Short written assignments can be completed at personal convenience.
Specific assignments include:
- Visiting a museum.
- Emphasis on not procrastinating, especially for timed assignments.
Online final exam is available during final exam week, with flexibility to complete it at any time.
- Instructions should be provided via Blackboard or Canvas.
- Important: The exam opens at midnight before the start of final exam week.
Previous Class Recap: Movements in Art History
Covered art movements, specifically realism and impressionism.
Discussed the politics and dynamics of viewing art.
- Viewing is not a neutral act; it involves power and assertion.
Techniques of impressionists, particularly Claude Monet:
- Use of broad, rough, sketchy brushstrokes; unconventional for that time.
- Focus on contemporary subjects and modernity.
The significance of Mary Cassatt's work in relation to viewing power dynamics.
Impressionism Overview
Impressionism is a misunderstood movement by the general public.
Characteristics include:
- Heavily criticized upon introduction for abandoning classical techniques.
- Seen as a rejection of the proper ways to paint or corrupting traditional art.
Impressionist paintings are considered calming and serene today, often found in public settings (e.g., waiting rooms, hotels).
Example Discussion: The calming effect of Impressionist art in environments like dental offices versus its controversial reception in its early days.
- The style is technically complex and children of modern sensibilities.
Claude Monet's Impact on Impressionism
Monet aspired to capture fleeting moments of light and color.
- Contrast between classical detailed work and impressionistic sketchiness.
Discussion of Monet's approach to subject matter:
- Paints contemporary scenes (e.g., boats from 19th-century France).
- Introduction of new technology such as steamships as a reflection of changing society.
Techniques:
- Break from traditional meticulous composition to more immediate capture of scenes.
- Demonstrates the impact of new industrialization on lifestyle.
Artistic Techniques and Public Perception
Discussion on tools available to painters by the Late 19th Century:
- Ready-made paints introduced, enhancing convenience for artists.
- Artists’ freedom to work outdoors, painting en plein air (outdoors).
The societal shift towards leisure and weekend excursions to the countryside illustrates the changing middle-class lifestyle.
Art Consumption and Interpretation
Impressionism challenges traditional perspectives of human emotion through color and subject matter.
- Example of Monet’s painting discussing the psychological effects of viewing art in modern settings.
Prominent themes include:
- The dichotomy of appearance versus reality in both art and society.
Post-Impressionism
Post-Impressionism: An evolution following Impressionism that emphasizes emotional expression.
Notable Artist: Vincent van Gogh.
Van Gogh’s style includes:
- Use of dynamic brushstrokes infused with strong emotion.
- Integration of influence from Japanese art.
Van Gogh's notable work, "The Night Cafe":
- Centerpiece of exploration about nightlife and psychological implications of color.
Emotional Interpretation in Van Gogh's Work
Van Gogh's focus is often on expressing emotional experiences rather than realistic presentations.
- For instance, in "The Night Cafe", he reflects social issues and personal turmoil through vibrant color selections and abstract forms.
Insights from Van Gogh's letters reveal thoughts on color theory and personal emotional states.
Summary of Behavioral Dependencies on Technology in Art
Examination of the impact of the Industrial Revolution on human perspectives and artistic themes:
- Increased speed in transport (trains), leading to altered experiences of viewing art.
- Theme of modernity leads to reflections on environmental and societal changes, including industrial pollution.
Differences Between Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
Impressionism characterized by:
- Quick brush strokes aiming to record moments in time.
- Use of light and atmosphere in outdoor settings.
Post-Impressionism distinguished by:
- Emotional expression as central to the work.
- Bold use of color and abstract structures.
Important Examination Points
Be able to identify which paintings are Impressionist and which are Post-Impressionist by evaluating brushwork, emotive quality, and color usage.