Reflections of AED 200

1. What were you expectations for this course and where they met?

My expectations for this course were that I would learn more about making art and about interpreting art. My expectations were me.

2. Now that you've been through this course, What is art? How would you define it now compared to your intial posting?

I would keep my definition from my original posting. I believe art is an expression of human imagination and creativity.

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?

My favorite artist in my original posting was Salvador Dali and he is still my favorite. I have always enjoyed his surrealist style.

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 don't usually enjoy online courses, but I have enjoyed this online course. It was easy to find out what was due and when it was due, also the instructions for the assignments were clear.

Week Fifteen: Self Portrait /Art Gallery Visit

1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces?

I selected my Inspiration pieces from several different virtual galleries: Director's Gallery: Auckland Art Galley; Director's Gallery: Skagens Museum; and Director's Gallery: Museum of Latin American Art. I selected my pieces because they are all somewhat unusual self-portraits: one is a couple, one is a picture of the artists torso only, and in one the artist's expression is unusual. 

2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait?

I prefer to work in colored pencil because it is less messy, and it is easier to draw detail.

3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them?

The challenge I mostly had was finding appropriate colors for my skin, eyes, etc. I'm still not really happy with the final colors.

4. How does this piece represent you?

I tried to stick to my picture as much as possible so it is as close as I can get to how I actually look.

5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work?

I used color, shape, emphasis, and line.

6. Did you enjoy working on this project?

Yes, it was fun to draw myself.

7. What do you think of your final artwork?

Like I said, I'm not completely happy with it, but I think it turned out ok.

Picture of me

Self Portrait

Links to self portraits:

https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/asset-viewer/torso-%E2%80%93-self-portrait/5AHmBTYPDj-jZg?exhibitId=ugKCzmY7cdU-LQ&userGallery&projectId=art-project

https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/asset-viewer/double-portrait-of-marie-and-p-s-kr%C3%B8yer-the-couple-have-portrayed-one-another/bQGsSVyDeRb13g?exhibitId=aAKynwcIbgZZIA&userGallery&projectId=art-project

https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/asset-viewer/self-portrait/pgEJgLzcBmRv2g?exhibitId=zQISEINHlyDgLw&userGallery&projectId=art-project

Video Reviews: Week 13&14

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

In the "An Acquiring Mind: Philippe de Montebello and The Metropolitan Museum of Art" video I learned about Philippe Motebello, the director for the Metropolitan Museum of Art for over 30 years and his job as an art curator, collecting pieces for the museum. In the "BBC Culture show: Tate Modern is 10!" I learned about the British modern art museum Tate Modern and why it has become so successful. In the "The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art" I learned about the idea of "lowbrow" art and why it appeals to the masses.

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

They don't directly relate to my art exhibition project, but they did give me insight into aspects of art curation and what makes museums successful.

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?

 I enjoyed all 3 films. They gave me good insight into how museums choose their pieces. 

Project 4: Art Exhibit "In the Garden"

The theme I chose for my exhibit was Victorian garden scenes done in the impressionist style. It was called “In the Garden.” I selected that theme because I love to garden myself and because it is becoming winter time now, the gardening season is well over and I wanted to remind myself of spring. I selected the title because it seemed to fit the theme well. I also love the impressionist style and find the old-fashioned aesthetic of the Victorians to be romantic.

When making the exhibit, I chose use a sort of leaf/spring green palette for the power point because it went better with the garden theme. I also chose a sort of fancier, cursive script because it fits with the old-fashioned, Victorian aesthetic. 

The only challenges I had while making the exhibit was in writing the descriptions/interpretations for the pieces. I honestly couldn’t find much to say about some of them.

Video Reviews: “Isamu Noguchi: The Sculpture of Spaces” and “Andy Warhol: Images of an Image”

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

The two videos I chose were “Isamu Noguchi: The Sculpture of Spaces” and “Andy Warhol: Images of an Image.” I chose these two videos because I have always enjoyed Warhol’s work and, although I’d never heard of Noguchi, the idea of sculpture gardens sound cool.

