yesjenniferbyrd

[yesjenniferbyrd]

For my final art project I wanted to experiment more with abstract art so I decided to try acrylic pouring. After several attempts using various methods, I was successful in creating this psychedelic piece using the dirty pour technique. I call it Nebula Explosion.

[yesjenniferbyrd]

[yesjenniferbyrd]

sketchbook 4

   Jackson Pollock was an amazing artist in the 20th century that began studying abstract imagery with Thomas Hart Benton. In 1936, Pollack joined Siqueiro’s experimental workshop and began learning more innovative techniques. As a child, Pollock was interested in Native American art, which drew him to attend a demo of Navajo art made by scattering different colored sand on the ground. This may have been a turning point for Pollock as his work went from a primitive tribal like style to unpredictable rhythmic forms that he portrayed in his epic 19-foot mural he created in Peggy Guggenheim's townhouse. Soon after he married painter Lee Krasner, he started painting symbolic and mythological content, but then painted over them with layers of splattered networks of designs. In due course, Pollocks canvases went to the floor. Some works initially had brushwork but were covered by paint either flung or controlled by gravity by dripping using paint brushes, sticks and other objects. After the war, Pollock and other artists forecasted the need for new techniques for artists to create from within themselves to channel their thoughts and express emotion. Moreover, this resulted in his once narrated content and titled works to evolve into a freeform chaos of abstract expressionism (Khan, 2019).

 Khan Academy, 2019. The case for Jackson Pollock. Retrieved from  https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-1010/abstract-exp-nyschool/abstract-expressionism/v/the-case-for-jackson-pollock

[yesjenniferbyrd]

[yesjenniferbyrd]

Virtual sketchbook 3

Upon entering the Baroque Art in Italy gallery in the Ringling Museum of Art, I was drawn to the expressively dramatic oil on canvas painting by the Italian artist, Sisto Badalocchio. Badalocchio’s Susanna and the Elders was created between 1602 to 1610, measuring 162.4 cm by 114.4 cm in size. The subject of Susanna and the Elders was made popular by the Bolognese painter Annibale Carracci and his school, where Badalocchio was sent to study by the Duke of Parma in 1602.

The story of Susanna and the Elders, from chapter 13 in the Book of Daniel, unfolds how two elders accost and spy on a beautiful young Susannah as she is bathing in the garden. Overwhelmed with desire, the two elders demand her to succumb to their sexual desires or they threaten to condemn her publicly for adultery. Susannah denies their advances and threats and is finally liberated by Daniel, who revealed the elders’ deceit. After Daniel discovered the old men's stories didn't coincide, he cleared Susannah’s name and the elders were killed (Ringling).  

This work by Badalocchio shows his commitment to the Carraccesque method by using rich colors and light in large areas to clearly define and emphasize form (Zirpolo). The implied recessive diagonal line of the advancing elders seems to direct viewers to the traumatized Susannah as she attempts to cover herself from the elders’ gaze.  Badalocchio portrayed visual balance with Susannah's large figure and illuminating skin tone, and with the richness of colors used in the elders’ dress to dominate the composition. The three figures are closely proportionate in size, nearly lifelike. The characteristics of Susanna seem to be influenced by the Hellenistic model of the Crouching Venus sculpture (Tuyll, 1983). Badalocchio transmits an undertone of violence portrayed by the elders along with an implied feeling of distress as Susannah appears ashamed of being discovered naked. The message sent to viewers displays a depiction so powerful, merely suggesting it is somehow Susannah's fault.  

Based on my research, the importance of Susannah and the Elders, by Sisto Badalocchio, was to tell the biblical story in the Book of Daniel from the Old Testament. The basis of the work attests to Susannah's purity and righteousness, as truth was commonly exemplified by a nude female figure. Furthermore, it can also be said that this piece was meant to be intriguing to its male patrons.  

[yesjenniferbyrd]

virtual sketchbook 2

Virtual sketchbook 2

1. Journal

Principles of design

Unity and variety: unity is a principle of design that gives art an appearance of coherence and completeness. Variety means the opposite: it is the visual elements in artwork that adds interest. An example of unity and variety that is in my everyday life is a quilt.

Balance: balance is how the lines, shapes, colors, values, space, form and texture interact to create a visual equilibrium so one side doesn't appear heavier than the other. An example of balance in everyday life can be seen in buildings.

Emphasis and subordination: emphasis is an area in a piece of art that draws attention and has a focal point. Subordination is toning down other areas to bring attention to the focal point. An example in everyday life is a woman wearing a tight revealing shirt to draw attention to her chest.

Directional forces:   Directional forces are paths created in art that keep the viewer engaged and lead the eye through the artwork. An example of directional force in everyday life is found in signage in stores.

Repetition in rhythm: repetition is a recurrence of a particular line, shape, pattern or visual element in artwork. Rhythm is achieved through repetition and creates a visual tempo in art. Repetition and rhythm can be seen in fashion in patterns in fabrics.

