Summer Painting
Dolor
Size: 60.96 cm x 60.96 cm Medium: Oil on Canvas Date: July - August, 2018 Dolor is a self portrait inspired by Lyle Suter’s “Anguish.” Similar to “Anguish,” the use of vibrant blue background along with a solemn facial expression symbolize my dolor within and my despondent emotions. These emotions are specifically about the deterioration of our society and environment. I wanted the yellow hues to shine through the sad hues to provide a sense of optimism. |
Critical Investigation
For this painting, I knew I wanted to paint a self-portrait bur didn’t exactly know how to go about it. I began by researching self - portraits for inspiration and came across "Anguish" by Lyle Suter. This inspired me to have an impressionist background with the subject in the center that looked in distress. It also inspired me to paint my portrait with a similar pose and facial expression, because this pose expresses a serious emotion of anguish. I decided that I needed to look distressed and sad, in which covering my face with my hand would help communicate my emotions about the environment and society. Furthermore, I wanted to use color to communicate a theme by using a similar vibrant blue and yellow background along with a solemn facial expression seen within “Anguish.” This would symbolize my dolor within and my despondent emotions about the deterioration of our society and environment. I wanted the yellow hues to shine through the sad hues to provide a sense of optimism. In addition, I once again came across “Self Portrait” by Vincent Van Gogh. I decided to once again try to do my self portrait completely in an impressionist style similar to Van Gogh's because I love the style. However, I later decided to paint my face in a style that I was comfortable with while having the rest of the piece be impressionist. Van Gogh's “Self Portrait” later inspired me to paint a similar portrait in regards that I used a similar pose that included my shoulders and with an impressionist background. Van Gogh painted self portraits because he couldn't afford to pay for models and didn't have enough commissions, thus he painted his own portraits which also helped him develop his skills. Anguish inspired me to paint my portrait with a similar pose and facial expression as this woulf expresses my emotions about the environment and society along with creating a serious mood. Furthermore, I wanted to use color to communicate a theme by using a similar vibrant blue and yellow background along with a solemn facial expression. This would symbolize my dolor within and my despondent emotions about the deterioration of our society and environment. I wanted the yellow hues to shine through the sad hues to provide a sense of optimism. Van Gogh’s self portrait inspired me to also use a similar pose and facial expression along with a cool color background that created movement to establish a sense of sadness.
Process
1. Build Canvas/Gesso
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For my paintings this summer, I began by building two canvases right away. I did this by first putting the frame together, and stapling where they meet together with a staple gun to ensure that it would stay and keep its shape. Then, I took a roll of canvas and spread it onto the floor. I placed my frame on top, and cut out a square of canvas with about 6 inches away from the frame. I then folded over the canvas over each side of the frame one at a time, and making sure never to pull the canvas tight. On each side, I stapled the canvas about 8 times to the frame. Next, I had to prime my canvas by applying gesso. This is a very important step as it helps preserve the paint, and it must be done right otherwise it can warp the canvas. Therefore, when I applied gesso I made sure to apply it evenly in one session. I also had to make sure to gesso the sides of the canvas, and to let it dry in a safe place where nothing would poke it or anything.
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2. Planning
I began by having a friend of mine take several photos of me, until I was satisfied with one to use for my portrait. I tried a different background because I thought a nighttime background similar to "Starry Night" would add more meaning and emotions. But then I decided that I wanted the background of my portrait to be similar that of "Anguish," thus I knew that the photo of myself should express sadness, anxiety, and/or stress. I took a few photos with different poses, and I decided this pose would be best to express these emotions. Next, I sketched out my self-portrait idea. All I did was first sketch out myself to see of that was the position I wanted to go with.
3. Painting
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I began with projecting the image of myself onto my canvas ad traced it in order to have a proportionate sketch to help me while painting. I decided to not begin with a wash, which didn't effect my final outcome too much. However, I still should have put a wash to help layer colors easier. I began with mixing a neutral, highlight, and shadow skin tone. I had to use a higher ratio of red since I have more of a pink undertone. Then I started with painting the face, which I decided to paint in the style I'm most comfortable doing which is a Baroque style. However, I still wanted the background to be impressionist which I did by using long brushstrokes of blue, white, and yellow. I painted the background while referencing "Anguish" as I wanted to use the same background in order to help express a similar mood of anguish with a sense of optimism to aid with my theme and message. Then I painted my shirt by using the same method, using a muted yellow hue and blending burnt umber for the shadows.