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

In the “Isamu Noguchi: The Sculpture of Spaces” video I learned about the Japanese artist Isamu Noguchi and the various sculpture gardens he has built in Japan and all over the world. In the “Andy Warhol: Images of an Image” video I learned about the Pop Art movement and looked Warhol’s painting Ten Lizes and how it explored Warhol’s fascination with celebrities as objects.

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

These two videos relate to the textbook reading because they both further explore the modern/postmodern art movements and major figures in those movements.

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. It was especially interesting to learn more about Andy Warhol.  

Art Gallery Visit 2

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

The title of the exhibit I saw was "Mystic North."

2. What is the theme of the exhibition?

It focuses on the work of Charles Burchfield and his impressions of winter's power and beauty.

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

The lighting used most often is overhead track lighting.

2. What colors are used on the walls?

The walls were mostly white, but there were a few accent walls in a dark blue-gray.

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

The floor was of polished wood. The walls were mostly plain white walls and it had high ceilings.

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

The movement through the gallery is mostly linear, but the viewer is drawn to the dark accent walls featuring stenciled words and branches.

 Questions about the artwork:
1. How are the artworks organized?

There seemed to be no particular way the pieces were ordered.

2. How are the artworks similar?

Most of them depict scenes of winter landscapes, although some are more abstract than others.

3. How are the artworks different?

Some of the artwork is more abstract. Some of them were sketches, some paintings, and one a sculpture. 

4. How are the artworks framed?

Most of the pieces had simple black frames.

5. How are the artworks identified and labeled?

They are mostly on plaques near the pieces.

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

They are not very far from each other on the walls.

It was very interesting to consider a gallery exhibit in terms of the actual physical space and how it's arranged, rather than just focusing on the pieces in the exhibit.

Charles E Burchfield, December Light, Watercolor on paper mounted on board

Description: The view appears to be from the inside of a log lodge. On the wall are several hunting trophies. Outside the large windows in a winter scene around a pond, with swans on the water. The painting is in all black and white. 

Formal analysis: Value is emphasized in this painting. The contrast between the dark walls of the lodge and the light colors nature scene draws attention to what's outside the windows.

Bracketing: The hunting trophies on the wall could represent man's attempt to control and tame nature.

Interpretation: I think the artist was trying to showcase how nature can never really be tamed or controlled by people. 

Charles E Burchfield, Spring Sunset in the Woods, 1917, Watercolor and graphite on paper 

Description: Trees in a forest with budded branches. Some of the trees seem to be overlaid     with the brilliant colors of the sunset.

      Formal Analysis: Color is emphasized in this painting. The vibrant colors of the sunset contrast with the whiteness on the remaining snow.

      Bracketing: The colors of the sunset contrasted with the whiteness of the snow could represent the rebirth and vibrancy that spring brings.

      Interpretation: I think the artist was trying to show the beauty and liveliness of spring.

    

      

Charles E Burchfield, The Horn Call from the Sibelius Fifth, before 1963, Conte crayon on paper

Description: There are several triangular shapes in the background that could be abstract trees. In the center, framed by two tree trunks, are several triangular shapes that look almost like a tower. The piece is in black and white.

      Formal Analysis: Shape is emphasized in this piece. The shapes of the tower structure and the abstract trees and clean, geometric triangles.

      Bracketing: Burchfield drew this piece after being inspired by a piece of music. The triangular, spear-like structures could represent particularly strong notes.

      Interpretation: I think the artist was trying to give shape and form to the music that inspired him.  

Video Review:“The Mystical North: Spanish Art from the 19th Century to the Present” and “Matisse and Picasso”

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

      The two videos I chose were “The Mystical North: Spanish Art from the 19th Century to the Present” and “Matisse and Picasso.” I chose these videos because I had watched the other films about the Spanish artists Goya and Picasso, and I wanted to know more about them and Spanish art/artists in general.

