FINE ARTS
ART 1020-Intro to Drawing
Reflective Writing:
Since I was young I have always appreciated art. Sculptures and paintings can be incredible achievements.
The art of drawing is my favorite because it involves the skill and talent that kindles passion for true artists of great achievement. When I began the intro to drawing course I wanted to learn the basics that all artists learn. That goal was achieved and I'm hungry for more education in the art of watercolor and paint.
I chose Norman Rockwell because he was in my opinion the most famous artist in america. The artist report taught me what I needed to know and what to do if I want to improve my ability as an artist. I am very grateful for the knowledge I've gained from this class. Normans step by step process of creation is an excellent medium to cross over into oil painting.
My signature assignment is a report on The Utah Museum of Fine Arts and an essay on Norman Rockwell:
On February 3, 1894 in New York, Norman Percevel Rockwell was born. At age 14, he entered the Chase Art School, and then the National Academy of Design and finally the Art Students league.
At age 19, he published his first magazine cover for Boys Life Magazine, published by the Boy Scouts of America. He held the position of art editor there for three years. At age 21 with the help of a friend Rockwell submitted his first cover painting to the Saturday Evening Post.
Over the next 47 years Rockwell published 322 covers for the Saturday Evening Post. He also painted covers for other magazines like Life Magazine, the Literary Digest, People's Popular Monthly and other magazines of the day as well as book illustrations for juvenile publications.
Rockwell married three times throughout his life. He married his first wife in 1916 and divorced in 1930. Shortly after he met and married schoolteacher Mary Barstow and had three children. Mary died of a heart attack in 1959. He married again in 1961 to Molly Punderson, a retired schoolteacher.
Throughout his lifetime Rockwell produced over 4000 original works including magazine covers, book illustrations, calendars, posters, and portraits of famous celebrities and presidents just to name a few. A prolific artist and an American icon of all art and illustration Rockwell depicted everyday life in America. He is most famous for the Saturday Evening Post Magazine cover scenarios.
Later in life Rockwell gained attention for serious subjects such as racism and segregation. In 1977 Norman received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States of America.
Today the Norman Rockwell Museum is located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts and is open year-round. It includes more than 700 original drawings, watercolors and paintings.
Rockwell's doodles and sketches were drawn within French vine charcoal, Wolf's carbon pencils- HB and B, lead pencils- HB and his preferred 6B. When using a balopticon he traced with a 5H lead pencil.
Rockwell did not simply paint out of his head. First he developed an idea and sought input from anyone who would listen. When he felt people were enthusiastic about an idea he went to work. If people were uninterested he abandoned the idea altogether.
Rockwell used models and props, and photographs. Most of the models were friends, neighbors and art students. He chose all the costumes and props as well as the models. Once all that was in place, he drew up a preliminary sketch with charcoal. Then he would draw the colored sketch that chose the tones, colors and finally the painting.
He was a master at facial characteristics and hand gestures. The step-by-step process of his work is his success. From the idea to the live models, numerous props for details and photos it could take weeks to prepare for the preliminary sketch, and in some cases months to finish a painting, however most were completed much faster.
It has been said that Rockwell painted happiness but did not live it. Norman at the age of 84 in 1978 died of emphysema in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Norman Rockwell is one of the 20th century's most famous American painters and illustrators. He carried on his work until his last days of his life spending more than four decades at the Saturday Evening Post. His work was once a common household display across United States of America.
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is an expression of cultures from around the world. From the northwest coast to Guatemala, the Pacific Islands to South Asia and Egypt through Europe there is something for everyone to see.
The ancient Egyptian artifacts exhibit is a wonderful collection of everyday things in ancient Egypt. Necklaces from the 17th and 19th dynasties, carnelian and gold jewelry from the 26th Dynasty and scarabs from the 18th dynasty 1540- 1307 B.C.E. but the most interesting artifact in the collection has got to be the anthropoid sarcophagus. Dating from the 26th Dynasty of Egypt it was the last native dynasty to rule Egypt before the Persian conquest in 525 B.C. and marks the beginning of the late period of ancient Egypt. The sarcophagus is made out of wood, decorated with gesso paint an intricately hand carved details and design.
It says ancient Egypt all over it except for one thing that's missing. Where's the gold? This sarcophagus looks like any other coffin with Egyptian painting and writing except that most people think of a gold face when they think of an Egyptian tomb. How ironic that the last dynasty of Egypt should not waive gold in the face of the world or perhaps this coffin was for a more common man at any rate I recommend anyone to go and see the Egyptian exhibit at the University of Utah's fine arts Museum.
It says ancient Egypt all over it except for one thing that's missing. Where's the gold? This sarcophagus looks like any other coffin with Egyptian painting and writing except that most people think of a gold face when they think of an Egyptian tomb. How ironic that the last dynasty of Egypt should not waive gold in the face of the world or perhaps this coffin was for a more common man at any rate I recommend anyone to go and see the Egyptian exhibit at the University of Utah's fine arts Museum.
