Blog Posting - Module 15

1. What were your expectations for this course and where they met?

- Looking back at the first blog posting and discussion board I made, my expectations were definitely met within the course. The expectations I had involved inquiring as much about art as I could possibly learn. I wanted to learn art history, applying art, how one can become an artist, etc. The topics and work done throughout the course allowed me to gain the knowledge I now have regarding the curiosity of the questions asked.  

2. Now that you've been through this course, What is art? How would you define it now compared to your intial posting?

- Now that I've been through this course, I would define art in a similar instance as my inital posting. Art being, a creative skill of imagination for indivudals to express themselves emotionally, mentally and spirtually. 

3. Who was your favorite artist in your original posting and who is your favorite visual artist now? If there is a difference, why do you think so? If you have the same favorite artist, why do you think so?

- In my initial posting, my favorite artist states an African American painter named Bou Bou. Now, my favorite visual artist includes the African American painter Kara Walker. The biggest difference between the two is the fact that Bou Bou is a free hand painter whereas Walker is a contemporary painter, silhouettist and print-maker. Her work really stands out to me since it is unlike anything I have ever seen and I love the statements being the works. 

 4. Now that you've completed this course, how do you feel about taking an online course? Is your answer the same as it was in your first posting? How is it the same or different?

- With the course now being completed, I enjoy taking online courses. There is some irony due to all of my classes switching to online learning, however it has not changed my perspective about taking an online course. I enjoy the flexibility of online courses, along with not having to focus on being on time to class and mandatory attendance. I've had nothing but good experiences. 

Blog Posting - Module 14 (Art Gallery Visit #3)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art located in New York, United States was the gallery of my choosing;
https://artsandculture.google.com/streetview/metropolitan-museum-of-art/KAFHmsOTE-4Xyw?hl=en

Title: Self Portrait with Straw Hat

Artist: Vincent Van Gogh

Media: Oil on canvas

Size: 40.6 x 31.8

Year: 1887

Title: Self-Portait II

Artist: Horace Pippin

Media: Oil on canvas

Size: 21.6 x 16.5 cm

Year: 1944

Title: Self-Portrait

Artist: Rembrandt Van Rijn

Media: Oil on canvas

Size: 80.3 x 67.3

Year: 1660

1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces?
- I selected the inspiration pieces due to the artwork being of interest to me. The artists I chose are well known for practicing and creating self-portraits. Therefore I wanted to choose pieces that posses history and depth.
2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait?
- The main reason why I selected the media to create my self-portrait was since I knew it would be the most distinguishable. I didn't want to ruin an image with paints and/or pencil since I am not the best at free hand drawing. Which is why I wanted to edit in a collage form.
3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them?
- Some challenges I faced in creating my self-portrait involved trying to take a picture of myself that I was pleased with since I am not photogenic. I also struggled with creating something that represents a self-portrait from going back and forth with backgrounds, textiles, etc. I overcame these challenges by taking multiple photos of myself and then just choosing one, as well as the media I chose. Having just played around with various formats an settling on the ones that I was pleased with.
4. How does this piece represent you?
- This piece represents me since I believe it defines my circumstances at the moment. Being stuck at home as if locked up due to COVID-19, representing the black lines behind the photo. Along with adding options that played into my silliness, such as the light, blush pink background, leave stems and heart mustache.
5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work?
- Some of the elements of art I applied to my work includes lines, color, shape and space. Some of the principles of design I included involves contrast, emphasis, pattern and unity.
6. Did you enjoy working on this project?
- I did enjoy working on this project since I was able to be creative. I was able to be creative with implementing things that stuck out to me. I also was able to be silly when creating my work due to wanting to establish a specfic mood and space I am in at the moment.
7. What do you think of your final artwork?
- I am pleased with my final artwork. I enjoyed creating the work by playing around with various tools and establishing something beautiful. I really enjoyed adding the contrast and saturation to the piece, which adds character and life.