Common Assessment #1- Art History
Alexander Calder: His Influence on the World and the Work of Others
The most influential people are always those who challenge society’s ideas of what is right and possible. Alexander Calder was an artist who injected wit and playfulness into serious, professional pieces- he revolutionized the modern art and sculpture world by introducing the element of movement into his creations. Calder was the inventor of the mobile, creating abstract models composed of wire and metal, which appeared to be randomly arranged and would appear differently based on the angle of the viewer. Calder was also the first person to use wire to create three-dimensional line “drawings” of people, animals, and objects- introducing line as an element of art and sculpture. Finally, Calder’s Circus, one of Alexander Calder’s most important artworks, introduced the the idea that an artist could also be involved in his pieces as a performer; the piece included acrobats and animals put in motion through springs and pulleys.
In the piece of art I created, I took inspiration from Alexander Calder and used abstract shapes, lines, and, mostly, solid colors. The color scheme in my piece is also similar to that of Calder’s work. However, my piece is different in that I used a car as my art’s main focal point; Alexander Calder did not create images of cars. Also, the window of my car has a gradient effect, and has the illusion of light reflecting off of it, which creates value in the piece. Another difference: in his art, Calder frequently used materials such as wire, sheet metal, wood, and bronze. I simply used paper and colored pencils.
Would Alexander Calder have liked my artwork? I believe that he would have. Any artist, including Calder, would enjoy a piece of art that was inspired by them. It would fill them with pride and satisfaction to see people using their art style. Also, I think Calder would have enjoyed the modern twist put on his signature look. Alexander Calder is an artist that changed the modern art world, and will continue to inspire for generations to come.
The most influential people are always those who challenge society’s ideas of what is right and possible. Alexander Calder was an artist who injected wit and playfulness into serious, professional pieces- he revolutionized the modern art and sculpture world by introducing the element of movement into his creations. Calder was the inventor of the mobile, creating abstract models composed of wire and metal, which appeared to be randomly arranged and would appear differently based on the angle of the viewer. Calder was also the first person to use wire to create three-dimensional line “drawings” of people, animals, and objects- introducing line as an element of art and sculpture. Finally, Calder’s Circus, one of Alexander Calder’s most important artworks, introduced the the idea that an artist could also be involved in his pieces as a performer; the piece included acrobats and animals put in motion through springs and pulleys.
In the piece of art I created, I took inspiration from Alexander Calder and used abstract shapes, lines, and, mostly, solid colors. The color scheme in my piece is also similar to that of Calder’s work. However, my piece is different in that I used a car as my art’s main focal point; Alexander Calder did not create images of cars. Also, the window of my car has a gradient effect, and has the illusion of light reflecting off of it, which creates value in the piece. Another difference: in his art, Calder frequently used materials such as wire, sheet metal, wood, and bronze. I simply used paper and colored pencils.
Would Alexander Calder have liked my artwork? I believe that he would have. Any artist, including Calder, would enjoy a piece of art that was inspired by them. It would fill them with pride and satisfaction to see people using their art style. Also, I think Calder would have enjoyed the modern twist put on his signature look. Alexander Calder is an artist that changed the modern art world, and will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Common Assessment #2- Art Criticism
Common Assessment #3- Production
I created a piece of pottery inspired by the painting Lucid Dreams, created by Johnathan Harris. When I was searching for a muse to base my art off of, Lucid Dreams caught my eye because it is very interesting; it has bright, almost unrealistic colors, and value, space, and shape are present in the landscape. Harris created pattern and repetition in the foreground of the painting using the bright green bushes, as well as rhythm in the background using soft strokes to create clouds. In order to transfer this into my artwork, I first created a cylinder pot which I would wrap the scenery around. I believed a pot would be decorative while also being useful. Then, to add the shape of the mountain and clouds into my piece, as well as a 3-D effect, I created cutouts of my stated features and placed them appropriately on the pot. Lastly, I painted it with acrylic paint in accordance to the original painting, using bright colors and varying strokes.
In order to create value and color in my piece, I layered paint several times, so that there are several shades combined to create a more dimensional effect. Also, in order to replicate the fluffiness of clouds using paint and a brush, I used a stippling technique, which I softened by blending subtly with my finger. To me, this art represents adventure. It showcases my hankering for exploration, as well as my love for travel. It is a mash-up of a piece of pottery and a painting I love, with a personal twist.
In order to create value and color in my piece, I layered paint several times, so that there are several shades combined to create a more dimensional effect. Also, in order to replicate the fluffiness of clouds using paint and a brush, I used a stippling technique, which I softened by blending subtly with my finger. To me, this art represents adventure. It showcases my hankering for exploration, as well as my love for travel. It is a mash-up of a piece of pottery and a painting I love, with a personal twist.