Mid Term Independent Painting

Post an image that may reflect your idea for your independent Mid-Term Painting.  Describe your idea and remember the image must be original.

The painting, "Arnolfini Wedding" by Jan Van Eyck is an oil on canvas piece. The painting was created in 1434 and was one of the first paintings created on actual people, not on biblical characters. This painting stood out to me because is was creepy and really realistic. The painting holds a sense of intense realism just by have the bright colors and the tone of the scene. Even the dog looked as though it was about to bark or wag it's tail.

Tinteretto

I like this painting by Tinteretto called "the last supper" because when I think of the last supper I automatically think of Leonardo da Vinci's interpretation. I admire this interpretation because it is more active. There is more going on in this picture and i feel that it makes it more realistic. They were probably not sitting as ideally as is represented in Leonardo da Vinci's. This painting really portrays the techniques commonly used in the baroque period and I find it very interesting.

Botticelli

I chose a painting from Sandro Botticelli who was an Italian painter during the early Renaissance. When looking through his painting my favorite was this one, named "Primavera" which means spring. What caught my attention and what I liked so much about this painting is that it's hard to figure out what is going on. When you think of spring, you think of bright and happy colors and in this painting there is a lot of dark and black especially in the background. I liked how Venus, the women in the middle is a focus point and she is looking out almost to the viewer. She has a halo almost around her and this really emphasizes her presence. I also liked the use of all the individuals in the paintings and their placement. Each seem to tell their own story and that adds a lot of depth to the painting itself. In the painting Botticelli includes a lot of Gods like the god of wind, and khloris and flora, he also includes the three grace's. Each person and individual leaves room for a lot of interpretation and that's what I enjoyed the most.

The Creation of Adam

The creation is a fresco painted by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo was not know for his painting but rather his sculptures but he was able to bring those raw emotion seen in his sculptures and convey them in this work. The nudity is very significant representing the vulnerability of Adam and Man. another important element is that the fingers do not touch, creating a vivid and unique representation of the divide between heaven and earth

Da Vinci

This painting is called Madonna of Yarnwinder. It was painted by Leonardo Da Vinci in 1507. In the painting the boy is Jesus Christ and the woman in Mary. Jesus Christ is playing with a winder that is the shape of the cross. An interpretation of the painting suggests that Mary wants to move Jesus Christ away from the cross. The cross foreshadows his future crucifying. I love the earthy colors used in the painting as well as the way that Da Vinci painted their glancing, Jesus gazing at the cross, and Mary gazing at him. Aside from the main people in the painting is this beautiful naturalistic background, with mountains and river streams.

Rapheal

I chose this painting because of how different it is to what we have been talking about in class. There are many bright colors in this painting and I liked that focus rather than the light a dark contrast. This painting spoke to me because of how meaningful it seems to be. In a article I found about the painting it stated that the gaze of mother the mother figure and the child are towards the child's future and I thought that was very interesting.

The Creation of Adam

I chose one of my favorite paintings named "The Creation of Adam", created by Michelangelo. I chose this painting due to the reality of the scene, and its importance. Michelangelo mastered the imagery portrayed in this painting and it has such a life-like effect. It also has a life-like effect due to its enormous size which is painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. I like how the artist captured the enormous power of God himself and the simplicity of the created man, Adam.

The Last Supper by Tintoretto

This painting is called The Last Supper and was painted by Tintoretto. It was painted from 1592-1594. Tintoretto painted version of the Last Supper several times throughout his life. Many describe this version as the fest of the poors. In this painting there is a hue around Jesus head giving a somewhat heavenly glow. Many versions of the last supper only shows Jesus with his disciples, but this one shows him with his disciples as well as commoners. In this version you can also see what looks to be angels toward the top of the painting. I interesting that besides the head of Jesus, 11 other individuals had a glow around there head. I couldn't help but think that these are 11 of the 12 disciples. And I'm guessing that the 12th is not glowing because it might be Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus.

Raphael

The painting above is by Raphael and the name of it is Saint Catherine. I chose the painting above because I like the color selection. I feel the clothing looks very realistic. As soon I look at the painting I saw the women first then I looked at the background. The background is more dull and has neutral colors compared to the women’s clothing.

