Friday, March 25, 2011

Hand Drawing

 1. What was it like using your hand as subject matter for a drawing?
I found it to be easy to sketch a hand up close in person. I was able to look at my hand from different viewpoints to help me better create my drawing.

2. What media did you select - pencil or charcoal? Why?
In this drawing I selected to use pencil because I did not have any chalk. Additionally, I thought a pencil would be cleaner and easier to use for this drawing.

3. How did it feel to create a drawing with your non-dominant hand?
Although I found it very difficult to create a drawing with my non-dominant hand, I was surprised how the drawing came out.

4. Compare and contrast your final drawings. Do you think they are successful studies?
In terms of proportion, I think the drawings came out successfully. Perhaps, if I used chalk the drawings would have been better detailed.

5. Would you consider using your non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future?
I would not consider using my non-dominant hand unless I was creating a less detailed drawing.



(Top) Dominant hand
(Below) Non-dominant hand

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Video Reviews


Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance
1. Explain why you selected each of the FOUR videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I selected this video to review because I have always been fascinated about the works and intelligence of Leonardo di Vinci.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
- Surveying the talents of Florence during the Renaissance
- Examines Leonardo di Vinci and his several talents such as engineer, architect, and botanist.
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
This video lends insight into the mind of Leonardo di Vinci. Additionally, the knowledge demonstrated in this film, gives us a better understanding of Leonardo da Vinci and his impact during the Renaissance.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I thought the video was well constructed. It accompanies the book well as it gives an in-depth analysis of some of Leonardo da Vinci’s finest works.


Playlist: The Drawings of Michelangelo
1. Explain why you selected each of the FOUR videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I selected this video because I wanted to learn more about Michelangelo and his impact during the Renaissance.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
- Shows how drawings transform into final pieces
- Introduces many of Michelangelo’s tools and techniques.
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
This video relates to the text because it shows how drawings transform into final pieces. Additionally, it gives us a better understanding of Michelangelo’s techniques.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I thought the video was very interesting. I especially found it interesting, how an idea involves into a drawing and then into a masterpiece.


Albrecht Dürer: Image of a Master

1. Explain why you selected each of the FOUR videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I selected this video because I was not familiar with this artist and wanted to learn more about him and his works.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
- Art in northern Europe during the Renaissance.
- The works and techniques of Albrecht Durer.
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
This video relates to the text because it shows how the Renaissance different in the video and in the North. Durer focused in creating realism and less on idealism in his works.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I thought this filmed lend a different insight to the Renaissance. It supports the text when explaining the difference in Italy and northern Europe during the time of the Renaissance.

Playlist: El Greco: Rediscovering a Master
1. Explain why you selected each of the FOUR videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I selected this video because I wanted to learn more about Spanish art. Additionally, I wanted to learn more about El Greco and his work.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
- The revival of El Greco and his work
- The introduction and rise of Picasso
3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
This video relates adds an analysis of Spanish art. Additionally the video constructs the key figures during the period including Rusinol, Picasso, and El Greco.
4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

Although I was not aware of the techniques and characteristics in Spanish art, this video gave me a better understanding. 

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Video Reviews March 18, 2011

More Human Than Human
1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
- Symbols and unrealistic images have significance to us.

- Our ancient ancestors influenced the way we view images today

- An analysis of Egyptian style
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
This video relates to the idea of realism, which is expressed in the book. Moreover, it seeks to find why we enjoy unrealistic images.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I thought this video was very interesting. I enjoyed the part when the diver finds the statue buried in the sand at the bottom of the ocean. 


1. Explain why you selected each of the three videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I chose the following movies because of my interest in art of the Middle Ages and Greek art. In addition I feel these videos will provide additional knowledge of the aspects behind these areas of art.
Art and Life in the Middle Ages: The Luttrell Psalter
1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
- The Psalter is a prayer book in Latin
- The Psalter shows all forms of life including human and animal interaction.
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
This video relates to the chapter on the Middle Ages because it shows the significance of religion on art in this time in history.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I thought this video really enhance and provided back round knowledge of art during the Middle Ages. In addition I learned what Psalter is and its place in the art world.

The Birth of the Middle Ages

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
- The influences that led to the Middle Ages.
-The introduction of the “Dark Ages”
- The way of life and shift during the Middle Ages
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
This video gave a better understanding of the Dark Ages. This video shows Europe during a time between Roman society and the glorious time of the Renaissance.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

This really accompanies the book quite well. It illustrates and gives a good picture of art in the Middle Ages.

The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure
1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
- The transformation of Greek influence on art
-The shift to capturing moving and naturalism
 2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
This video enhances the book on Greek architecture. More specifically, it analyzing how art transformed into realism and how the idea of naturalism and movement were introduce to art.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I thought this film was very interesting. In addition, I developed a better understanding of the Greek influence on art. 