There are currently two special exhibits on display both are a must see for young aspiring artists. The first is, At Work: Prints from the Great Depression. The exhibition is drawn from the collection of Ambassador John Price and Mrs. Marcia Price. Dr. Mary Francey is the curator of the Price collection. This exhibit is a look into the past of laborers hard at work with different skills throughout parts of the country. Most of the prints are black and white in appearance and some have color. Several different techniques were used like lithograph, serigraph, linocut, chromolithograph, wood engravings, etching and aquatint as well as intaglio and stencil printing. The overall atmosphere of the prints are of an industrial scenery like dam builders, railroad yards, drilling, welding and woodcutting but some also depict everyday life like the subway or a children's clinic even eviction from your home.
The exhibit starts out with a Jackson Pollock (American 1912-1956) lithograph print entitled “Stacking Hay” 1935. It moves on to Thomas Hart Benton (American 1889-1975 lithograph print entitled “Island hay” 1945. Thomas Hart Benton is a very well-known American artist as well as many of the others like Jon Stewart Curry (American 1891-1942) with his famous lithograph print entitled “Prize Stallion's” 1938. Others like Hershel Levit (American 1912-1986) the “Dam Builders” is featured on the side of the Utah Museum of fine arts building for the exhibition. Clare Leighton (American/British 1901-1989) wood engraving print entitled “Cutting” 1931, Leon Gilmour (American/ Latvian 1907-1996) wood engraving print entitled “Cement Finishers” 1939, and many more outstanding artists are featured.
Most of the prints were made from 1930 to 40s. When you first look at these prints they seem very simple and lifeless. But once you get a closer look you notice detail so intricate that you become aware that this is not a drawing. The different techniques and styles really show off the theme of the exhibit in a monumental way. The darkness of the Depression and the hard work of the skilled labor force portray a young industrialized America determined to succeed.
The exhibit starts out with a Jackson Pollock (American 1912-1956) lithograph print entitled “Stacking Hay” 1935. It moves on to Thomas Hart Benton (American 1889-1975 lithograph print entitled “Island hay” 1945. Thomas Hart Benton is a very well-known American artist as well as many of the others like Jon Stewart Curry (American 1891-1942) with his famous lithograph print entitled “Prize Stallion's” 1938. Others like Hershel Levit (American 1912-1986) the “Dam Builders” is featured on the side of the Utah Museum of fine arts building for the exhibition. Clare Leighton (American/British 1901-1989) wood engraving print entitled “Cutting” 1931, Leon Gilmour (American/ Latvian 1907-1996) wood engraving print entitled “Cement Finishers” 1939, and many more outstanding artists are featured.
Most of the prints were made from 1930 to 40s. When you first look at these prints they seem very simple and lifeless. But once you get a closer look you notice detail so intricate that you become aware that this is not a drawing. The different techniques and styles really show off the theme of the exhibit in a monumental way. The darkness of the Depression and the hard work of the skilled labor force portray a young industrialized America determined to succeed.
Island Hay
The second special exhibit is Georges Rouault, “CIRQUE DE L’ETOILE FILANTE” organized by the Syracuse University traveling exhibition program. Georges Henri Rouault a French Fauvist and Expressionist (1871-1958) is from Paris. A painter and printmaker he is a well-known artists. His fascination of the circus reflects a deep sadness in bright colors. Rouault once said: “A tree against the sky possesses the same interest, the same character, and the same expression as the figure of a human.” His collection captures all of the emotion under the big top.
Madonna and Child
I was surprised to find so many Christian images of Biblical themes, everything from John the Baptist to the crucifixion. I was drawn to these works because of my interest in Christianity and my Catholic background. I was particularly interested in Filippo Lippi’s (Italian 1406-1469) Early Renaissance, Madonna and Child, 1430. It is tempera on panel and looks to be as if it were part of an actual interior of a European building. Red and blue seem to be his favorite colors in contrast with brown earth tones. His paintings are bright with no shadows in dark contrast and seem to suggest that it is cold and lonely in this example of early Christianity.
Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (French 1796-1875) Realism, French landscape painter and printmaker offers a wonderful painting entitled “Dance of the Nymphs” oil on canvas 19th-century. I was particularly drawn to this piece because it looks like a picture I would hang in my house. The painting is very surreal with underlining mystery and fun at the edge of a forest. There is a kind of romanticism about the dancing figures and what they are doing and what they will do next. This painting was etched into my thoughts well into the night.
Gian Paolo Panini (Italian 1691-1765) paints an epic picture entitled “Capriccio of Roman Ruins with Figures.” This painting was drawn to me solely for the landscape. It's different in the sense that it's not just trees and mountains. It is oil on canvas that captures the true essence of the Roman Coliseum. In this painting the Coliseum appears to be intact along with other Roman icons and fallen blocks. Distinguished men gather in the midst of the ruins as if they are there to bear witness to the end of a great era. There appears to be a pyramid of some sort in the distance, very noticeable and out of place. The colors are dark and rich that seems bright with intricate detail. The sky is vast and cloudy much like Roman history. The artist's detail and contours are brilliant. Shadows from the ground point you to the sun just to your left. There is no sun in the painting but you're totally aware of it and furthermore even in the arches there are things worth looking at. I really like this painting the original effect of the colors and detail must have been like a photograph to the devoted admirers of the time.