Raphael

This painting is called The School of Athens, by Raphael (1511). I chose this painting due to how life like it looks. The depth and consistency of this piece is really amazing.  The arches of the hall and line work is incredible, and makes you feel like your actually standing in the hallway. I also really like how every little detail of every person is portrayed, and does not leave you to imagine whats there, its all laid out, its honest, and its clean. This work is truly a masterpiece.

The Battle of Anghiari

I chose this painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, not only for the complex details of the horses and men but, for the history behind the painting.  The Battle of Anghiari is known as "The Lost Leonardo".  It was featured in the Hall of the Five Hundred located in Palazzo Vecchio, Florence.  Many believe that it still exists under all the new modern art work but there is no evidence to show.  The simple colors are what captured my attention.

Calumny of Apelles

Calumny of Apelles is a tempra on panel by Sandro Botticelli 1490. This paintings landscapes in the background is absolutely gorgeous alone from the people. The building they are in is remarkable and the sculpture inside of the pillars looks as real as the people in the painting. The painted architecture in the background stood out more too me than anything else in the painting, understanding how hard it would be too paint a building such as this one and too hit the renaissance look spot on. The red flooring also stood out too me comparing too the ceilings and making them stand out even more. The flooring is also a bright solid color and goes well with the commotion of the people in this painting.

Victoria Laiso

Da Vinci

I picked  St John the Bapist by Leonardo da Vinci. This painting stood out to me because of its simplicity but also having great detail making the portrait look very realistic. I like how the background is dark and the focus is on his face and body language. Also, the technique da Vinci used makes the hair look realistic and brings the painting to life.

Michelangelo

      I chose Michelangelo’s fresco painting of “The Creation of Adam”. This painting is not only beautiful but also extremely impressive. He painted this on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel, which is curved, large and also often leaked. The physical conditions, as well as the time frame in which he painted this in is remarkable. I like how he was able to make the figures so life like and in motion. The use of highlighting and color choice really made the musculature of Adam, God and the other figures really pronounced.

Raphael

After looking at all of the other artist's that we looked at on Tuesday, I really liked Raphael's work the best.  The reason why I chose this painting below was because it really stuck out to me.  The sky is the background is absolutely gorgeous and the colors he uses really stand out and make the castle really stand out.  All the colors go so well together in making this painting, in my opinion, one of the best ones.  The sky makes the castle look ancient and that it belongs in the medieval times. He does a good job making the castle look like it is very far away with the amount of trees he added to the bottom.

Raphael

I really liked this painting, Transfiguration, by Raphael because of his use of colors and details throughout the entire piece. I thought it was very unique to see a split in the painting. The upper half symbolizes Christ's greatness, as he floats in the air, while the lower half depicts the flaws that occur here on Earth as everyone kneels and praises Him. The upper half is also seen with more light as the lower half was painted with more darkness. Raphael incorporated dramatic tension on each face which was so interesting to see. When researching this painting I learned that this was Raphael's last work and it is rumored to have been finished by one of his students. I have seen this painting many times and thought it was a great idea to research it's history.

Thirty Are Better Than One

Thirty Are Better than One by Andy Warhol

Warhol cleverly uses silkscreen ink on canvas to echo advertising and consumerism. Instead of having one Mona Lisa, Warhol uses thirty to depict the mass production where everyone can now own the piece. The main idea of the art piece is "the more the better." Warhol was able to give Leonardo da Vinci's piece a modern twist to catch the public's eye. I was very intrigued by this piece because it represents how big consumer culture really is.  

Andy Warhol

I picked a painting by Andy Warhol because his work has always stuck out to me. He uses pop art to put his own interpretation on original pieces. I chose his artwork, Campbell's Soup Cans, because this is the one he is most famous for and the one everyone will probably recognize the most of his work. He painted different flavors of Campbell's Soup 32 times to make it look like cans on a shelf in a grocery store. I read that he used to have soup everyday for lunch so he put his own twist on an everyday simple food item that didn't mean much to anyone else. I also chose Warhol's painting because his pop art is very different than the other artist's work that we saw in Tuesday's class.

Raphael

The painting I liked the most was Raphael's Madonna del Granduca. The use of a plain dark background really highlights the two figures and doesn't take away from their beautiful features and provide distraction. Although there is a lot of detail in this painting, he also shows simplicity in this painting. The woman and child are very well detailed and you can really feel and see the emotion in their face. 

