FINAL PROJECT
tempera, ink, gold & silver leaf on wood
Joe Millard
Where I am as an artist (and where I am going) is a difficult thought to try and
capture succinctly. I know that the work that I create now will in a very short time be
outdated in my timeline. If I could hindsight my own work as it is happening, would I still
make it knowing where I am going? I have only found that my work is inconsistent; I am
always trying new forms of art/painting/drawing without regards to my previous talents or
skills. However, that being said, I find that my fundamentals are becoming more well
rounded (line, composition, frame, color use) while my ability to think creatively continue to
grow. The field I wish to work in has a very definite construction as to how art is created and
so I am continuing with several projects that are in line with that as my goal. Goals change
though, and because of this I cannot help myself when it comes to trying new styles of
rendering, different materials, different influences. So, I know where I want to go, and that is
in the field of art. This piece was an exploration of deconstruction and iconography. I
wanted the materials to remain separate and have their strengths work independent of
each other; the leafing being displayed in an as distinctly leafing and the tempera being
distinctly tempera.
Your paintings came out nicely, I really like the style you used. The painting on the left cathces my eye. The gold and silver leafing is a very nice touch and goes well with the blue tones that you used. It's interesting that you left some spots in the leafing bare, I like that the wood shows through.
ReplyDeleteI like the use of gold leafing, I'm sure it took a lot of time and patience to apply. The choice in setting the figures to be in blue tones on the background was a really good idea as they clash well together as one. As for the colors you chose, I almost feel as if the figures are sitting on snow in front of the sun trying to warm up their cold bodies. Only thing I didn't understand when you were talking about your painting which I may have missed, is why you chose to leave the wood showing at the top. I kind think I'd be interested to see it fully covered in white. Nicely done though.
ReplyDeleteI think the decision to leave the figures plain blue was interesting. I think it works very well and supports the idea of iconography. My main critique is that the white 'triangles' at the top do not seem very purposeful, which really detracts from the iconic aspect of the pieces. I do like it, but it just doesn't seem quite finished yet.
ReplyDeleteThe polytonal figures are very refreshing to gaze upon. I like that they are separate on the wall and feel if you would of hinged them that they would not convey the same identity that they do now. SOmething that could of heaped would of been some natural obstruction of the wood like breaking,burning and replicate aging.
ReplyDeleteI love the colors you used in this painting. You said in class that you were having trouble with the leafing, but I like that it didn't come out in solid colors. As I learned in my first painting class, sometimes our eyes seek a break from solid colors. This is a beautiful painting. I wonder what it would look like if the figures either looked superimposed onto the leafing, or with their arms down, so that the leafing looks like it is in the background like the sun shining behind them.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy how expressive your paintings are, and this is no different with it's graphic quality. The natural wood color that peeks through in some spots is really nice, it adds a nice contrast against the blue and acts as highlight points. I actually like that the leafing isn't solid, it has this nice brittle quality that is nice with the figures. I agree that the white triangles seem a bit odd and I think I would have preferred if they were filled in fully, but they aren't that distracting or negative so it's still fine.
ReplyDeleteThere isn't any way that anyone in the whole world besides you could have created these pieces. Even that you were exploring different media and different styles, the quality of your lines, the way you applied paint, and how you framed the figures makes the piece totally your style. I think you've reached the point, as an artist, where many of these things come naturally and effortlessly. Your technique and creativity certainly come across in this piece. Amazing job.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely have a style all your own. Though I know you struggled in the beginning with the project, ultimately you pulled through to have a interesting project. I agree with Aarya in that your style comes across in this project. The different elements in this piece are so strange and yet them seem to come together in a cohesive way. Who would ever think that blue bodies on snow would look good with gold leafing? Unique as always. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to see how much you have improved over the semester! This last project is definitely my favorite from the whole class. The color palate works wonderfully together along with you stylistic choices. I am glad you put them into two pieces and not one whole piece as it makes it a series that is really amazing to look at. I think your rendering of Anastasia is my favorite. I can see that your proportioning has greatly increased along with your mark making. I just want to buy these pieces! Great job.
ReplyDeleteGreat progression throughout the semester and I believe that these are some of the strongest pieces of the semester for you. I love both of the angles of the figures and they are strong in the placement and color choice really created a heavenly vibe. I liked the use of gold leaf which was used well to compliment your color choice!
ReplyDeleteI think these are nice and could have been great given more time but at the same time I like messy and not precise. you proportions were great and layout was also really cool. keep doing good things.
ReplyDeletei really like how these have both an iconic and contemporary feel to them. the gold leafing juxtaposed with the blocked colors creates a really nice image for the eye.
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