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

      In the “The Mystical North: Spanish Art from the 19th Century to the Present” video I learned about how northern Spain has produced some of the greatest artists of all time, including Goya and Picasso. I also learned about other Spanish artists like Antoni Gaudi and Salvador Dali. In the “Matisse and Picasso” I learned more about Spanish painter Pablo Picasso and his complicated and sometimes strained relationship with the equally famous French artist Henri Matisse.

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

      The videos relate to the textbook readings because they also talk about the modern art movement, including early modern artists such as Goya.

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. It was interesting to learn more about the artists I’d previously watched films about, as well as the origins of modern art.   

Mask Making

 The first mask inspiration picture I chose was an ancient mask dating from the pre-neolithic stone-age. I chose it because this mask is considered the oldest in the world. It is made of stone and has a very simple design, with simple geometric circles for the eye holes and a crescent moon for the mouth. The element of shape is emphasized in this piece, in the simple geometric eye/mouth holes. 

The second mask I chose was an African Fang mask from the country of Gabon; I chose it because its purpose as a inquisition ceremony mask interested me. It is from the 19th century and is made of wood. The head is very elongated and the eyes are very small; the mouth is a simple geometric triangle. Form is emphasized in this piece with the elongated head. Shape is emphasized with the almond shaped eyes and triangle mouth.

The third mask I chose was an Aztec mask from the 16th century; I chose it because of its vibrancy. Unlike the other masks this mask utilizes the element of color. This mask seems to be made of some to sort of green tiled stone. It has detailed eyes and teeth. The shapes of this mask are less geometric than the other two.

This stone mask from the pre-ceramic neolithic period dates to 7000 BC and is probably the oldest mask in the world (Musée de la Bible et de la Terre Sainte)

Fang mask used for the ngil ceremony, an inquisitorial search for sorcerers. Wood, Gabon, 19th century.

Aztec mask of Xiuhtecuhtli, c. 1500, of Mixtec-Aztec provenance

   
The elements and principles I emphasized in my mask were color and texture. I was trying to go for a serpentine feel with my colors of green and black. I tried to create a scale pattern with both the green/black tiles and the yellow scales. I thought my mask turned out well, although I wish I could have actually used stone or wood to create it.

Video Review: “African Art: Legacy of Oppression” and “African Art”

1.      Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.                                                                                                                                                                    The two videos I chose were “African Art: Legacy of Oppression” and “African Art.” I chose these two videos because, as an African American, I feel that learning more about African art and culture connects me more to my roots.

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

      In “African Art: Legacy of Oppression” I learned about how African art influenced the western modern art movement, and inspired famous European artists like Picasso. I also learned about how the Europeans looked down on African artistry, calling it primitive, and about the poor treatment of Africans during the European conquest of Africa. In “African Art” I learned about the rich diversity and history of African art across the continent. I learned that most African art is very conceptual and that much of it carries symbolic and religious meanings.

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

     The videos relate to the textbook readings because they also talk about African art from various places around the continent. They talk about symbolic/religious nature of much African art, as well as materials the book mentions such as ivory.

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

I enjoyed both videos. It was fascinating to study artwork that does not come out of the western tradition.  

Art Making/Material Exploration: Exploring Line

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

I enjoyed using my hands as the subject matter for this drawing. It was kind of hard because I had to really pay attention to the way my hands were shaped.

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

I chose to use pencil because it was easier to control, made cleaner lines, and was less messy.

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

It was considerably harder to draw with my left hand rather than my right. I had less control of line movements and my drawing was less steady.

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

I think my drawing of my left hand by my right hand (non-dominant drawn by dominant) ended up pretty successful. My other drawing, drawn with my left hand, was not as successful, but it is still recognizable as a hand.

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

Probably not, it is too difficult to control my movements.

Drawn by dominant hand

Drawn by non-dominant hand

 

Video Review: "Albrecht Durer: Image of a Master" and "Velazquez"

1.     Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.                                                                                          The two videos I chose were “Albrecht Durer: Image of a Master” and “Velazquez.” I chose these videos because they featured two lesser known renaissance artists they I did not know very much about. Also, I liked that the two artists these videos focused on were not Italian, in school they mostly focus on the Italian Renaissance masters; it was nice to get another perspective.

