HOMEWORK

Homework #14

April 7, 2021

The Secret of Drawing 2 – Storylines and Caitlin McGurk’s talk

First Response:

I found this documentary to be very interesting.  The Secret of Drawing 2 did an excellent job of highlighting storyline art and I definitely am thrilled that I had the opportunity to see some artists work in cartoon.  One of the artists that I really enjoyed was the work of Charles Shultz.  I never knew that he was the creator behind Peanuts.  I also didn’t know how he had a depressed nature.  But, when I go back and look at some examples of the characters in Peanuts, I can’t help but look at the work in a different light.  Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoy his work and will forever be a fan of Peanuts.  I also enjoyed the work from Martin Rowson. I particularly found it interesting when Rowson said, “All of humor, particularly in cartoons, is about us coping with the awfulness of life”.  I think his satirical cartoons are very interesting.  While his message may be blunt, I believe it is very effective.  I also find it interesting how these artists find inspiration from others.  For Rowson, it was interesting that his inspiration came from British satirist’s, William Hogarth and James Gillray.  Finally, I enjoyed the work of J. Todd Anderson.  I really enjoyed how he explained the drawing behind one of his storyboards.  It was awesome how he was able to draw so quickly.  I think it is great how he works in the film industry with storyboards.  I believe story boarding is something that is very helpful, as it expresses a director’s mindset on paper.  All in all, I always find these documentaries interesting and this one did not disappoint.

Six Bullet Points:

• I think it is awesome how Caitlin discusses the history behind the expansion of the library.  From the humble beginnings of two converted classrooms in 1977 to the 6,000 square foot space, to raising over 14 million dollars from private fundraising that gave life to Sullivant Hall with 40,000 square feet.
• I like the Will Eisner collection.  I think The Spirit is a really cool comic that she showed, at least the page I saw on the screen when I paused to read the page.  I also can’t believe that he had an influence in almost all aspects of comics.  I think it is also interesting that he is the father of the graphic novel format as well.
• Also, I think it is amazing that OSU has work from Charles Shultz.  I talked about him earlier, but I love how they have some of his early work from Peanuts, as well as some work that is less known.
• I would have never known that the phrase “We have met the enemy, and he is us” came from a comic strip. I’ve seen some of the Pogo comics and I have always found them to be enjoyable.  The funny little animals are very interesting, and I think Walt Kelly was genius in his work to try and use innocent animals to provide a platform for a deeper message.  Also, in the example she used, I always find it funny when people call out something that seems to be something they are unaware of.  By this I mean, I love how the characters in the cartoon point out that they are in a comic and comment on the drawings and art of the comic, even though they are the comic.
• Calvin and Hobbes is also another favorite comic of mine.  I love how she discussed the comic and the example she used was interesting as she brought up how the hair of Calvin was different in the first drafts.  I can’t believe publishers turned the comic down, but I can see how the difference in hair truly changed the expression, and the ability to connect.
• I also enjoyed when she talked about their manuscript collection.  Lynn Johnston’s work seems particularly captivating.  I think it is awesome how in For Better or For Worse, the characters aged in real time.  I wish that I could have followed the comic during the decade it ran.  I think it is cool how it is one of the only comics that have the characters age.  I can’t believe that she had the dog die, but unfortunately it makes sense.  I also can’t believe that viewers wrote her pleading for the dog’s future.  I agree with Caitlin when she says it is powerful how these comics shape our lives and how they are so influential in America especially.

 

 

Homework #13

March 30, 2021

Sketchbook Assignments Check – Third Check

 

 

 

Homework #12

March 24, 2021

The Secret of Drawing 3 – All in the Mind – Documentary Video 2005

Include the names of at least three artists/groups of interest to you.

While watching the documentary, All in the Mind, I found numerous interesting subjects scattered throughout the video.  Firstly, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the synopia’s of Francesco de Traini.  I found it very interesting how the drawings came to light after a bombing by American troops melted the led roof of this Italian building.  It was extremely interesting to see the under drawings of a once finished piece, and to see and feel the expression that was put into the work of Francesco.  I felt that the under drawings, at least compared to the few images of final pieces shown, had more expression and emotion than the completed piece.  It is almost as if the destruction of the finished piece brought light to the real finished piece – even if that piece was the under drawing.  I feel that by having the walls melt away, the art that was exposed was the art that was always meant to be seen.