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Experimentation
I experimented using a new texture rather than making the whole face smooth. I did this by not blending to much and I blotted on some colors on with a flat brush to create a different texture. This created a more realistic skin texture. I think it also makes my skin looked more weathered and natural, which helps make me look more exhausted and thus more stressed. I think this simple texture choice helps aid my message because it helps express my despondent emotions about the deterioration of our society and environment.
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Reflection
Overall, I'm quite satisfied with my final piece. The use of blue hues in the background symbolize the sadness and anxiety within and my anger towards the way of the world. In addition, my facial expression symbolizes my despondent emotions about the deterioration of our society and environment. I feel like due to my choice of hues and my facial expression and pose within the piece effectively evokes this mood of anxiety, despondency, and frustration to communicate a personal message of my own but one that viewers can interpret. However, the use of yellow helps make the painting appear less depressing and creates a sense of optimism. Furthermore, I'm very proud and satisfied with my blending throughout the piece. I like how I create movement and unity by the use of certain hues.
My final piece connects to my inspirations because of how I use a similar pose and facial expressions to that of "Self Portrait" by Vincent Van Gogh and "Anguish" by Lyle Suter. In addition, I used a similar background to that of "Anguish" by using similar colors, movement, line, and texture as this piece because it is perfect with helping to evoke my message. This is because the deep blue color evokes a sense of sadness about my feelings towards the environment and today's society. However, I liked the use of yellow within "Anguish," because I feel like it adds a sense of power and optimism which are aspects I wanted to include to go beyond just a depressing theme. This piece also inspired me to paint my portrait with a similar pose and facial expression, because this pose expresses anguish and exhaustion. These are similar emotions I wanted to express to aid with communicating my theme and message.
My final piece connects to my inspirations because of how I use a similar pose and facial expressions to that of "Self Portrait" by Vincent Van Gogh and "Anguish" by Lyle Suter. In addition, I used a similar background to that of "Anguish" by using similar colors, movement, line, and texture as this piece because it is perfect with helping to evoke my message. This is because the deep blue color evokes a sense of sadness about my feelings towards the environment and today's society. However, I liked the use of yellow within "Anguish," because I feel like it adds a sense of power and optimism which are aspects I wanted to include to go beyond just a depressing theme. This piece also inspired me to paint my portrait with a similar pose and facial expression, because this pose expresses anguish and exhaustion. These are similar emotions I wanted to express to aid with communicating my theme and message.
Connecting to the ACT
1. Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause-effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect upon your artwork.
My final piece connects to my inspirations because of how I use a similar pose and facial expressions to that of "Self Portrait" by Vincent Van Gogh and "Anguish" by Lyle Suter. In addition, I used a similar background to that of "Anguish" by using similar colors, movement, line, and texture as this piece because it is perfect with helping to evoke my message. I liked the use of yellow within "Anguish," because I feel like it adds a sense of power and optimism which are aspects I wanted to include to go beyond just a depressing theme.
2. What is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
Van Gogh painted self portraits because he couldn't afford to pay for models and didn't have enough commissions, thus he painted his own portraits which also helped him develop his skills. "Anguish" was created by Lyle Suter where he used bright and intense colors with a solemn facial expression to express the power within the black community.
3. What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
I discovered that artists use their surroundings and inner feelings as inspirations for their own or a way to deal with pr express emotions. Due to how Lyle Suter's experiences inspired "Anguish." I can also conclude that artists sometimes simply work on a piece of art to help better their skills.
4. What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The central theme around my inspirational research was to depict and evoke anguish as seen in Lyle Suter's "Anguish." While Van Gogh's theme wasn't much but to help him as an artist but also show how it's okay to paint yourself if you don't anything else to paint.