2.     For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.                        In the “Albrecht Durer: Image of a Master” video I learned about the German renaissance artist Albrecht Durer. He was responsible for bringing the art ideals of the Italian Renaissance to Germany; he is also famous for his landscape painting and his woodcut prints. In the “Velazquez” video I learned about the famous Spanish renaissance artist Velazquez. He chronicled events in the life of his friend, the king of Spain during that time, Phillip IV. He is considered one of the greatest artists Spain has ever produced.

3.     How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?                                  The videos tie into the textbook readings because they too talk about European Renaissance artists and the ways Western art profoundly changed during this time period.

4.     What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?                                          I enjoyed both videos. I liked that they focused on renaissance artists outside of Italy and that they introduced me to two more really amazing artists and their works.        

Video Review: “How Art Made The World - More Human Than Human” and “The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5th Century BC”

1. Explain why you selected the video you choose from the selection listed above.            

The film I chose was “The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5th Century BC.” I chose this film because I have always had an interest in Greek culture and art, plus I was already somewhat familiar with the subject matter. I had previously heard of the Greek revolution in art, when they stopped copying the Egyptian style and created their own, more realistic style.

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

In the “How Art Made The World - More Human Than Human” video I learned about the history of humans creating images of the human body. I learned that we tend to make unrealistic images of the human body, what this reveals about human nature and human societies, and about the neuroscience behind our preferences. In the “The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5th Century BC” I learned about the Greek revolution in art, how they switched from stylized portrayals of the human body to a more realistic style.

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

These videos tie into the textbook readings because they also explore the history of art from ancient civilization such as Egypt and Greece, and the earliest artistic endeavors by prehistoric peoples, an example of that being the famous Venus of Willendorf. They also both explore what these findings and history reveal about human nature as a whole.

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

I enjoyed both of these films. I found both of them fascinating as an exploration into why humans portray the human body as we do, and why our portrayals can vary so greatly from culture to culture.  

Video Review: “Architecture: The Science of Design” and “Prairie Style”

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

The key concepts I learned in the “Architecture: The Science of Design” video was the scientific basis behind architectural choices, such as the properties of concrete that make it the building material of choice. I also learned about early Smart-home technology. In the “Prairie Style” video I learned about American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and how he revolutionized the way Americans built homes by introducing the prairie style house, which featured innovations like open floor plans.


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

The videos relate to the readings in the text because they offer examples, visualizations, and practical applications of the people, concepts, and ideas discussed in the chapter, such as load-bearing construction and the Frank Lloyd Wright.


3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?

I enjoyed both videos. I found them informative and interesting. They added to my understanding of architecture because they showed and explained to me all the factors that go into architectural decisions, and how architecture can completely revolutionize the way we live.


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

I chose the films that I watched because they seemed the most interesting

Ceramics, Glass, and Stones: Video Review

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

The keys concepts I learned in the videos were the work and craftsmanship that goes into creating a sculpture or piece of glass (from the type of stone/sand used to the various tools used), as well as the scientific properties of glass making and its history.

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

The videos gives us the reality, the step by step process, of the ideas/concepts/etc. discussed in the textbook. They show us what these steps actually look like and how complex the process can be.

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

I think the videos are wonderful ways to actually show what the topics discussed in the text, sculpture, installation, and craft, look like in the real world, in the hands of actual artists and craftsman.  

Peer Review

http://fainquiry.blogspot.com/

http://bryannagraham.blogspot.com/

1. 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?

For the most part I agreed with the element or principle the artists listed for their images. The only one that sort of confused me was the "emphasis" image on Bryanna's blog.

2. When looking at Project #2: Where 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?

Both Bryanna and Monica chose works that I had also chosen. Monica chose "Child's Blue Wall" for much the same reason I did; it is a very nostalgic piece. Bryanna chose "Fear of the Night" and "Scrambled or Fried" for similar reasons that I did as well.

3. 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?

