Extra Credit Blog

1.)   I felt that this course has exceeded my expectations that I had originally discussed in the beginning of the course.

2.)   Now that I have been through this course, I have a much better understanding of art.  To me, art is an expression of how we feel about the world around us.  It is much broader then just paintings or drawings, it can be a sculpture, architecture or even just a series of lights. 

3.)   My favorite artist in my original postings was Claude Monet, after this course my favorite artist has actually changed.  My favorite artists would definently be one from the Lowdown on Lowbrow video.  I really enjoyed both Robert Williams and Big Daddy Roth.  I think they helped to bring out a new genre of art that would have never been considered before.

4.)   I still really enjoy taking online courses, especially after taking this class.   I liked that we were able to work at our own pace, it really helped me to balance this class with my other online courses I am taking as well as my jobs.

Art Gallery Visit 3

Inspiration Pieces:

Self Portrait with Monkey, 1938 Frida Kahlo.

Oil on Masonite, 16 x 12 inches.

Frauenbildins (Portrait of a Woman), 1911.  Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Oil on Canvas, 46 x 34 inches.

Portrait of Jacques-Francois Desmaisons, 1782. Jacques-Louis David

Oil on canvas, 36 x 28.5 inches

1.)   I selected these pieces for my inspiration because I felt that they each portrayed different types of portraiture.  For example, the second piece entitled Frauenbildins (Portrait of a Woman) is a much less realistic portrait then the other two.  I think it is important to gain inspiration for all types of portraits to be able to create an individual piece.

2.)   I selected pencil and paper as my media for my self-portrait because I am not a very good drawer or painter.  I feel like pencil and paper are a very forgiving medium so they allow me to correct my mistakes (which I make very often.)

3.)   I felt it was very challenging creating a self-portrait of my face.  As I mentioned above I am not a very talented drawer.  I think the most difficult part was drawing my nose.  It is very hard to accurately depict the shading and shape of the nose.

4.)   This piece represents me because it shows the way in which I interpret myself.  Although it may not be an entirely realistic portrayal of myself, it is the way in which I see myself which is just as important.

5.)   I tried to use my knowledge of line and proportion when working on this piece.  I think it was important to keep my facial features such as nose and eyes in proportion with each other in order to accurately depict myself.

6.)   I really enjoyed working on this project.  I did find it difficult to create a portrait of myself because I am very critical of my work, and myself but overall it was very enjoyable.

7.) I think my final artwork was O.K.  Although it is not the best drawing, I think I worked very hard to create my interpretation of my portrait.