Pieter Bruegel, Hunters in the Snow

The painting of the Hunters in the Snow, by Pieter Bruegel stood out to me because there is so much going on in one painting and you don't know where to focus. You have a clear view of everything in the the painting and the scene itself is just a beauty to stare at. When looking at the painting you see everything in detail, especially the people at the far end. After reading into what his art one will learn that he has the tendency of focusing on peasant life.  Not only that , but his use of color helps the picture come to life. When I first saw the painting I was captivated by not only the colors, but the the technique he uses when he's painting.

Judith Beheading Holofernes

I chose this version of the Judith Beheading Holofernes because even though Judith is in the background, the attention is still focused on her because of the darkness that surrounds her. Also the black dress represents who she is, a widow. I also find the facial expression on her face interesting compared to the other versions of the painting. In this painting, her facial expression is pretty bland, she seems for have no remorse and in the other versions she looks like she is in distress.

Judith Beheading Holofernes

I chose this version of  Judith Beheading Holofernes painting because I like the contrast in it. I found it interesting  how the main focus of the painting is the beheading because that wasn't the first thing I looked at. Immediately I noticed the facial expression in Judith face. Judith had a concerned look in her face yet she is still going through with beheading Holofernes. I find the reason I focused on her face first is because there is more light being directed towards her face. Holofernes face has more darkness which is why I looked at the beheading scene second. 

Judith Beheading Holofernes

After viewing both images, I chose Artemisia Gentileschi version of the painting. I think this painting is very engaging due to the realness of it. This painting seems to have more realistic features and brings out more emotion. The lighting and contrast used in this painting really exemplifies the emotion of Judith and the anger she felt to decapitate him. The contrast of the dark empty background really makes this painting come to life. I think it really brings out all of the features/gestures and really just shows the importance of this moment.

JUDITH BEHEADING HOLOFERNES

This painting evokes a lot of power. The women seem to be plotting or discussing their success in taking control over Holofernes. Moreover, the grabbing him by the hair is almost like having reigns to a horse. Holofernes is shown in his moment of vulnerability as he faces death. His strength subdued and his destiny inescapable. I particularly love how Judith, the one committing in act, is the only one dressed in black. As though her wardrobe reflects the darkness of the act she is committing.

Judith Beheading Holofernes

Judith Beheading Holofernes was painted in 1599-1602. It shows Judith, who was a biblical character, beheading Holofernes. Holofernes was an Assyrian general and Judith seduced and killed him. It is said that beheading was a common theme in the 16th century. I chose this particular version because it seems much more realistic. You can see the pain and fear in Holofernes face. And like all Caravaggio's paintings he uses the light and dark theme. In this painting a lot of the light is focused on Judith which emphasizes that she is a hero.

Judith Beheading Holofernes

I choose this  painting out of the two because it is the more realistic one. The story about Judith is very gory. One would not assume that a Biblical story about a woman would involve her seducing subjects or killing them. In the article I found it stated that Judith was very weak. In which, it brought my attention to notice that in the painting she looks more strong and that her muscles are more defined.

Judith beheading Holofernes

At first look at the two paintings, this just by looking is my favorite of the two. The type of emotion coming from this feels so intense and real almost if you can feel the pain and the anger and a look of take that coming from Judith. After researching And finding out this painting was painted by Atremisia Gentileschi. This is an amazing feat as the world at the time and specifically the art world was male dominated, and its very true to form that a woman paint a painting like this. 

Judith Beheading Holofernes

It was interesting to me because this is actually the painting I picked last week, which really stuck out to me from all of Caravaggio's paintings. Out of the two this one is my favorite and the one I liked more because of the use of lighting and the emphasis on Judith. I also feel like the facial expressions are more clear and realistic in this one. I think the pain and look of fear on Holofernes's face adds to her power in the painting. I think the servant in this painting is also important because her facial expression and presence adds to the painting as a whole and the story behind it. Being that Judith was a jewish women who seduces Holofernes with her beauty, waits until he is drunk, then cuts his head off and uses it as a trophy that symbolizes the Jews regaining their courage.