From early Renaissance to 19th and 20th century European painters the Utah Museum of fine arts has a wonderful collection of tempera on panel and oil on canvas. But it doesn't end there an awesome collection from north to south and central India is a permanent exhibit at the Museum. They have a 9th century sandstone sculpture entitled the “River Goddess Ganga.” There are 11th and 12th century sandstone statues of Durga and a 14th century granite statue of Ganesha the elephant headed Hindu god. There is a 12th to 16th century bronze statue of Siva Nataraja “Lord of the Dance” Some 18th-century woodcarvings are also on display, the detail is incredible and worth seeing for yourself.
There is also some Central American, Maya culture exhibits. Some are ritual bowls made of earthenware and pigment dating from 600-900 CE. An urn from classic to late period made from earthenware and pigment dating from 500 B.C.-800 B.C. And there are shaman figurines made of earthenware, Jade and Blackstone dating from 300 B.C. there is a lot to see from the Mexican Yucatán region to Guatemalan Mayan culture. There are quite a few artifacts and they are the oldest exhibits in the Museum.
Maya Urn
Durga
One could go on about the Greek exhibit and Roman sarcophagus or maybe even the Northwest coast masks and totem poles right down to the Southwest Pacific New Guinea drums and war shields. There is a 20ft hand carved crocodile and numerous other carvings from around the world. There are also Asian, Burmese and Native American exhibits just to name a few of the many wonderful collections at the Utah Museum of fine arts.
First I must ask myself what have we talked about in class. We've talked about culture and the issues that go with it. Culture plays a huge part in Prints from the Great Depression. In this scenario there is no segregation amongst black and whites. Old and young everyone feels the depression from the farmers in the fields to the skilled labor building skyscrapers. The American people seem to be at work, yes the mood is dark and the pay is low but everybody is doing their job and nobody cares what you look like. The exhibit is an era caught in time of a civil movement of endurance and will.
I suppose that there were certain privileges to some men in that if you were building a dam you probably made more money than a farmer but then again you could get killed trying to build it. The prints do not try to show religion or politics but instead omit the negative aspects that are usually obvious in a scene. The prints are focused on the individual and what he or she is doing. Living and working through the Great Depression in America. We've also talked about freedom and being an artist is all about thinking freely. It’s the right to choose what you want your art to say, such as a religious painting or sculpture. Philosophy also plays a role in art. Not everyone looks at a picture the same way and we could pick something apart if someone wanted to study it long enough. I think about humanities and art in a different light. Now I can see why they go hand in hand.
When I first walked into the Museum all I could see were kids and adults standing around everywhere. I went to the front desk asked for some information and away I went. I thought it was going to take forever. I started with the special exhibits and worked my way around the Museum. It seemed like a lot of information and I hadn't even gone upstairs yet. When I finally got to the top I felt like I was experiencing culture from around the world and before I knew it three hours had gone by. Later that night I was thinking of going back the next day to take pictures. I did not return the next day however I plan to return and spend a little more time looking and thinking about the exhibits and less time writing down information. I would recommend the Utah Museum of Fine Arts to all my friends and family. Everyone should go at least once in their life.
The End
SOURCES: All information and photos provided by the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.
First I must ask myself what have we talked about in class. We've talked about culture and the issues that go with it. Culture plays a huge part in Prints from the Great Depression. In this scenario there is no segregation amongst black and whites. Old and young everyone feels the depression from the farmers in the fields to the skilled labor building skyscrapers. The American people seem to be at work, yes the mood is dark and the pay is low but everybody is doing their job and nobody cares what you look like. The exhibit is an era caught in time of a civil movement of endurance and will.
I suppose that there were certain privileges to some men in that if you were building a dam you probably made more money than a farmer but then again you could get killed trying to build it. The prints do not try to show religion or politics but instead omit the negative aspects that are usually obvious in a scene. The prints are focused on the individual and what he or she is doing. Living and working through the Great Depression in America. We've also talked about freedom and being an artist is all about thinking freely. It’s the right to choose what you want your art to say, such as a religious painting or sculpture. Philosophy also plays a role in art. Not everyone looks at a picture the same way and we could pick something apart if someone wanted to study it long enough. I think about humanities and art in a different light. Now I can see why they go hand in hand.
When I first walked into the Museum all I could see were kids and adults standing around everywhere. I went to the front desk asked for some information and away I went. I thought it was going to take forever. I started with the special exhibits and worked my way around the Museum. It seemed like a lot of information and I hadn't even gone upstairs yet. When I finally got to the top I felt like I was experiencing culture from around the world and before I knew it three hours had gone by. Later that night I was thinking of going back the next day to take pictures. I did not return the next day however I plan to return and spend a little more time looking and thinking about the exhibits and less time writing down information. I would recommend the Utah Museum of Fine Arts to all my friends and family. Everyone should go at least once in their life.
The End
SOURCES: All information and photos provided by the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.