Process:
The first step of my process was figuring out what I wanted to paint. Once inspired by Henri Matisse, I realized who my subject should be. As soon as I made my decision, I started looking at all the different pictures that I had of him and began by sketches from such.
MY SKETCHES: Within these sketches, I began to develop an end product. For my first sketch, I had a close up but I also included the background. The second sketch I included most of the body, and also the background. Lastly, the third sketch and the one that I proceeded with is a lot more simple. It is a close up, and the wrinkles within the t-shirt was a great way for me to practice and demonstrate my blending techniques. I chose to not include the background. Looking at the pieces made by Henri Matisse, it is clear that his main focus was the subject and the background was used as a source of contrast which is what I'm planning on doing. As soon as I was done picking my sketches, I applied a base coat to my canvas using acrylic paint. I decided to go for a blue green tone because it is one of the many hues that are staples within the Fauvist movement. Then, I used the grid method to successfully replicate the picture onto my canvas.
EXPERIMENTATION:
At this point it was almost time for me to start painting with my oil paints, but I can't just jump into a new medium without practicing a bit or getting a hang of the consistency of the paints. I did this on my sketch book, and began to use the paint thinner to make sure that it did have a similar effect as water with acrylics. Overall, I found oil paints really satisfying to use, especially blend. Once I felt comfortable enough with the medium, I began to paint. Although I did try use the picture as reference for accuracy, shadows, and highlights, I used my own set of colors. I wanted to practice the use of different colors since my paintings are generally monochromatic.
|
"Custard"
|
For this piece I wanted to focus on my use of color. What better way to focus on color than using the fauvist movement?! Also, using oils rather than acrylics helped me develop a similar effect as the self portrait of Henri Matisse. Within this painting, there seems to be a lack of blending. However, in order to have a put together painting, it is utterly important that blending is utilized. Within my piece, I wanted to incorporate a more realistic look, yet still incorporate a colorful theme within the hues used. I also referenced it for the male features, since this is the first time that I paint the face and body of a man. I used his painting "Madame Matisse" as inspiration for a further look into his brush technique. Also, it is a painting of his significant other, something that incited my decision for my subject.
|
Meaning:
The subject of this painting is my boyfriend and the title of this piece references to when the picture was first taken. I wasn't sure as to who or what I wanted to paint, but I knew that I wanted to experiment with oils and play with the use of colors as well. As I looked into the fauvist movement, I decided that I should paint him just like Matisse did of his wife. Within his painting, there is a lot more warm colors used which we automatically associate with love, and other caring words. Therefore, I also wanted to incorporate such into mine since that is my connection with my subject. I made sure that the background were cooler tones, as a source of contrast and also a way to add more emphasis and in a sense importance as well. However, within the skin tone I made sure to use blue tones for shadows and all dark value because it was something big during this movement of art that blue was normally used for the darker tones, rather than black.
reflection:
Throughout this piece, I was really excited to see the outcome as I painted. At the very beginning of the piece, when I started painting the face, I regretted a bit the choice of color for my base coat. At first I thought it was a good shade, but as soon as it got dry, it also got really dark. Therefore, it took a lot more coats than it should've to get the color i wanted for the skin tone. However, as I realized such dilemma, that's when I decided to use the blue undertones. Although, it was a part of my artist inspiration, I also used it as a better way to disguise any base coat through the skin. Overall, I believe that it looks great. I genuinely think that I was able to master the oil paints and I managed to use them the way that I wanted. I do wish I would've come up with a better idea for the background though. The idea was to use color, but perhaps I could've come up with a different design rather than improvising and hoping it works.
ACT Questions:
1. The use of the fauvist movement as inspiration has caused my work to be exposed to a lot more color than what I originally planned for. This was also the reason as to why I experimented with a new medium as well.
2. Henri Matisse is known for the use of his color throughout his art. Although his focus is a specific subject, he doesn't depend on it being accurate or as realistic as possible.
3. I've realized that not many people care for something to come out "perfect". We all have our standards and like there are people who prefer realism and accuracy, there are also people who prefer expressionism and aesthetic.
4. The general idea for this piece was for myself to see the difference between painting something general and painting someone whom I deeply care for. I wanted to experiment whether the subject would mess with my ideas and inspire me to pursue others.
5. I've realized that fauvism is still an art movement going on today. Many don't know much about it, yet they are using it as if they've invented it. More people need to realize that there are art movements that need more recognition for their input in art history.
2. Henri Matisse is known for the use of his color throughout his art. Although his focus is a specific subject, he doesn't depend on it being accurate or as realistic as possible.
3. I've realized that not many people care for something to come out "perfect". We all have our standards and like there are people who prefer realism and accuracy, there are also people who prefer expressionism and aesthetic.
4. The general idea for this piece was for myself to see the difference between painting something general and painting someone whom I deeply care for. I wanted to experiment whether the subject would mess with my ideas and inspire me to pursue others.
5. I've realized that fauvism is still an art movement going on today. Many don't know much about it, yet they are using it as if they've invented it. More people need to realize that there are art movements that need more recognition for their input in art history.