Final poster

Here's a photo of my work on my final canvas project. Not all of it, just the only photo that came out. Using only 4H on a 8x3 is not effective for photography. But I assure you my understructure is done.

Response to Shawn Barber

This week I looked at the work of Shawn Barber. Like Alyssa Monks, he works in large-scale oils depicting mostly portraits. The two shows of work I saw were the tattooed series and the doll series. The tattoo portrait series consist of portraits of the tattoo artists he works with. Different styles are depicted ranging from very expressive and transformational, to formal portraits. Each does a very good job of catching a likeness through subtle exaggeration. Movement is depicted with multiple representations of the same object in the picture plane, capturing an ethereal or otherworldly essence. This movement was very interesting to look at and made the portraits more engaging. Other motifs that appear in this series are a focus on hands or tattooing instruments. Both of these compliment each other and are rendered in high detail. The rendering itself is remarkable. All of the figures in Barber’s paintings have tattoos that cover much of their body. Each tattoo is rendered in great detail with accurate perspective. The only exception is when the tattoo transcends the figure and takes on a life of it’s own. These paintings in particular reveal Barber’s creativity and technical skill. The doll series had its merit as well. Though I personally wasn’t too interested in the subject matter, everything was well rendered. These paintings were focused around different dolls in different states of alteration and/or disrepair. There were a select few that interested me more than the rest. These involved skulls sized and proportioned to the dolls while super imposing the doll’s face over it. They were slightly offset in a way that made me look closer. The two forms meld together to form an interesting monster. They blend in a way that is both believable and makes you wonder how it was possible. Looking even further, I found that he had a very inspiring attitude which he portrayed on his website. It was really nice seeing him communicate with his audience in such a constructive manner.

Definitely check out this guy’s gallery and read the FAQ. You won’t regret it.

Response to Neo Rauch

I'm back again this week. This time I took a look at the work of Neo Rauch. This German artist works in oil paints where he creates large scale paintings that remind me of the surrealist work of Dali and more so Earnst. Rauch uses a much more impressionistic style. He puts minimal detail into his figures, just enough that they will read properly. The subject of each painting seems to always involve multiple figures interacting with each other. Odd symbols are often seen within the figures, their actions and all around them. These seem to have a very deep meaning but I felt I lacked the context to really see what the artist was trying to communicate. I looked at many of his works, and while the style drew me in for a closer look. I couldn't find any close relationship with any of the paintings. The sharp edges he uses in his compositions feel abrupt and I don't venture too close or spend too much time trying to decode a painting. The paintings are so vivid and full of energy that I am quickly drawn close but then feel like I'm being attacked and I take a step back and try to view the piece as a whole. I try to follow the energy through the work but its not so much flowing, like I tend to enjoy, but it shoots everywhere with chaotic force. Awkward angles and poses with transforming figures generate movement and send it whizzing every which direction, sending it toward me when it hits one of those angles. This feels very chaotic, frantic, and cryptic to me. These things together create an interesting dynamic flow that I find interesting for a short while, but wards me off. Perhaps my interest would persist if I could read the symbolism. As it is, it keeps my interest for only a short while, not because I think poorly of it, but I don't find anything to keep me involved for very long.