Thursday 26 January 2017

Charicature second attempt

This is my second attempt at a Caricature. I feel like I have exaggerated a few of my features.  Atleast it is better than my previous attempt.

Honore Daumier

Honore Daumier (1808-1879) was a French print maker, Sculptor, painter and caricaturist. In 1822, at age 14, he began to study drawing with Alexandre Lenoir, who later introduced him to paintings of Rubens and Titian as well as classical sculptures. In 1825, Daumier started working as an assistant to the Lithographer Belliard. This is where he created his first copies of drawings which he done with Louvre. By 1829, Daumier's first lithographs were published in "La silhouette. The following year, he made his first political caricatures but in 1831, the government destroys nearly all existing copies. Over the next few years, Daumier published his first lithograph for" La Caricature " and "The charivari". From 1835, Daumier began making less political linographs as a result of a new law against freedom. Over the following years, his work is published many times in the press. By 1857, Daumier completes lithographs for a project on the "Fables of La Fontaine", he base's them on mainly theatrical scenes. As well as oil paintings and wood cuts,  Damier still continues to produce lithographs. In 1867, Damier starts to introduce political themes again where he continues this for the next couple of years.  In 1879, at age 71,Damier dies. His wife sold all remaining works of art before passing away in 1895.










What I enjoy most about Daumier's work,  is that he is able to add humour through his use of line work and observation. He is able to produce an image, which adds a deep sense of mood by his talented drawing skills. I find his work highly amusing and inspiring,  the facial expressions are fantastic.

Wednesday 25 January 2017

Charicature

I was asked to make a charicature of myself for homework. I searched for some ideas of charicatures online,  wondering if it would bring up what I predicted it would.  Sure enough,  there were images of people with over exaggerated facial features,  some with comical accessories.  I began to think how I would represent myself and after a few sketches, I decided I was like a super hero.  As I began to draw,  I found it difficult to over exaggerated my facial features but I like what I have done. I see myself as strong,  confident and not afraid of trying something new. I feel that every day is a struggle due to my hectic life but,  everyday I feel accomplished and proud of myself.  Of course I will have good days and bad days like everyone else, but I power through and i am happy with what I have produced.


Monday 9 January 2017

David Hockney - the Rakes Progress

"we live in an age where the Artist is forgotten.  He is a researcher,  I see myself that way". David Hockney.

David Hockney was born in England in 1973. He ia a well-known photographer, painter, draughtsman,  print maker and stage designer.
"The Rakes Progress"  is a series of etchings Hockney created, based on the work of English Artist,  William Hogarth. In 1733 Hogarth produced a series of 8 paintings about the rise and fall of Tom Rakewell, each painting tells a different stage of what happened.  In Hockney's version,  there are 16 etchings. He also felt that inspired by Hogarth's work, in 1975, he began working with director John Cox to create production of Igor Starvinsky's opera based on Hogarth's,  the rake progress.
William Hogarth's, "the Rakes story"is based on the fictional character, Tom Rakewell, who inherited a fortune from his late father but loses everything. The series of paintings were finished in 1733, they followed the popular, " A Harlots progress " which was about a woman moving from the countryside and becoming a prostitute. Unfortunately,  the series was destroyed in a fire in 1755.

Hogarths,  the Rakes Progress starts with a painting  names, "The Heir" is of Tom being informed that he has inherited his miserly fathers fortune. He is attempting to pay off servant girl, Sarah Young who has on her hand, a gold ring, which was from an earlier,  now retracted marriage proposal. There is also a lawyer stealing gold coins,  an upholsterer who finds some hidden money and servants hunting for money and goods in the fireplace and behind wall hangings.
The second painting,  "The levee" is of Tom holding a morning reception for other wealthy gentlemen. There are also professionals including a gardener and a tailor offering their services.
"The Orgy" is the third painting in the series. Tom is enjoying a drink with some prostitutes at the Rose Tavern in Covent Garden. The scene is set at 3am and the woman at the front is undressing in preparation for her naked poses.
"The Arrest"  is the next painting in the series which shows Tom narrowly avoiding arrest on the way to the Queens birthday reception at St James Palace. it is Sarah Young who pays his bail money for his freedom with the little earnings she has.
"The Marriage"  tells of Toms decision to marry an elderly woman for her fortune. The idea of living a life without luxury was not an option. The woman has one eye and does not hold Toms interest.
"The gaming House" shows Tom angry at fate due to his incredible of his second fortune - He gambled everything and lost.
The seventh in the series is, "The prison" is a picture of Tom is a prisoner of the Fleet, Londons infamous debtors prisons. The prisoners are hopeless,  some are desperate to find an escape route, and some are presenting the first signs of insanity.
The 8th and final image in the series is named, "The madhouse -the end of the line". At this point,  Tom is now in Bethlem hospital-often called Bedlam- after his descent into madness. There are people with various delusions, One man who is unclothed thinks he is a king. In the background,  there are women who have came to view the mentally ill. As Bedlam was open to the public,  this was a fun day out for the wealthy to look down on the less fortunate.
The heir

The levee 

The Orgy

The Arrest 

The Marriage 

The Gaming House 

The prison

The madhouse - the end of the line


Hockney used these paintings for inspiration but told his story over 16 prints. These prints have been designed around the modern day. Although it is clear Hockney has added his own personal style,  I feel that Hogarth's work is more interesting.  I find Hogarth's work has more depth and I can almost get a feel for what each situation would have been like. I find it difficult to relate to Hockney's version of "The Rakes Progress".












                   





Wednesday 4 January 2017

Edinburgh National Art Gallery

I was lucky enough to visit the National Art Gallery in Edinburgh.  The first observation I made,  was the traditional style of the artworks.  It was mainly based on portraits and most work was painted in oil. I thoroughly enjoyed admiring the scenes and people in the paintings, I like to have a feel for how a situation may have been or emotion felt. I was not too familiar with many of the Artists but it was interesting to have an insight into a different style and view.