 

Another segment of the video I found interesting was the work produced from the Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland, California.  I loved seeing the minds of those who have disabilities create pieces that capture the inner workings of the visitor’s thoughts.  The work of Dan Miller was captivating in that he used words although limited to a minimal vocabulary, to draw out his thought process.  I especially found the identical twins William and Richard Tyler to be very intriguing.  Both, although identical in nature, have differing personalities that are expressed on paper.  While one is abstract and draws loosely, the other is methodical and meticulous.  It is crazy to sees the differences on how one chooses to express themselves.

 

Finally, I found the cave paintings in the Las Monedas and Altamira caves of Cantabria, Spain to be rather exciting.  In my mind, I truly feel drawing is something that makes humans distinct and separate from every other organism on this planet.  Through the power of art, our minds are able to create memories and frame segments of time that would otherwise go on without notice.  Even though some would say the drawings of the animals were rudimentary and that of a child, I believe that they were expressions of the moments in their lives.  By drawing horses and other animals that roamed Earth amongst the humans of the past, we are able to see the depth of their world, and the memories they wished to pass on.  Overall, I found this entire documentary to be rather full of insight into the world of art, and I believe a part of me will always go on in search to find the drawings my inner child once created.

 

 

 

Homework #11

March 22, 2021

Reflection response to module 4 and 5 for critique:

I believe my work in Module 4 and 5 on gesture and collage taught me very important lessons.  Although there is fulfillment in creating a piece that is technically sound where everything adds up and looks exactly how something would if photographed, there is much more to art than just mechanics.  These modules taught me how to feel with regards to art.  I believe that these modules taught me to develop more expression and to not focus on perfection.  I feel my work does fulfill the criteria for the modules.  I truly pushed myself to find meaning to the lines I drew and the paper I cut.  While I have much to learn, I believe I have some strength in my emotion that I expressed on paper, and the thoughts I was having as I created the works.  I believe that my methodical mind and thought process of everything needing to be perfect could be my downfall with regards to these modules, however, this is something I’m hoping to focus on and allow myself to be more open with in time.  I think that my work with gesture could have some improvement, as I feel I need to be freer with my lines and allow my natural flow to be better expressed on paper.  I think what I found most difficult with regards to these assignments was the freedom.  I usually am a very point-blank person, and these assignments really allowed me to let go of focusing on perfection and focusing on the aesthetic of the final piece.  Although I believe the pieces are aesthetically pleasing to the eye, they are not a direct image of what something may look like in real life – which I think is rather playful and enjoyable.

 

 

 

Homework #10

March 14, 2021

GE Assignment writing and drawing – Draft

Draft of GE writing assignment has been completed, approved, and submitted via Carmen.

GE Drawing Draft & GE Assignment for Review:

 

 

Homework #9

March 3, 2021

Sketchbook Assignments Check – Second Check

 

 

Homework #8

March 3, 2021

 

Homework #7

February 19, 2021

Write the Writing Component of the GE Assignment.

Draft Submitted to Instructor and On Carmen

Draft Not to Be Posted On Blog

 

 

Homework #6

February 10, 2021

Read Perspective Article and Watch All YouTube Videos

Submit 7 bullet points of notes

1. Taken straight from the reading – perspective, the flat representation of depth in space, uses the basic concepts of the ground line and the intersection of the picture plane with the ground plane, the observer’s point of view, the horizon line, and the vanishing point. The lines that converge at the vanishing point or called vanishing lines.  This is important to know when studying perspective, as it is the foundation.

 

2. A perspective drawing starts with a point of view from the person drawing. The horizon line starts at the same height as the vanishing point.  When starting to draw in perspective, it is important to truly gauge where the horizon line is and where the vanishing point will be on the line.  This is how a person starts their drawing, and if not done correctly, will cause the translation of the scene one is trying to draw to be completely lost, inaccurate and hard to grasp.

 

3. There are different types of perspective. Some styles include but are not limited to; parallel perspective, angular perspective and oblique perspective.  For parallel and angular perspective, there are vanishing lines that typically can be seen as extensions of the horizontal lines of whatever object the artist is drawing, while the vertical lines typically stay in a vertical or perpendicular placement to the ground plane. In oblique perspective, vanishing lines are extensions of both the horizontal and vertical lines. This perspective has a third vanishing point that is situated on a second horizontal line.  When it comes to perspective, there are numerous avenues to take, but they all follow principles that definitively and distinctly express realistic settings that accurately shape the real world on paper.