Judith Beheading Holofernes

Judith and Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi 1620-21

This scene was based upon the assassination of the Assyrian general Holofernes. The story tells of a brave heroine, Judith along with her maidservant, who was able to defeat him and behead him to save her town. I prefer Gentileschi's painting over Caravaggio's because hers was more realistic. Women in art were underrepresented during this time, and the painting displays the power women had. In the story, Judith dressed up to catch the general's eye and was able to cross over into the enemy's territory as it seemed she was betraying her own town. However, the general did not expect Judith and her servant to attack him as he became drunk. The force that is being used in the painting can almost be felt, compared to Caravaggio's painting that makes Judith appear dainty and weak. In Gentileschi's painting you can see how both women are holding him down and how the head is being dislocated. You can see how Holofernes was struggling and the size of his fist compared to the maid's face shows how much bigger he was and why both women needed to work together. Overall, I love the message of the painting that demonstrates women are powerful. 

Giselle M.

Judith Bheading Holofernes

I chose this iteration of Judith beheading Holofernes because there seems to be more of a connect between the subjects in it. In this painting there is actually a maid helping to hold him down as he struggles to fight the inevitable. There also feels like there is more expression on their faces and they both show true disgust and anger while Holofernes looks empty and maybe a little surprised as he should be if he's dying. I also like how Judith is leaning away from him as to not get blood all over herself while the maid is right up close.

                                    Judith Beheading Holofernes, by Caravaggio 1599-1602

I chose this painting due to the raw emotion displayed in the piece. The use of dark colors and contrast give it a very sinister feel. The woman in the painting portrays a look of disgust and fear of what she is actually doing. The man behind her seems like he has a part to play in this action and portrays a look of anger.

Judith Beheading Holofernes

Out of both these paintings, the one that stood out to me more was by Artemisia Gentilesch.  If I were to guess, I would never guess this painting was painted by a woman.  It is very gruesome, but woman had strong feelings back then about their freedom, so in reality this picture makes sense for a woman to paint it.  I really like the contrast of dark to light.  The light is mainly shown on the woman and the guy having his head cut off which is the whole point of this painting. This painting has a strong meaning to it which made it stand out to me even more. 

Judith Beheading Holofernes

Of the two paintings of Judith Beheading Holofernes, I favor the one done by Artemisia Gentileschi for several reasons.  She captures more detail of the struggle by Holofernes in her painting compared to Caravaggio.  I like the detail in how Judith is depicted and another women helping.  Caravaggio's just  shows Judith doing the hard work.  The detail in strength being emphasized in this task are painted with such simplicity. The little detail in colors and body proportions caught my attention with this version.

Judith Beheading Holofernes

Out of the two paintings, the Artemisia Gentilesch version of Judith Beheading Holofernes stood out to me most. When I first saw the two paintings, my eyes were immediately brought to this painting due to the immense color of the people in the scene, the blackout in the background makes every details standout, and even the blatant reality of the painting (pools of blood, pain, and sorrow). The history of this painting is impressive. The painting was made by Artemisia Gentilesch, who was part of the early renaissance group called "The Power of Women", which was a movement of women prevailing over powerful men, which is clearly depicted in this painting. 

Judith Beheading Holofernes

This painting really had an impact on me the most out of the two paintings of Judith Beheading Holofernes. The painting is created with beautiful colors to design a disturbing piece. In the painting I realized the facial expressions on all three people show a completely different feeling towards the situation. The artist captures the different looks of pain, fear, pleasure, and suspense. This graphic painting is beautiful yet has so much hated trapped inside of it. I love the colors and how the artist set the lighting above them, shining down onto the tops of their shoulders and onto their attire. The body structure of Holofernes is powerful and the technique used throughout the painting made the human bodies realistically beautiful. Ive picked this same painting for a similar blog because of the effect it left on me, and the thoughts it has brought too the back of my mind about what was going through Holofernes mind, the maids mind and the murders mind. This picture truely has a thousand words and a dark story behind it. The neutral colors used throughout the painting resembles how gray this moment is and reflects the dark happenings in this painting.

Victoria Laiso

Judith Beheading Holofernes

Between the two paintings I chose this one because it really stuck out to me. I like the lighting, and how it portrays the picture in a different way. I also thought that the woman doing the beheading with the maid standing next to her was more interesting. Originally Judith's traditional identity was used as a symbol of triumph over tyranny. However, Caravaggio presented the subject in a more dramatic manor, which appeals to the emotions more.

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