5. What kind of inferences (conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
I can infer that Lyle Suter was going through a difficult time his subject represented the anguish seen within the artist and the subject. I can also infer that Van Gogh was a struggling artist as he painted many self portraits due to his lack of money for models and commissions.
Bibliography
Lyle Suter, www.lylesuterartmuseum.net/families/.
“Self-Portrait - Vincent van Gogh.” Google Arts & Culture, Google, www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/self-portrait/9gFw_1Vou2CkwQ?hl=en.
“Self-Portrait - Vincent van Gogh.” Google Arts & Culture, Google, www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/self-portrait/9gFw_1Vou2CkwQ?hl=en.
Serenity
Size: 91 cm x 91 cm Medium: Oil on Canvas Date: July - August, 2018 Serenity is inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s “Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun” and by photos I have taken. This piece depicts and captures the beauty of nature in an attempt for people to appreciate nature. This demonstrates how even though the environment is on the road of destruction, there is still beauty left in nature. However, it’s up to us to preserve it. |
Critical Investigation
"Sunset Imagined" by Derek Collins
Collins, Derek. “Artist Derek Collins Blog, Modern Impressionist Landscape Paintings and Abstract Textured.” Search Results for Sunset Lake, 13 Jan. 2015, artistderekcollins.blogspot.com/search?q=sunset lake. |
"Olive Trees With Yellow Sky And Sun" by Vincent Van Gogh
“Olive Trees With Yellow Sky And Sun by Vincent Van Gogh.” Vincent Van Gogh, 2009, https://www.vincentvangogh.org/olive-trees-with-yellow-sky-and-sun.jsp |
For this painting, I wanted to capture the beauty of nature in an attempt for people to appreciate nature. This demonstrates how even though the environment is on the road of destruction, there is still beauty left in nature. Hopefully by viewing and feeling this beauty, it would encourage people to preserve nature. I was initially inspired by the nature scenes in a past camping trip. I knew that I wanted to paint a sunset similar to the ones I experienced throughout that camping trip. I began research about impressionist landscapes to observe techniques and further my inspirations. I first came across "Sunset Imagined" by Derek Collins, which inspired me to use color and line in a similar way. This inspired me to use cool colors to trigger a calming sensation in an attempt to encourage the viewer to feel serene by seeing a nature scene. This not only inspired the title, but I wanted this serenity to cause a deeper appreciation for nature and to encouraged its conservation. I then came across “Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun” by Vincent Van Gogh. Van Gogh painted this because while in the asylum he received a letter from his friend, Emile Bernard. This letter contained Emile's new painting of Christ in the Garden of Olives, and Van Gogh said that he'd much rather paint the olive trees outside his window. I decided that I wanted to paint a similar sun and use also warm colors from the sun to evoke a sense of happiness and create a positive mood. “Sunset Imagines” inspired my use of cool colors, texture, horizontal line, and movement in the sky and water to create a sense of serenity. Furthermore, “Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun” inspired the way I’d paint the sun and the use of warm colors to evoke a sense of happiness and create a positive mood.
Process
1. Planning
I began by sketching out a simple layout of the nature scene I wanted to paint. I sketched three basic layouts, but couldn't decide on exactly how I wanted to use balance. I eventually settled on the last sketch above because it looks like somewhere I've been before, similar to the place I had went camping, which would make painting it more significant to me.
2. Painting
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I began with sketching my layout onto the canvas. Then I painted the sky as I would have to build upon it. I simply did this by putting blue, white, and red paint in certain areas directly onto the canvas from the tube of paint. I then dipped my largest brush in paint thinner and blended the colors with my largest brush by using a horizontal swiping movement. Once I was satisfied with the sky, I painted the green mountain and sun. Then I moved onto the water and the sun's reflection, and painted this using the same method as painting the sky. Once I was done with the water, I painted a wash for the rocks along the water by mixing a grey color. I then added in some shrubs and finalized the rocks. I used an old facial sponge to blot on green to create a leaf-like texture.