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Architecture videos


Architecture: The Science of Design
1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
- The components that go into creating modern architecture
- The use of concrete in architecture
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The video relates to the book as it provides a more in depth analysis of modern architecture. Additionally, the videos elaborate on the science behind architecture.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?
I thought the video was excellent at elaborating on architecture. The video adds more in depth of the scientific perspective of architecture.
Prairie Style
1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
- How Wright implements organic architecture in his designs.
- The huge impact that organic architecture has had on the architectural community.
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The video elaborates on the section of organic architecture. More specifically, the videos develop the concepts of organic architecture, which are expressed in the text.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?
I thought this film did an excellent job giving a better understanding of how architects blend designs with the natural environment.
4. From the group of four that you had a choice: Why did you choose that film?

From the group of videos, this video was my favorite. I am really interested in the environment and think it is very interesting how architects use the environment in their designs.

Classical Architecture
1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
- How the use of Greek and Roman architecture is use in modern architecture.
- I also learned that the idea of solar energy is not a modern idea.
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
This video reinforces the concepts used in Greek and Rome architecture. The use of arches and columns are used in modern building structures.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?
I thought this film did an excellent showing Greek and Roman architecture. I always found these ancient structures to be very interesting.

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
- The changing impact of urban planning on architecture
- The idea to create energy efficient buildings
- The use of windows, panels, and other parts of buildings to be more energy efficient.
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The video gave a better understanding of the changes in modern architecture. I think this video really elaborated on the use of urban architecture.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?
I thought this video was very interesting. As the population continues to grow and energy becomes more of a problem, I think it is important to be innovative to conserve energy. 

Friday, March 4, 2011

Installation Project

Installation art refers to three dimensional  that takes up a specific space or area. Artist can use many types of materials when creating an installation, however, many times the materials reflect one another. Installation art allows the viewer to become a part of the artwork. In regards to my favorite installation, Wong's Urban Landscape really catches my eye. I was amazed how Wong was able to take kitchen utensils and transition them into such a bigger piece.

It was really difficult trying to come up with a good idea for an installation. I wanted to give my installation a implement a theme of nature in this design. I took various tropical plants and arrange them in a way to make it feel like one is in a tropical rainforest. Such plants include a coffee plant, Kahili ginger, and papaya tree. Although the pictures did not come out well, the installation gives a feeling of peacefulness.


Thursday, March 3, 2011

Classmate Review Assignment




I reviewed Anthony’s and Monica’s work for projects one and two. I thought both classmates did an excellent job implementing the elements into their pictures. My favorite pictures were the butterfly showing texture (Anthony) and the hummingbird showing movement (Monica). In regards to project 2, I thought both classmates did an excellent job analyzing the artwork that they chose for the project. Anthony and Monica both selected Wong’s Urban Landscape. Although I did not select this work in the project, I was quite fascinated with it. Both classmates thought it was quite unique. I think it is amazing how the artist was able to use kitchen utensils to create such a piece. Monica selected Claude Monet’s The Tow-Path at Argenteuil, which I also selected in this project. I agree with Monica that this piece sends a sense of peacefulness. This piece reminds me of relaxing along the beach on a quiet day. Overall, I thought Anthony and Monica did an excellent job with these projects.

I thought the process of reviewing other classmates’ work was valuable. It allows me to compare my ideas and work with other classmates. Additionally, it allows me to give feedback on their work. The classmates who responded to my work really gave me valuable feedback on my work.  It allows for another opinion, which is helpful. 

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Sculptures, Ceramics, & Installation Art video review


Through the Eyes of a Sculptor

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

- A sculptor must use his or her feelings to carve life into the figure
- A sculptor’s soul must go in to creating a sculpture
- Sculpting is a precise process

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

The video relates to the text because it explains the passion that goes into a sculpture. Additionally, they both examine the details and procedures that go into creating a sculpture.

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

I thought this video did an excellent job explaining what goes on in the sculptors mine when creating a sculpture. It is also clearly explains the process for creating such a sculpture.

Glass and Ceramics

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

- The ingredients that make up glass.
- The process for molding glass (heating, shaping, cooling)
- The different techniques used in ceramics

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

This video really enhances the readings. This video applies another insight of how a person creates glass figures. I especially thought it was interesting how glass is created.

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

This video was my favorite video of the three. The visuals really helped in my understanding of ceramics.

Installation Art

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

- Installation art is a controversial issue in contemporary arts
- Installation is three-dimensional art that takes up space
- Observe different examples of installation art
- Encourages the viewer to interact with the world of the the installation

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

The video complemented the text well. It gave a more in depth overview of the context.

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

I thought this video really enhance my knowledge of installation. Prior to watching this video, I was a bit confused of what defies installation art. This video cleared up this understanding.