Scale and proportion: Scale and proportion are concerned with size in art. Scale is in the size of something in relationship to something else. Proportion is the relation based on size between objects in the composition. An example of scale in everyday life is scale model toys. A human body is common for one to judge proportion.

Proportion in composition: proportion refers to the reflective side of the artwork. Composition is the placement or arrangement of positioning of visual elements.  Caricature artists distort composition to create an exaggerated image.  

2. Writing and looking

Ogata Korin’s Cranes (p.79, 4.15)

The artist used repetition and rhythm in this artwork on folding screens through the regular recurrence of elements. The birds look similar and are repeated in a way that suggests they're walking, which creates a strong directional force to the left of the piece. There are slight variations among the cranes. In the golden background, a curving stream to the right creates a unique sense of space.  

3. Connecting art to your world:

In my VPK classroom, I had a large colorful carpet where I held large group gathering activities. The carpet had many bright red, orange and yellow hues on a background of a vibrant blue. The intensity of the color scheme seemed to cause the children to be squirmy, restless and anxious when occupying the carpet. But when a new carpet was bought for my room that contained cool earthy hues of blues,  browns and greens, the children's behavior changed dramatically--the children seemed more calm, focused an relaxed. If I had to pick a color scheme for my life it would have to be the cool colors purple, blue and green that gave a calming and soothing impression on my life.  

4. Art project:

        5. photo/design:

Group 4. INTERACTIVE DESIGN– What is it?

An interactive design is a digital product or service that users can interact with. 

Top 5 Interactive designs:

1. https://www.tate.org.uk/kids/games-quizzes/tate-paint (Links to an external site.)

2. http://www.rememberspook.com/ (Links to an external site.)

3. http://species-in-pieces.com/ (Links to an external site.)

4. https://www.noisli.com/ (Links to an external site.)

5. http://1000.chromeexperiments.com/ (Links to an external site.)

A good interactive design should be easy to use and easy to learn. Successful interactive designs should be a predictable and enjoyable experience. My favorite was Noisli: The intent of the site is to improve focus and boost your productivity. I feel it successfully fulfills it purpose as users can produce online ambient sounds to soothe and relax.

[yesjenniferbyrd]

Virtual Sketchbook 1

1. Writing and research

A known fact about me is that I have been teaching preschool for 21 years.

 5 new facts I found out:

1. The American visual artist, Alice Neel, took 5 years to complete this work, which was one of only two self-portraits that she ever made.

2. Neel began painting this piece at the age of 75.

3. Neel was a left handed painter.

4. The artist painted a famous portrait of Andy Warhol in 1970.

5. Alice Neel painted her earliest female nude in 1930.

Upon doing the research on the painting, my thinking about the art really didn't change. My first initial thought was truthfully one of disgust as it is a self portrait of a 75 year old woman, nude. But I then saw the piece as a controversial attempt by the artist to contradict the standards of how the female body is usually portrayed in art. I do have to say that I now see the look of ruthlessness and bravery in her gaze, in which I didn't initially focus on before.

2. Art and writing

Twilight Cottage an oil painting on canvas by Thomas Kinkade. It's of a charming little cottage nestled by a stream with a cascading waterfall and a romantic sunset in the background. This beautiful work by Kinkade gives me a calming tranquil feeling, but also a feeling of pride and accomplishment. I recreated this painting when I was pregnant with my daughter 8 years ago with acrylic paint on a 12 x 12 canvas. It sits in my living room on a stand on top of a hutch where I can admire it frequently.

3. Writing a self-portrait

I am a 45-year-old female from Sarasota, Florida. According to Ancestry.com my ethnicity estimate is English, Scottish and Irish. I enjoy painting and have painted three murals, but sadly don’t have any time for it lately. What makes me unique is my extreme patience and creativity I’ve used to my advantage to teach preschoolers for over 20 years. I currently work for the public school system and teach VPK which I enjoy immensely.

4. Art Project

In my daily life, I am truly fascinated by the students in class. They have an amazing ability to warm my heart with the reward that I know that I am making a positive difference in their lives.

[yesjenniferbyrd]

Alice Neel (1980). Self Portrait, Oil on canvas, 54 x 40

[yesjenniferbyrd]

First Artworks

5 new facts I found out:

1. The American visual artist, Alice Neel, took 5 years to complete this work, which was one of only two self-portraits that she ever made.

2. Neel began painting this piece at the age of 75.

3. Neel was a left handed painter.

4. The artist painted a famous portrait of Andy Warhol in 1970.

5. Alice Neel painted her earliest female nude in 1930.

Upon doing the research on the painting, my thinking about the art really didn't change. My first initial thought was truthfully one of disgust as it is a self portrait of a 75 year old woman, nude. But I then saw the piece as a controversial attempt by the artist to contradict the standards of how the female body is usually portrayed in art. I do have to say that I now see the look of ruthlessness and bravery in her gaze, in which I didn't initially focus on before.