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.