 

4. Common errors when drawing in perspective can be caused by vanishing lines not converging at the same point on the horizon which will lead to a distorted figure. Or, when drawing freely, side faces to structures or objects are extended too far and appear rectangular instead of square in shape.

 

5. When drawing in perspective, typically, in order to achieve a perfect and correct result, there is the method of subdividing the space in a perspective drawing that should be carried out with a T-square, triangle and ruler. However, artists don’t always use these tools, but the sheer knowledge of the rules of perspective can help them when free-handing work as the concept alone allows for the basics to be covered and executed.  I am not saying that all artists freehand their work when using perspective, however, by understanding the rules of horizon lines, vanishing points, etc., they are able to determine how to go about depicting their drawings so that when everything is set in stone, the work looks accurate and realistic.

 

6. Perspective can be commonly seen in the urban landscape. When you look at buildings, they are very geometric and have symmetrical properties that are used to draw in perspective. Typically, man-made structures use perspective when drawn, and by doing this, it gives a very natural feel to the drawing.Perspective can be seen inside and outside, with inside perspective taking shape in hallways, staircases and even small rooms.  Everything can have some element of perspective.

 

7. Perspective isn’t just seen in cubes or surfaces with square or rectangular fronts. Forms from pyramids or triangular shapes, spheres or circular/rounded shapes and really a plethora of any shape imaginable but especially geometric, can be seen depicted using perspective drawing.

 

 

 

Homework #5

February 5, 2021

GE Assignment Research

Spend time looking at the artists in the GE Assignment list and the sketchbook prompts to familiarize yourself with the work of the listed artists.

My Preferred Artist: Vija Celmins

My Secondary Preferred Artist: Charles Burchfield

“Long” List of (7) Artists I Wish to Research/Artists Whose Work I Looked at (Not in a particular Order):

1 – Charles Burchfield

2 – Russell Crotty

3 – Vija Celmins

4 – Arthur Dove

5 – John Marin

6 – Wassily Kandinsky

7 – Emile Nolde

 

Short List and Response to (3) Artists’ Work of Interest for the GE Assignment:

 

1 – Charles Burchfield: 1893-1967

Bio/Background Information: An American painter originally from Ohio who was best known for his watercolor landscapes.  He attended the Cleveland School of Art from 1912-1916.  After his time in art school, Burchfield moved to Buffalo, New York in 1921 to become a wallpaper designer.  After getting married and having five children with his wife Bertha Kenreich, Burchfield would soon develop a new style of expression in art.  With the Buffalo streets, railroads, countryside, harbor and cityscape, Burchfield would soon pursue a realistic artistic style for several years.  He would go on to quit his work as a wallpaper designer and take to solely painting.  His paintings would express the joy of American life.  Burchfield found real recognition when he was the “subject of the Museum of Modern Art in New York’s first one-person exhibition, Charles Burchfield: Early Watercolors 1916-1918. He was included in the Carnegie Institute’s The 1935 International Exhibition of Paintings, in which his painting The Shed in the Swamp (1933-34) was awarded second prize. In December 1936 Life magazine declared him one of America’s ten greatest painters in its article Burchfield’s America.”  By the 1940’s, Burchfield would return to transcendental landscapes and scenes of imagination.  He used the mysteries of nature to expose his thoughts and feelings.  Burchfield stated, “An artist must paint not what he sees in nature, but what is there. To do so he must invent symbols, which, if properly used, make his work seem even more real than what is in front of him.” He followed this artistic vision until the end of his life, creating some of his most mystical works.”

Source: https: //www.burchfieldpenney.org/collection/charles-e-burchfield/biography/

 

2 – Vija Celmins: 1938-present

Bio/Background Information: Vija Celmins is a Latvian American visual artist born in Riga, Latvia.   She is known for her very realistic paintings and drawings that almost feel that of a photo.  She has done works of very natural environments and the elements of Mother Nature.  She has works of the stars, rocks, spider webs and the ocean.  In her early years, she had work of pop sculptures and monochromatic representational paintings.  She has been based in New York City, and has had over 40 solo exhibitions since 1965.  She also has pieces in the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Institute of Contemporary Arts, London and the Centre Pompidou, Paris.

