Portrait

While working on an in-class drawing exercise we were asked to draw portraits of our classmates. I used a Venus drawing pencil # 2H to help sketch the outline of Arianel my classmates face then I used Berol Charcoal pencil, soft  to fill in what I sketched. I must say this was the first portrait I ever drew. While it doesn’t look anything like her it was a pretty good likeness for an amateur. The difficulties I came across were timing because while I was trying to draw her portrait she was trying to draw mine so we both spent time looking at the face and then trying to draw what we saw. By the time we were done we got into a great rhythm of give and take. Another thing I had trouble with was drawing the hair I think if I had more time and practice I would be able to do a better job. 

Ancient Art.

                I believe the fascination we have with the architecture of the ancient world will last for centuries to come and will only get stronger. It is due to the wow factor that can cause one to ask, how did they do that? Or Can I build it better? And how can I reproduce the inspiration I get from it? The wonders of the ancient world will always keep mankind intrigued until we are able to prove and know how these breath taking architectural master pieces were made.  

                How did they do that?  Architecturally speaking the canon work alone must have been a massive undertaking for a project like the "Great Pyramid."  The sheer weight and size of the stone blocks makes it seem almost impossible to move, with the technology used in ancient Egypt. The way a sculptor can carve a sculpture out of ivory with portrait like attention to detail. These are all examples of the skilled labor that gives a WOW, how did they do it? Or wow factor for short. 

                Some of the building and sculpting techniques used in the ancient world are duplicated in the present. "The Louvre", in Paris is an example of how inspirational the great pyramid is today. I think the Statue of liberty follows a template set by the construction of the great "Colossus of Rhodes." " Lincolns memorial" may have never been constructed if it wasn't for the large sculptures of Greek gods.

           When we look into ourselves we are always looking into the past because we live in the present. Looking into our future can only be looked at with ideas or dreams because we have no true idea of what it holds for us. In my opinion this is the approach we're taking when looking at art we try to learn what artist wanted to create and why. hopefully learning more about what we ask modern man what and or should be looking forward to.
                It could also be possible that the builders of the seven wonders of the ancient world took their building clues from their ancestors.  Which undoubtedly used what can be considered as primitive methods.  It is almost as if great ideas are being passed on and built off of.  I think it will be interesting to see how generations to come use our ideas but add a little twist incorporating technical advances from their era.

What is ART?

       While working for a second-hand clothing store, police car auction or garage sale, the words, “What you see is what you get” may be used. This should not be the case in the world of art. A piece of artwork has so many different facets that what you see is only a small part of what you get. The viewer must not only look at the Art work with their eyes they must also use their soul.  In order for a viewer or Art critic can lend keen observation they must be equally bold with their praise and criticism of a piece.  The artist and critic must put in an equal amount of effort to ensure that their work is of quality.

       I agree with Saltz when he says, “Dishearteningly, many critics have ideas but no eye. They rarely work outside of their comfort zone… ”. (¶ 3).  He seems to think, that critics writing about Art take a comfortable approach towards criticism and aren’t challenging themselves. I think if an artist pours his heart and soul into his work, so should the critic. However, if an artist does not give their work all they could it’s still up to the critic to let the readers know.

  

When it comes to works of art that can stand the test of time we go back in time to, Ancient Egypt, Old Kingdom Era to be exact. Since the pyramids have been around for thousands of years there have been countless critically written papers on them. While doing a class project I read some of what 21^st century writes had to say about the Egyptian architecture of the Old Kingdom Era. Most of what I read just gave facts about the pyramids like, who, what, when, where and why. It didn't look to me like much mention was giving about the soul of the work, by the critics.

Saltz believes, “Art is a way of thinking, a way of knowing yourself.” (¶ 4). I think he’s right and If more critics of Ancient Egyptian art and Art critics in general wrote from their soul their words would be more persuasive. Who knows maybe they can breathe new life into the study of Art. Someone reading an art column might start research of their own because of inspiration.

   

We see that inspiration, skill, love of work and a great eye are things needed by not only the artist but also by the art critic. I’m sure that after reading this article by Saltz I’ll find myself not only looking at the work of art.  I’ll be checking as to how the work is being criticized because they go hand and hand. Trying to make the viewer understand not only what they are being told to see but what they feel is difficult. It’s only a seasoned Artist and a seasoned critic that can make it look easy.  

Charles Burchfield

"Landscape with rain"

1917

Works cited:

        Adams, Laurie. A History of Western Art. 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. Print.

     

Just wanted to start blogging  I'm enjoying the time off form work due to the snow hopefully classes on Monday will be canceled.