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Experimentation
The most I experienced with was creating a new texture seen in the vegetation. I created form and texture by using a facial sponge, I did this by dipping it into a dark or light green and blotting it on the canvas. This achieved a leaf-like texture and also created form by adding a sense of depth. This technique was successful and I would use it again. I also experimented with blending on the canvas, throughout this whole painting I never blended prior to applying the paint onto the canvas. I allowed the paint thinner and brush to blend the colors.
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Reflection
Overall, I think this painting turned out great. However, I'm not completely satisfied with how it turned out because it doesn't depict the sunset I've seen in a past camping trip. Nonetheless, I think this painting achieves capturing the beauty of nature in an attempt for people to appreciate nature. I think this helps people realize that there is is still beauty left in nature. I hope by viewing and feeling this beauty, it would encourage people to preserve nature.
My inspirations can be seen within this painting, for example, similar use of cool colors, texture, horizontal line, and movement in the sky and water are seen from "Sunset Imagined" by Derek Collins. This creates a calming sensation in an attempt to encourage the viewer to feel serene by seeing a nature scene. This not only inspired the title, but I wanted this serenity to cause a deeper appreciation for nature and to encouraged its conservation. In addition, inspirations from “Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun” by Vincent Van can be seen as I paint a similar sun and use warm colors from the sun to evoke a sense of happiness and create a positive mood.
My inspirations can be seen within this painting, for example, similar use of cool colors, texture, horizontal line, and movement in the sky and water are seen from "Sunset Imagined" by Derek Collins. This creates a calming sensation in an attempt to encourage the viewer to feel serene by seeing a nature scene. This not only inspired the title, but I wanted this serenity to cause a deeper appreciation for nature and to encouraged its conservation. In addition, inspirations from “Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun” by Vincent Van can be seen as I paint a similar sun and use warm colors from the sun to evoke a sense of happiness and create a positive mood.
Connecting to the ACT
1. Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause-effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect upon your artwork.
My inspirations can be seen within this painting, for example, similar use of cool colors, texture, horizontal line, and movement in the sky and water are seen from "Sunset Imagined" by Derek Collins. This creates a calming sensation in an attempt to encourage the viewer to feel serene by seeing a nature scene. In addition, inspirations from “Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun” by Vincent Van can be seen as I paint a similar sun and use warm colors from the sun to evoke a sense of happiness and create a positive mood.
2. What is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
Van Gogh was particularly captivated by the local vineyard in Arles, especially during autumn. He painted "Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun" because while in the asylum he received a letter which contained his friend Emile's new painting of Christ in the Garden of Olives, and Van Gogh said that he'd much rather paint the olive trees outside his window.
3. What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
I discovered that artists use their surroundings and passions as inspirations for their own art work to express a certain passion or emotion. Due to how Van Gogh painted "Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun" because he mentioned how he'd much rather paint the olive trees outside his window. In addition, Derek Collins does many landscape paintings which shows how he has a passion for nature and uses that for inspiration.
4. What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
This piece depicts and captures the beauty of nature in an attempt for people to appreciate nature. This demonstrates how even though the environment is on the road of destruction, there is still beauty left in nature. However, it’s up to us to preserve it.
5. What kind of inferences (conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
I can infer that artists obviously use their surroundings as inspiration for their work. In addition, due to Van Gogh's use of bright colors and post-impressionist style I can see how he influenced the fauvist movement, as fauvism uses a lot of bright and vibrant color
Bibliography
Collins, Derek. “Artist Derek Collins Blog, Modern Impressionist Landscape Paintings and Abstract Textured.” Search Results for Sunset Lake, 13 Jan. 2015, artistderekcollins.blogspot.com/search?q=sunset lake.
“Olive Trees With Yellow Sky And Sun by Vincent Van Gogh.” Vincent Van Gogh, 2009, https://www.vincentvangogh.org/olive-trees-with-yellow-sky-and-sun.jsp
“Olive Trees With Yellow Sky And Sun by Vincent Van Gogh.” Vincent Van Gogh, 2009, https://www.vincentvangogh.org/olive-trees-with-yellow-sky-and-sun.jsp