Intro to Art

Firing: Making clay products permanent through baking at high temperatures in a kiln. (Ext. (1950 F)

Kiln: A furnace used for hiring clay products; electric, gas or wood-fired.

Greenware: Clay in an unfired state

Bisquare: A first firing on time of clay without glaze.

Ceramic: Clay products that have been fired for permanence.          

Glaze : A finely ground mineral solution painted on bisqueware; when fired, it becomes glassy. (round up glass)

Clay: A moist earth of decomposed rock; used in products such as pottery, bricks, tiles, and sculpture.

Wedging : Kneading moist clay to eliminate air bubbles and produce a uniform texture.

Coiling: A hand-building technique employed to create pots. Clay plastic “snakes” are formed, pushed and pinched to combine them into a pot.

Slab: A method of making pottery in which a think, flat plate, or slice of clay is cut into shapes which are joined to form an object.a method of making pottery in which a think, flat plate, or slice of clay is cut into shapes which are joined to form an object.

Score and Slip: Score is to scratch or crosshatch with a sharp implement when connecting clay parts and slip is a clay diluted with water to the consistency of cream; used for joining/attaching.

Greek Amphorae: Is a type of ceramic vase with two handles and a long neck narrower than the body. Greeks and Romans to storage jar that held oil, wine, milk, or grain around 3500 BCE. (made of coiling process

Vincent Van Gogh (Google Slides should help to find the below information)

-Influence to become a painter: Van Gogh’s younger brother, Theo, encouraged him to pursue painting and supported him financially throughout his 10-year career as an artist.

-Prior Professions

Before becoming a painter at the age 27, Van Gogh worked as a teacher (London), in an art gallery (uncle), and briefly in the ministry.

-Early and Late Artist Influences

  • Early influence: Rembrandt, known for using dark, earthy colors.

  • Late Influence: Impressionists like Monet 

-Early and Late Painting Characteristics

  • Early Work: Dark, muddy colors (earth tones) and scenes of peasant farmers.

  • Late Work: Bright colors, thick paint, and expressive brushstrokes.

-Impressionists vs Post-Impressionists 

  • Impressionists: Focus on light, movement, and everyday scenes with quick, small brushstrokes (e.g. Monet). (Colors)

  • Post-Impressionists: Used bright colors and distinct brushstrokes but added geometric forms and unnatural colors for emotional impact (e.g., Van Gogh and Gauguin). (Expressions, realistic).

-Cafe Painting. Which objects were emphasized?

In Night Cafe, Van Gogh highlighted the pool table and glowing lights, creating and intense, emotional atmosphere.

- Paul Gauguin

Gauguin was a Post-Impressionist painter who used bright colors and painted tropical scenes. He briefly lived with Van Gogh in Aries, but their relationship ended after a heated argument, possibly leading to Van Gogh cutting off his ear.

-Sunflower Paintings 

Van Gogh painted many sunflowers in excitement for Gauguin’s visit (welcome gift). He used thick layers of paint to give texture. One of these paintings later sold for $40 million, though Van Gogh had hoped to sell it for just $100 in his lifetime. 

-Impasto Style of Painting

Van Gogh used the Impasto technique, where thick paint is applied to the canvas, creating a textured, 3D effect.

-Dr. Gatchet (Vincent’s Impression of him)

At first, Van Gogh did not trust Dr. Gachet, thinking he was just a sick as himself. However, he later saw him as a true friend.

- Jo Van Gogh-Bonger 

Theo’s wife, Jo, played a key role in making Van Gogh famous after his death. She sold his painting, exhibited the, and published his letter, ensuring his legacy live on. (lived in Paris)

- Starry Night’s sky vs town styles of painting. 

In Starry Night, Van Gogh painted the town realistically but the sky is more dreamlike, with swirling, flowing patterns., and the town is more realistic.

-Wheatfield With Crows(painting)

This was one of Van Gogh’s last paintings. The dark sky and flying crows create a sad, lonely mood, possibly reflecting his feelings before his death.

  • Van Gough only sold one painting when he was alive.