blog #6

The past six weeks have drastically changed my knowledge of art and taught me how it has affected the world. Growing up, I had always heard of artists such as Michelangelo and Monet, but never really understood what impact they had on others and how people like them really revolutionized not only art, but the way people lived their lives. This class has affected me because I know I learned a very important and vital part of history that is sometimes overlooked. I didn't think art could play such a significant role in our everyday life, but in the past, art was life. Many leisurely activities that we do today didn't exist two or three hundred years ago, so showcasing your artistic talent was really important. My perception of Europe has also changed because I now understand that continents history and their love for inspirational and unique art.

I'd be lying if I said I was excited to take an art history class, but I was pleasantly surprised. I've learned that art is more than a few splotches of paint on a canvas, and that it is more than an expression of one's self. Now, art has a history and often depicted that history almost like a story. Rather than words, there are pictures. Art is so important in our society and should be honored because our world would not be the same without it. Many have devoted their lives to creating a new style and famous works of art, and they should be appreciated.

blog #5

I chose Vincent Van Gogh's painting "The Starry Night" because it seems whimsical and airy. This has such a unique style that's synonymous with Van Gogh. The mood is quite and sleepy with the empty village below and bright stars and moon overhead. The main reason I like this piece of art is the contrasting colors and the thought of what made him alter the night sky the way he did.

This has a connection with Manet and his works because its a portrait of the landscape and isn't literal or perfect. The sky obviously contains stars, but they aren't traditional. Van Gogh also uses his own personal brushstroke, which is long, bold, and blends on its own. I'm sure Manet played a part in the creation of this piece because of his concepts and involvement in modern art then and now.

Supplemental for week 5

The Impressionist artist I found interesting was Berthe Morisot. She came from a very prestigious family of artists, being the grand daughter of Jean-Honoré Fragonard. After reading her bio, I felt connected to her because not only were we born close to the same date in January, but she was close with her sister and shared a common passion (they painted and traveled together, my sister and I played college soccer together).

Although women artists weren't highly recognized during that time period, she managed to grab the attention of many famous artists. Morisot trained with the talented painter Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot and later became close friends with Manet. For being a woman, I think it's amazing how accomplished Berthe Morisot was. She got to work with some of the worlds most famous artists, such as Degas, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, and Alfred Sisley. Together they defined the Impressionism style and spread it to the world.

I also appreciate her art because she was able to execute several different subjects, which include my favorites: landscapes and still lifes. Her use of color is light and almost glows, adding a calm and cheery mood. I think Berthe Morisot paved the way for future women painters and influenced them to showcase their work and that success could come from it.

blog #4

Art is very prevelent in our society, but a lot of it goes unnoticed. Besides being publicized in museums or where one might find art, it exists off of a canvas and on a television screen or in a clothing store instead. Someone's first reaction towards a retail store may not be its contents, but how its portrayed on the sign outside. The same goes for restaurants, since we tend to eat with our eyes first. A majority of peoples craft and creation exists through the t.v. because that's where the public eye is. Art can have several affects on those who observe it and has a variety of purposes.

Art can be used to bring people together with similar feelings or tastes, but it can also divide people because of different perceptions. For example, San Francisco has some of the most unique art. One piece that has had mixed reviews is Claes Oldenburg's interpretation of Cupid's mythical bow and arrow of love. While some understand the idea of romance in the city of love, others take a much more troubling point of view, saying that it's shooting the arrow down to satan. I'm sure this was not the artist's intention, many wanted this public art to be removed.

Not all public art is controversial, but it does have an affect on those who observe it. Personally, it is pleasing to the eye and can add to a city, so not having it to look at would be boring and made a lot of locations very lackluster.

blog #3

Over the past century, propaganda has been heavily used on the political scene. Countries all over the world have used art to protest, influence, and as a sense of humor during trying times. In the United States, war has created controversial and infamous propaganda for the people. During WWI, this picture of the fictional character "Uncle Sam" encouraged young men to enlist in the army and to support their country. This marketing tactic became successful when thousands of boys obeyed Uncle Sam's order and enlisted. Today, certain people are against this slogan because they have a better understanding of war and what it can manifest into. Being one of the most iconic pictures in American history, I love its simplicity and that its direct. Propaganda like this still exists today, but some messages can be very severe and harmful, and often times gory.
Other than war, presidents have collected much propaganda during elections and questionable decisions. The recent ex-President George W. Bush might have seen some of the worst of it, being harassed for his lack of public speaking skills and decision to go to war in Iraq. Since his departure, there has been a different type of propaganda with a much more uplifting and hopeful meaning. A variety of spray painted pictures of President Barack Obama have been used to encourage and accept change in the United States. He seems to be much more urban and not as traditional, which is signified by the spray paint. Rather than his picture being shown on billboards and posters, it's mainly seen on clothing, which act as a walking add.

Art being used as propaganda has been heavily influencial on American culture and continues to exist today in many different forms.

blog #2

16th century art was best defined by three of the most famous and talented artists the world has even seen: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. To this day, their work, such as the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper, and the interior of the Sistine Chapel, have inspired others in several different ways. Other artists of that time practiced and studied their techniques of painting and sculpting.

Today, feature films, books, and television shows have been created based on these artists. Growing up, almost every kid watched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which were named Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. Other movies have been based on fictional portrayals of the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa, which still has people guessing about their true representation. Combining these old famous works into the modern era is both educational and captivating.

On father's day my family went out to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, and even the interior of the restaurant had murals and paintings which sort of resembled Michelangelo's style. Even though these paintings are air brushed and not nearly as detailed as the Sistine Chapel, it still have the same effect and brings my attention up to the ceiling and walls. I think that the work of these three artists will always be remembered as remarkable and beautiful and will continue to inspire the way others portray their artwork.

blog #1

Art and religion are just as influential, controversial, and celebrated today as they used to be in the past. Both are very much relevant, but in different ways. Art centuries ago was a way of life and a journey to discover what a human was capable of making with his or her bare hands. Modern technology has altered the way we do certain things, but art is still true to itself and takes an inspiration, sense of creativity, and a passion to explore. In this era, art is a self expression influenced by artists in history who turned drawing, painting, and sculpting into a science.

Religion is still a way of life but has gained different perspectives through the centuries. I think that religion today is viewed as an upbringing and something that is more personal, rather than being preached and pushed upon others who might now agree. I personally have no religious affiliation, but that doesn't mean that I'm not interested in what others believe in or the way they choose to live their lives. I wish I could say that no one is looked down upon or shunned for having another point of view, but I doubt that to be true. The world has begun to accept different beliefs, although certain countries might need more time than others. Movies that are made based on religion, especially Christianity, have really had an affect on people. Two prime examples would be The Passion of the Christ and The Da Vinci Code. Both underwent some scrutiny but ultimately won over viewers, bringing in millions of dollars in sales. Even if some things were fiction, they shed a new light on religion that many weren't aware about or understood.

Although times have changed, art and religion have only gotten a modern make-over, with new ideas and beliefs. They have greatly impacted our lifestyles and brought much discussion and insight into two very important topics.