Fine Art Critique

 I think I've seen this painting maybe four times in my life. Every art gallery I've been too has this painting. I remember the first time I saw it I was in a grade 5 on a field trip. I still remember my teacher explaining the idea and reasons behind this painting and what the artist was trying to get across his audience. Surprisingly I don't remember a thing from what my teacher said. But I do remember looking carefully at the picture, analyzing it's every brush stroke and colour. I loved how the candle light stood out as if it was really lit and it's light was the one brightening the gallery. 


Now, when I look at the picture I see more than just the candle or merely a girl sitting. I see emotions that are flooding the picture. Sorrow, loss, regret and even relief. The first word that popped into my head was emotions, is it a mental state that arises spontaneously rather than through conscious effort and is often accompanied by psychological changes; a source of feeling. The first feelings I had when glancing at this picture is confusion.I remember thinking to myself "what is going on?" but I couldn't pull myself away. The word of the week is Shade which adding black to any color to darken its value (p.137). This painting I find has lots of shade in it which is what is making the picture stand out and feel realistic. 

I'm a strong believer in incorporating feelings and emotions in children's art and creativity. When working with children now I try to ask children questions that may tricker a positive or negative emotional response. For some people talking about one's negative emotions or feelings is a taboo. I think that all emotions are healthy to express and talk about especially as a child. If it's there talk about it or even better draw about it. Be creative, let your emotions explain your ideas and art work.

References

Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J.E. (2009). Art and creative development for young children (6th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Delmar

Imagine a sculpture

The best part about imagination is that there is no right or wrong, there isn't a beginning or an end and there certainly no limit. My creative word is imagination that I will be incorporating into my sculpture. According to brainyquote.com, imagination is defined as "the representative power; the power of reconstruct or recombine the materials furnished by direct apprehension; the complex faculty usually termed the plastic or creative power".

As you can see in the picture I didn't build my sculpture alone. I had the handy help of my creative niece. A little description of my, or I should say Our sculpture is we designed a comfort home for our fellow Gerbil, named Dice. We used a keelex box, tissue and scrap paper that we found to create a sofa, t.v and a kitchen for Dice. We took our reality and converted it into an imaginary setting for Dice.

The best part of this activity is that I did it with my niece. We both had many ideas and were excited to get started. It first started with just a chair for Dice but our imagination took over. This reminds me of all the homes i build for my stuffed animals when I was younger. I remember getting so excited to build it that I didn't want to touch it when I was done, in case of ruining it. The difference this time was my niece and I did end up playing with the new home we built. Practicing this with other children I find would be really fun. The children I worked with have soo much imagination and creativity to build their own sculpture.