GMT20200617-020937_Deborah-Pa_1260x898

Final Exam Information

• Final exam question posted on Canvas under Week 10.

• Students can start working on the final exam.

• Final not timed; traditionally scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, from 09:15 to 11:15, but this has been modified to reduce stress.

• Final exam is due by 1 PM on the following Tuesday, to be submitted through Turnitin.com.

• Class ID and enrollment key provided for submission.

• Final question also emailed to students for easy access.

Extra Credit Options

• Two extra credit options available; choose only one to be counted.

  • Option 1: Write about color theory (more academically straightforward).

  • Option 2: Document personal experiences during the pandemic, including related protests.

  • Concept of documenting experiences has gained interest from history museums and libraries.

• Possible collaboration with De Anza College for submission of entries in the future.

Health Advisory

• Reminder of the ongoing presence of coronavirus despite reopening of many places in California.

• Caution regarding crowded spaces, advocating for mask-wearing and social distancing.

Art Discussion: Impressionism

• Recap of the previous session on Impressionism, emphasizing its importance in art history.

• Impressionists held eight exhibitions from 1874 to 1886; popularity grew despite the artists wanting to move on from the style.

• Georges Seurat featured in the final 1886 exhibition, presenting his work "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte."

  • Focuses on leisure time, capturing the essence of Sundays in late 19th-century Paris.

Georges Seurat's Artistic Innovation

• Seurat’s approach differs from traditional Impressionism due to his background in the Ecole des Beaux Arts and influence from color theory.

• Developed his painting style called divisionism (often referred to as pointillism).

  • Utilized precise dots of color instead of broad brush strokes; believed in the scientific effects of color combinations.

• Emphasized the importance of color theory through study and experimentation with colors.

• Known for meticulously planning his compositions, resulting in significant investment of time compared to traditional Impressionist methods.

Connection to Color Theories

• Seurat educated by scientists on color perception, fascinated by how color interacts when placed next to one another.

• Example given of using complementary colors to enhance vibrancy in artworks.

Artistic Identity and Philosophical Underpinning

• Seurat viewed himself as a mathematician and artist, integrating structure into his work.

• Used a systematic method—divided canvas into uniform dots to create images.

• Embraced technological changes of his time, contrasting with many contemporary artists who resisted industrialization.

Overview of Post-Impressionism

• Post-Impressionists, including Seurat, built upon Impressionism while taking art in new directions, influencing styles like Cubism.

• Mention of key figures in Post-Impressionism: Paul Cézanne and Paul Gauguin.

Transition into Vincent van Gogh

• Introduction of Vincent van Gogh, highlighting his different connection to Impressionism.

• Noted for his struggles with mental health and his close bond with his brother, Theo, who supported his artistic journey.

• Discussed Van Gogh’s early works, including "The Potato Eaters," which portray the hardships of working-class life in Belgium.

  • Focus on dignity in manual labor and a desire to represent the lives of the underserved.

Conclusion

• To be continued with more about Van Gogh’s journey and artistic evolution.