooden frame; however, the intricacies vary from each painting.

5. How are the artworks identified and labeled?

Each artwork is identified and labeled with a small white plaque that gives a description of the artist, year, and label of each work.

6. What is the proximity of the artwork to each other?

Each piece is located within 1-2 feet of the other paintings. Some of the smaller paintings have other artworks above them within a few inches.

Step 4: Art Criticism Exercise

Artist: Claude Monet

Title of work: – Snow Scene at Argenteuil

Media: Oil on Canvas

Date:1875

Size: 28x36 in

Source of picture (URL) http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/snow-scene-at-argenteuil-claude-monet.jpg

What I enjoyed about this painting is the subtle contrasts in color. The Painting, which is mostly constructed of blues and greys, also, contains some dark browns, reds, and near black accents.  In this painting, there is a winter scene that contains the presence of people in it. To the sides of the painting there are trees and shrubs, and the background consists of buildings. The first element I noticed in this painting was the use of direction and movement. The fence to the left, and the muddied snow trail serves as a directional line, which guides the viewers eyes to the people near the end of the trail. The second element I noticed was the use of implied shape to outline the trees. Monet uses grey shapes contrasted with browns and reds to outline the trunks and branches of the trees. The first principle I noticed was the use of emphasis and subordination. Monet subordinates much of the landscape in this painting by filling it with grey and little detail; however, the people and everything that is man-made is given much richer and darker colors. I believe Monet did this to symbolize the the contrast between people and nature. The subjects in the photo, and the trails left behind them are the first things I noticed about this painting; therefore, I believe Monet was trying to illustrate the contrasts and effects of people on nature.

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Artist: Claude Monet

Title of work: – Gare Saint Lazare

Media: Oil on Canvas

Date:1877

Size: 60.3 x 80.2 cm

Source of picture (URL): http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/16571

What I really enjoy about this painting is the use of blues in the shading; Also, the way in which Monet develops the smoke coming from the train. Rather than outlining the smoke, Monet distorts the image where smoke is present. In this painting, there are people waiting to board a train at a station. The station is covered with a glass ceiling, and inside the station there is a prominent light post; in addition, to other trains and passengers. The element I noticed in this painting was the use of direction and movement. It’s clear the trains are moving into the station, and the railroad tracks direct the viewers’ eye into the background of the painting.  Another prominent element is the use of analogous color harmonies.  Monet used most blues, greens, and yellows in the painting. I also really like the asymmetrical balance of the painting. The vaulted ceiling of the station almost make the painting symmetrical; however, the content within the station offers a stark contrast. This artwork reminds me of many paintings during the industrial era. Train stations represented a place for many different types of people to meet. I think Monet chose this piece, because industrialization changed many societies, and how people interacted.

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Artist: Claude Monet

Title of work: – Bathers at La Grenouillère

Media: Oil on Canvas

Date:1869

Size: 73x92 cm

Source of picture (URL) http://www.oil-painting-techniques.com/pics/monet2.jpg

What I enjoyed about this painting is how different the color scheme is from his previous works. Many of Monet’s artwork has prominent blues; however, in this painting, green is the most prevalent color used. In this painting, there are canoes docked in the bottom left corner. In the top left corner, it is covered in foliage and people walking across a dock. The right side of the picture is more reminiscent of Monet’s work with the addition of blues; however, it doesn’t capture the typical idea of Monet that I’m used to seeing. The first element that I noticed in the painting was the use of movement and direction in the center of the painting. The Dock, which has many people walking across it, serves as a guide to experience this particular artwork. Secondly, I noticed the use of complementary color harmonies in the shading of the water, which is white and black. I believe Monet uses a perfect balance of Unity and Variety in this painting, as the left half of the painting is united in all of the greens ( analogous color harmonies); and the right half of the image uses more complementary color harmonies: this brings balance to the painting.  I believe painting symbolizes the relationship of humans and nature. The color schemes used in all of the manmade subjects are in perfect harmony with nature. I believe Monet was trying to describe how harmonious the relationship between these two can be.