One of the painting Monica chose, "The Voice of Space" caught my interest. I feel a connection to it because of its sci-fi elements, which is my favorite genre to read and also to write. I would like to know more about who the painter who created it.

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

I thought it was fun to look at everyone else's work. It was valuable in my learning because it made me reflect on my own choices.

5. Check your Blog and read comments posted by your Peers. Do you find their comments helpful?

I enjoyed reading the comments I received. They made me feel good about my choices.

Albright Knox: Gallery Visit 1

Helen Frankenthaler, Round Trip, 1957, Oil on Canvas

Jimmy Ernst, The Chant, 1955, Oil on Canvas

A) Which artworks make an impact or impression on me? Why?

These two pieces made an impression on me for the same reasons, but opposite ends of the spectrum. Frankenthaler's Round Trip drew my attention of it's vibrant colors are organically shaped figures. On the other hand Ernst's The Chant made an impact through monochromatic, black-on-black color scheme and stark, geometric lines.

Jim Dine, Child's Blue Wall, 1962, Oil on Canvas, Wood, Metal, and Light Bulb

Afro, La Paura del buio (Fear of the Night), 1952, Oil on Canvas

B) Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?

Dine's Child's Blue Wall connects me to my childhood. Although I did not have wall paper in my childhood room exactly like those blues stars, looking at the work still made feel nostalgic for the carefree days when I was a kid. Afro's Fear of the Night connected with me with the present rather than the past. To me some of the figures in the painting look like street lights, which make me think back to times where I've walked alone on city streets at night; it certainly can be a fearful situation.

Marc Chagall, The Flying Fish, 1948, Oil on Canvas

Scrambled or Fried, 2008, Chewing Gum and Chewing Gum Wrappers on Canvas with Artists Frame

C) Which artworks would I like to know more about? Why?

I would like to know why Chagall put the fish in his painting. What's its significance?

I would also like to know why the artist of Scrambled or Fried chose such an unusual medium for this piece. Why chewing gum?

Books and Quills and Logo Design

1. Discuss what you thought about creating your logo.

I thought it was fun to create my logo, although it took me awhile to come up with a concept and a design. I ended up choosing a quill and book because I’m studying to become an English teacher, I love to read, and am also writer (mostly fantasy and sci-fi). Those things are important to me and I wanted to pick a logo that would sort of give nod to all those aspects of myself.

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

The first thing I did, after watching the videos and reading the pdf article, was sit down and brainstorm ideas. I knew I couldn’t make a logo that would capture every aspect of myself or my life, but I could pick out one or two related things and try to capture those. I already explained why I ultimately chose a quill and book. I then started drawing. I knew I wanted the logo to be kind of large, so I drew the quill rather large as a starting point. Then, I sketched the book underneath; the pages looked kind of bare, so I added some squiggly lines as writing. I chose to color the logo in mostly brown, red, and yellow because it’s autumn and I love warm, autumn colors.

3. What was the most important discovery you made in the creation of your logo?                                
It’s really had to design an image that captures the whole essence of something/someone. That is why I had to settle for capturing only a part of who I am. I admire professional graphic designers who are able to design logos that encapsulate an entire company’s essence.

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 enjoyed watching the videos; they were very informative and offered a new perspective to me. I have a cousin that works in graphic design/advertising and now I have a better understanding of what exactly he does every day. The videos and the reading gave me a better understanding of the importance of symbols/logos/etc. and how difficult it can be to create them.

Sketch 1

Sketch 2

Sketch 3

Final Logo

   

Colors and Values

1. It wasn’t very difficult to create the value scale or the color wheel. The greatest challenge I had was with finding the colors. I went to 3 different stores and the closest I came to finding cyan or magenta was an shimmer aqua color and a shimmer magenta.

2. I enjoyed working with both. However mixing the paints to get the new colors was fun, even if it didn’t turn out quite the way I wanted.

3. The most important discovery in the creation of these studies was how colors worked and how values worked, which are both qualities of light, so how light works.

