What is Art? Mr. Knutson

Art in Your World The urge to create art has existed since the cave people Visual arts satisfy human need for Celebration Personal expression communication

Art in Your World We can learn about places and people that we may never see or know What can we learn from looking at this painting? Vincent Van Gogh. Houses at Auvers. 1890. Oil on Canvas. 29-3/4 x 24-3/8”

Art in Your World VanGogh’s mood based on his color choices. Sense of movement created with short-choppy brush strokes. Texture help to show his love for nature. Vincent Van Gogh. Houses at Auvers. 1890. Oil on Canvas. 29-3/4 x 24-3/8”

What is Art? A Work of Art: “The visual expression of an idea or experience created with skill.” (Ragans, 2000)

What is Art? ART is Communication. A language used to express ideas and feelings that everyday words can’t express. The arts cross language barriers. In order to understand and appreciate art to the fullest extent, one must learn to perceive.

What is Art? Perceive: “To become deeply aware through the senses of the special nature of a visual object.” (Ragans, 2000) More that just looking at something. Close examination. One attaches meaning to what they perceive.

What do you experience when you look at this painting? Meyer Straus. Bayou Teche. 1970. Oil on canvas. 30 x 60”

The Purposes of Art People use(d) art to record ideas and feelings. No different in prehistoric times than it is today.

Functions of Art Personal Functions Express personal feelings for example…….

Edvard Munch Tragic childhood Mother died when he was very young. Sister died when he was 14. Subject matter of this painting shocked viewers. Message: Appreciate what you have. Edvard Munch. The Sick Child. 1907. Oil on Canvas. 46-3/4 x 47-2/3”

Functions of Art Social Functions Reinforce/enhance shared sense of identity. Family, community, civilization (Family portrait) Celebrations/festive occasions. Parade (costumes, uniforms, floats, dances)

Functions of Art Spiritual Functions Expression/reinforcement of religious beliefs. for example……

Lascaux Cave Paintings Not just a record of events. Many believe that these paintings and/or events had ceremonial purposes. Lascaux Bulls. Cave paintings in Lascaux, France.

The Sistine Chapel Much of the art created during the Renaissance was commissioned by the Catholic Church. Michelangelo Buonarroti. The Creation of Adam. 1512. Detail from the Sistine Chape Ceiling

Functions of Art Physical Functions Constant search for new ways to create functional art. Focus on new and interesting forms. Frank Lloyd Wright. Falling Water. 1935. Bear Run, Pennsylvania

Functions of Art Educational Functions Pictures often were used to provide instuction to those who could not read. Symbols on signs provide information.

Functions of Art Educational Functions (continued) During the Middle Ages, artwork often illustrated Biblical stories. Stories about rulers.

Functions of Art (Ed Functions, continued) We can learn about people from the past What they wore How they looked Status Values Hans Hoblin. Anne of Cleves. 1539. Tempera and oil on parchment. 25-3/8 x 18-7/8”

Why do Artists Create? Artists are driven by: Sense of wonder Curiosity Fear of making mistakes suppresses creative impulse. Often work intensely for long periods to achieve goals.

Why do Artists Create? Impulses and responses that drive artist vary

Roger Brown. Hurricane Hugo. 1990. Oil on canvas. 48 x 72” Leo F. Twiggs. Gate from East End Suite. 1898. Batik. 24 x 20”

Where do Artists Get Ideas? Artists “are create individuals who use imagination and skill to communicate in visual form.” (Ragans, 2000) Problem solvers Many different sources of inspiration Natural/cultural environment Within oneself

Sources of Artistic Ideas Nature George Inness. The Lackawanna Valley. c. 1856. Oil on canvas. 33-7/8 x 50-1/4”

Sources of Artistic Ideas People and Real World Events This couple’s determination was meant to reassure those shaken by the stock market crash during the Great Depression. Grand Wood. American Gothic. 1930. Oil on canvas. 29-1/4 x 24-1/2”

Sources of Artistic Ideas Myths and Legends Based on “The Odyssey” by the Poet, Homer, Bearden depicts scenes from the story. Romare Bearden. Return of Ulysses. 1976. Serigraph on paper. 18-1/2 x 22-1/2

Sources of Artistic Ideas Spiritual and Religious Beliefs

Sources of Artistic Ideas Creative Techniques Thomas Hart Benton. The Sources of Country Music. 1975. Acrylic on canvas. 6 x 10’ Benton was Jackson Pollack’s teacher. Jackson Pollack. Cathedral. 1947. Enamel and aluminum paint on canvas. 71-1/2 x 35”

Sources of Artistic Ideas Artists of the Past Pablo Picasso. Las Meninas (after Velazquez). 1957. Oil on canvas. 6’ 4-3/4” x 8’ 6-3/8” Diego Velazquez. Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor). 1656. Oil on canvas. 10’5-1/4” x 9’

Sources of Artistic Ideas Ideas Commissioned by Employers Graphic artists Architects Sculptors Artists in general

Ideas for Your Own Work Re-visit the sources previously discussed. Keep a sketchbook Make quick drawings of your ideas as they come to you. Make notes about ideas Use it to practice skills and techniques Keep your sketchbook with you and USE IT FREQUENTLY

References Ragans, Rosalind. Arttalk. Woodland Hills, CA: 2000. www.smartbizconnection.com/artistes.htm www.1st-art-gallery.com/.../Bayou-Teche.html www.skjoldlodge.com/munch_of_the_month www.keirwilliams.com/johole/?page_id=75 http://www.visitingdc.com/rome/sistine-chapel-ceiling.asp http://www.slipperybrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/falling-water-house.jpg www.ricesigns.com/buy/deer_crossing_signs.htm http://www.lib-art.com/artgallery/5557-time-ravishing-beauty-giambattista-foggini.html carolinaarts.com/wordpress/tag/greenville-sc/ faculty.smu.edu/sweisenb/ artsnap.org/2010/05/ http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kpd7gsa4Vr1qzn0deo1_500.jpg http://www.uaf.edu/ans/faculty/fast/ans365/screen2/y_6239.jpg http://echostains.wordpress.com www.jacksonpollock.com/cathedral.html www.canvasreplicas.com/Velazquez.htm www.s8080blog.com/2009/03/picasso/