Source: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/vija-celmins-2731

3 – John Marin: 1870-1953

Bio/Background Information: John Marin was born in Rutherford, New Jersey.  He was an architect, and pursued painting.  Marin traveled to pursue art, journeying through Europe and finally returned to America in 1910.  He would focus on the scenes of the United States, with particular interest in the skyline and cityscapes of New York City and the shores of Maine.  He had solo exhibitions at Stieglitz’s “291” gallery. Marin was known for his watercolor works.  He had a “bold, fluid style; with a distinctive blend of realism and abstraction, his paintings evoked the forces and energy of nature as well as the booming rhythms of rapidly evolving city life.”  Marin stated, “I see great forces at work; great movements…pushing, pulling, sideways, downwards, upwards, I can hear the sound of their strife and there is great music to be played,” he once said. “And so I try to express graphically what a great city is doing.”

Source: https://www.artsy.net/artist/john-marin-1870-1953

 

Homework #3

January 29, 2021

“Value, Reading, Bullet Points and Drawing”

Directions: Read the article starting on page 2 on value and write 5 bullet points that reflect points of interest in the article and make a drawing that is in the style Paule Vezelay (9.14) that explores your understanding value/shading and depicts shaded objects in the foreground and background.

5 bullet points that reflect points of interest in the article:

1. Value scales can be an effective way to develop the skill of shading and creating different gray tones using the same media. Detecting different numbers of gray can be done through lighting conditions and the background.  Value scales can have nine, five, three or really and number of shades from black to white (extremely dark to virtually nothing but light).

 

2. A creative and meaningful drawing does not need all nine shades in a value scale, and often artists will simplify their composition to three or five. It is all in how one uses the shades they have selected in order to achieve their desirable outcome of bringing to life the drawing they are creating.

 

3. Value scales can create value contrast. When executed with intention, an artist can add softness and elevation.  They are able to create a sense of movement in a piece through using contrast.  High contrast can draw the eye in and focus, while low contrast can fade away and add a sense of background.

 

4. A value scheme, or a combination of tones of a color, can add cohesiveness in a piece. When done correctly, and planned accordingly, multiple shades from black to white and everything in between can create a sense of a full range and add dimension to the piece.

 

5. A more skillful and thoughtful artist is able to use multiple variables for value to bring together a piece, while a lesser experienced artist might find struggle in value and completing a range. Value, planning and a little bit of creativity can take a piece from ok, to inventive.

 

Drawing that is in the style Paule Vezelay:

I decided to follow the technicalities behind Paule Vezelay’s idea of the objects and used this for inspiration.  When I first looked at her piece, I immediately remembered the look of lava in a lava lamp and knew I had to execute my vision.

 

 

 

Homework #2

January 17, 2021

“The Secret of Drawing 1 – the Line of Enquiry”

Directions: Watch the video and write a 250-word response. Include three artists from the list in the response.

 

When I watched this documentary, I couldn’t help but find fascination with the work of George Stubbs.  The meticulous dedication of his work on horses truly was awe inspiring.  To save and paint portraits of subjects that he did not wish to draw in order to fully pursue a subject that he desired to paint shows a testament to his legacy and the sacrifices man makes in order to find happiness.  I cannot believe he would endure sitting and drawing a rotting horse in his rented countryside home.  Peeling back each layer of flesh, muscle, veins and bones, I can’t help but wonder what he felt unearthing each component of the horse’s anatomy.  I also saw an artist who was so engrossed in his work, that he found himself bankrupt and selling preserved birds in order to stay afloat.  The man who saw beauty in the New World, John Adams Audubon, drew the likes of North American birds.  Through his almost story telling of drawing, I was able to see works of the birds we see today, such as turkeys.  Audubon’s works were vivid, showing life-sized depictions of creatures that flooded the skies of America.  Finally, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the works of Francis Wells.  Although a widely respected heart surgeon, it inspired me to watch him use the blood of his patients to draw and share knowledge of the heart.  It goes to show, that although blood is not a common medium, it has the same effect as graphite.

 

250 words

Source: “The Secret of Drawing 1 – the Line of Enquiry,” Produced by the BBC, Hosted by Andrew Graham-Dixon, 2005

January 17, 2021

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