4. The most important thing I learned were what the true primary colors were, as opposed to the red, blue, and yellow primary trio I was taught in elementary school.

Module Three - Project #1 Elements and Principles Slideshow

I enjoyed taking the pictures for the slide show.  Using the camera was not hard, it was much harder to find photos that I felt captured each element/principle clearly.

For "Line"  I chose to take a picture of the side of my coffee table upside down, because I noticed it have very strong straight black line of metal on the sides. For "Value" I took the picture in black and white because I felt it showed the gradients of light better, from white where the sunlight hits the wall, to complete darkness in the shadows.

"Shape" is a picture of an old lighthouse-buoy and I liked how it combined organic curves with geometric circles in the port holes. For "Form" I took a picture of an apple because it is pretty close to a perfect sphere, but still obviously organic.

"Space" is a picture I took of Canada as seen from the american side of Lake Erie; it was chosen because the distance between the two sides and the size of the lake is easily taken in. My "Color" photo is of the Caribbean ocean and it is an older photo from a vacation I took. I chose it because the whole photo is various shades and tints of blue--it is monochromatic--and has a calming effect.

"Texture" is a photo of a field of cattails at Times Beach Nature Preserve; the texture of the tails can clearly be seen, the whole photo has a "rough" feeling. "Balance" is a picture of Wilkeson Pointe on Buffalo's outer harbor. This photo was chosen because I felt the statue and the tree on top of the hill balanced each other out.

The "Contrast" photo is actually my book-bag. I chose it because, in black and white, the light colored circles really stood out on the dark background. "Movement" is the Buffalo lighthouse, located on the outer harbor. I thought the dark color at the top of the lighthouse drew the eye upward when you looked at it.

"Emphasis" is a picture of my boyfriend standing on the steps of the lighthouse. I chose this picture because for some reason the photo came out looking almost black and white, but his face was blue. I thought his face was definitely emphasized by those Smurf-like tones!

"Pattern" is a dress I own with a tribal-inspired pattern on it. "Proportion" is a grain factory as seen from a boat on lake Erie. The smallness of the trees and boats near the factory are in proportion to its size.

"Unity" is a picture of the lake on a very foggy day. I chose this picture because it looks like the sky and water blend into each-other as one unit.

http://s359.photobucket.com/user/smithba02/slideshow/Elements%20and%20Principles?sort=3

Color: Theory and Emotion

1. Describe Color and it's effects on emotions. Use the appropriate vocabulary of color in your posting.

Color is a function of light. What we perceive as color is actually reflected light. For example, we perceive an object as being red because the object absorbs all the colored rays of light except the red ones. Color can have quite an effect on human emotions. For example, colors such as red, orange, and yellow are considered warm colors and are associated with sunlight and fire, while blue and green are considered cool colors, associated with water, sky, and calmness. The use of complimentary colors in a piece of art can create a feeling of unease or violence, while a monochromatic color scheme can create a soothing or somber effect.

2. What is a theoretical aspect of color that most intrigues/fascinates you? Why?  

The theoretical aspect of color that most interests me is optical color mixing, which is when our eyes blend small patches of different colors that are close together into a new color. This interests me because it reminds me of when I was a small child—back in the days before flat screen TVs—and I would press my face against the glass television screen and seen nothing but thousands of tiny dots, but as I backed away the dots would coalesce into an image. I found this extremely fascinating as a four-year-old. 

3. In the Color video, what made the biggest impact on you in regards to color and it's effects on emotions?                                                                                                        

What made the biggest impact on me was the artist’s comment about an early stage of her painting when she looked at it and said it felt violent because of the clash of red and blue, complimentary colors. She ended up darkening the shades and making the whole painting less violently contrasting and more soothing.

4. In the Feelings video, what made the biggest impact on you in regards to color and it's effects on emotions?

The part of the Feelings video that had the biggest impact on me in regards to color and its effects on emotions was how the narrator says how the 18th century artist Francisco Goya speaks his imagination. The colors he chooses for his works come from his imagination, and therefore also from his emotions and come pouring out onto the canvas.