Step 5: Document Your Visit

https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/virtualtour/#/room-43/

4. Answer this question: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.?

Looking at the art from a different perspective in a different setting really helped me understand the context and historical significance of these artworks. By arranging these artworks in a exhibit, it becomes easier to understand how artists affect and influence other artists. The physical space also played a large role in changing my perception of these artworks. Everything from the decor to the framing helps to recreate an atmosphere which helps to emphasis the importance and role of  understanding art.

Chapter 21

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

The reason I selected the cubism video is because I had previously taken an interest in cubism, and I was curious s to what the video would exemplify.  The second video that I chose was the Dada video, because I had never heard of it before, although, while watching it I had recognized the style of Dada.

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

In the Cubism video, Juan Gris described cubism as deconstructing images which starts as shapes and ends with a situation we recognize from our own experience.  I learned about the way in which Cubism plays with the viewers perception of the image. Cubism artists may use multiple perspectives of the same object to emphasis certain features of that object. This same technique is used in Hannah Hoch’s “ New York” collage, which isn’t Cubism, rather it is classified under Dada. Artist, Kurt Schwitters’ is considered one of the founders of Dada. He used everyday objects in his art, but isn’t concerned so much with the object, as he is with “ the music the light plays on them.”

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

The readings in the text give the concepts of cubism and Dada a context. After World War 1, concerns over war and economic/ social equality became the center of the arts. Through Art, many of the discussions regarding these issues were brought to the mainstream: allowing for the progression of many societies. The text also describes the pretext to the evolution of surrealism, cubism, and dada. The Avant-Garde movement facilitated a change in perspective for many artists around the world: allowing for new, bold ideas in the art culture.  George Grosz exemplifies this in his “untitled” painting of Germany, where everything is lacking the fundamental characteristics that make human life worth living. 

 In my mask, I wanted to attain symmetrical balance, but I also wanted to use hatching to try and give the head dress a feeling of depth and a sense of variety. I also wanted to emphasis its three dimensional space, so I decided to make the the nose, by folding the paper material i used for the mask.  Also, I decided to subordiante the hair and side burns for two reasons: First, because I wanted to emphasis the head dress, but also, because I wanted to emphasis the contour lines of the facial structure to resemble a skull. I really enjoyed making this mask, and I achieved the goal I set out to reach. In making this mask, I wanted to depict something that resembled an 80's punk theme, but also, a native american theme.

The reason I selected this Inuit Shaman mask is because I really liked asymmetrical balance of the mask. Shamans in Inuit culture were used to rid of evil spirits and bring prosperous conditions, and the mask seems to illustrate both of those sides.

What I really enjoy about this native american mask is how hatching is used to form the depth in shading. Also, I like  the textural contrast between the smooth lines on the mask and the roughness of the hair.  There's also an emphasis placed on the eyes, as they are the only part that isnt shaded,

I was really attracted to this mask of a buddha, because the facial expression represents one of a buddha deep in thought.  There is an emphasis on the contour of his brow and on his eyes to convey the depth of his thought. I also enjoyed the symmetry of this mask.

Video response

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

I selected both of these videos, because I’ve always had an interest in eastern religion/ spirituality. Many of the events I attend are based on Buddhist or Hindu principle’s; especially , in festival culture.

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

In Hinduism I learned about the similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism. Both religions/ philosophies believe in reincarnation, as a form of punishment. Once the person has led a pure life, then they achieve Nirvana, and are not reborn. Also, both religions practiced asceticism; which is the starvation of all things, in effort for better understanding.  

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

These videos exemplified how attached to nature Buddhism and Hinduism are. Both religions, exemplify the need for mindfulness. In fact, even Jainism uses the same meditative positions in its art. Even though, Hinduism utilized a caste system, it placed equal values on all lives, because everyone is seeking the same thing, Brahma.

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

 I really enjoyed seeing how Buddhism and Hinduism beliefs translated in their culture and artwork. In both of these religions, ascetic’s can be seen trying to find liberation. I also found a correlation between buddist priniciples in the technique known as Haboku. Haboku is an arduous process where the artists splashes ink on paper, which usually results in a mess on the paper; however, this process is almost illusive, as is finding liberation.