Illustration
Inspirations-
Emil Nolde and Berthe Morisot
Emil Nolde belonged to the German Expressionism movement. Specifically, he was a part of the Die Brucke movement of Expressionism.
Mask Still Life 3 displays five different subjects. These subjects are made up of masks and a shrunken head in the bottom right. Emphasis is placed onto these subjects through the use of line, shape, color, and contrast.
The background is made up of greens and blues with dark values. These cold colors are in contrast to the warm yellows, reds, and oranges in the subjects. However, the top right mask uses green unlike the other subjects. This mask is able to stand out from the background because it uses a lighter value of green and white which is hardly used in this piece. It also has, like the other masks, differently colored shapes and lines that help make up the “facial features” of the mask.
I admire the emotions that this piece was able to capture. Especially since the masks aren’t alive. They aren’t alive yet the emotions they portray make them appear lifelike. The yellow one at the top is a perfect example. Its expression radiates pure joy. So much so that it's almost alive.
When I look at this painting, my eyes are immediately drawn to the shrunken head in the bottom right through the use of yellow against black. My eyes are then drawn to the white on the mask above it. From there, my eyes drift left and follow the final three masks.
Berthe Morisot was a part of the Impressionist movement.
The Psyche Mirror portrays a woman using a mirror to look at herself. This woman is the subject of the painting as she stands emphasized in the center. This emphasis is created through value and contrast.
Not much color is used in this piece. It is mostly white and gray. Even the woman’s dress is white. The only colors that are used are the woman’s brown hair, the brown mirror, and the mostly red floor. However, it is the value of the woman’s dress that contrasts with the background. When compared to the background, the dress has light values of white that are in contrast with the rest of the painting. Even the mirror has darker values like the background.
To me, this painting showcases traditional feminine beauty. The woman in the painting admires herself in the mirror. Her shoulder is bare and in view. The pose she strikes is almost flirtatious. She does it to her own reflection as if she’s practicing. It makes me wonder whether she is preparing for someone, a lover perhaps, or if she just wants to be beautiful for herself.
Mask Still Life 3 displays five different subjects. These subjects are made up of masks and a shrunken head in the bottom right. Emphasis is placed onto these subjects through the use of line, shape, color, and contrast.
The background is made up of greens and blues with dark values. These cold colors are in contrast to the warm yellows, reds, and oranges in the subjects. However, the top right mask uses green unlike the other subjects. This mask is able to stand out from the background because it uses a lighter value of green and white which is hardly used in this piece. It also has, like the other masks, differently colored shapes and lines that help make up the “facial features” of the mask.
I admire the emotions that this piece was able to capture. Especially since the masks aren’t alive. They aren’t alive yet the emotions they portray make them appear lifelike. The yellow one at the top is a perfect example. Its expression radiates pure joy. So much so that it's almost alive.
When I look at this painting, my eyes are immediately drawn to the shrunken head in the bottom right through the use of yellow against black. My eyes are then drawn to the white on the mask above it. From there, my eyes drift left and follow the final three masks.
Berthe Morisot was a part of the Impressionist movement.
The Psyche Mirror portrays a woman using a mirror to look at herself. This woman is the subject of the painting as she stands emphasized in the center. This emphasis is created through value and contrast.
Not much color is used in this piece. It is mostly white and gray. Even the woman’s dress is white. The only colors that are used are the woman’s brown hair, the brown mirror, and the mostly red floor. However, it is the value of the woman’s dress that contrasts with the background. When compared to the background, the dress has light values of white that are in contrast with the rest of the painting. Even the mirror has darker values like the background.
To me, this painting showcases traditional feminine beauty. The woman in the painting admires herself in the mirror. Her shoulder is bare and in view. The pose she strikes is almost flirtatious. She does it to her own reflection as if she’s practicing. It makes me wonder whether she is preparing for someone, a lover perhaps, or if she just wants to be beautiful for herself.
Planning
These are very rough sketches of Mask Still Life 3 and The Psyche Mirror. These were made so that I could position my original sketches similarly to the original paintings that I was replicating. Since the sketches were done in the same sketchbook, I drew them side by side. That way it would be easier to replicate them.
Since this piece (Leaders of the Modern World) is supposed to criticize American politicians, I needed to base the subjects of my piece on American politicians. So I drew the faces of politicians that have supported certain policies. To connect with my second piece (Modern Identity), the politicians that were selected have supported policies that directly harmed the lgbt community. These politicians are Ron DeSantis (bottom right), Donald Trump (bottom left), Ted Cruz (top left), and Mitch McConnell(top right).
I first drew their faces to be mostly realistic. I’ve learned from a previous project that I should draw a reference first. From there, I drew the faces in a more exaggerated way that is reminiscent of political cartoons.
I first drew their faces to be mostly realistic. I’ve learned from a previous project that I should draw a reference first. From there, I drew the faces in a more exaggerated way that is reminiscent of political cartoons.
I wanted Modern Identity to depict someone of the modern age. So I turned my attention to the lgbt movement that has been rising in popularity in the recent decades. The Psyche Mirror depicts traditional feminine beauty. I wanted my piece to showcase those that reject traditional values for self-expression. The lgbt are in contrast to the politicians in power that cling onto traditional values.
I had some trouble designing the subject of my painting. To modernize the piece, I wanted to leave the gender of the subject ambiguous so that viewers could find whatever identity they wanted within the piece. So I did my best to draw the subject in a non-binary way while staying away from any stereotypes. I chose clothes and hair that are worn by all identities in the modern age. |
Process
Stage 1
To begin my illustrations, I made my final sketches. My sketches were mostly fine, but they contained several problems. These problems were mostly because of incorrect proportions.
I was mostly satisfied with the original sketch for Leaders of the Modern World. However, I didn’t like how the upper right face turned out. It had the exaggerated look that I wanted, but it looked like a silly ventriloquist dummy. My intent was to make this face look like a skeleton so this is why I decided to change it. The reason for the skeleton look is because I wanted to critique how the elderly are placed in charge of deciding the country’s future. I decided to redesign the face by making it less exaggerated. The proportions of the person of Modern Identity were completely off in the original sketch. There also wasn’t even a background in that sketch. In my final sketch I corrected this. The person looked more anatomically correct and there was now a proper background. |
Stage 2
Once the final sketches were completed, I needed to transfer them onto my illustration boards. To do this, I covered the back side of my sketches in graphite. Since the sketches were the same size of the boards, I could tape them onto the boards themselves and trace over the sketches to transfer the image. From there, I could finally begin painting.
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Stage 3
Leaders of the Modern World was painted two different ways. For the majority of the time, I was painting gouache paint mixed with water. This was done because I didn’t want a completely solid color and to paint in lighter values. So before I dipped my brush in paint, I dipped it in water first, then I dried a bit off, then I picked up some paint. However, whenever I needed to define certain facial features like a nose, then I would paint dry to get a darker value and a more solid look.
Since my two pieces are supposed to contrast each other, I decided to paint them differently. Modern Identity was painted with a dry brush. I wanted a more solid look to this painting that would set it apart from Leaders of the Modern World
I also tried using different brush strokes for the red floor. This was done so that the texture would appear different from the wall and help the viewer differentiate the two.
Since my two pieces are supposed to contrast each other, I decided to paint them differently. Modern Identity was painted with a dry brush. I wanted a more solid look to this painting that would set it apart from Leaders of the Modern World
I also tried using different brush strokes for the red floor. This was done so that the texture would appear different from the wall and help the viewer differentiate the two.
Experimentation
This was the first time I’ve ever used gouache. All of my painting experience before this has been through acrylic paints. So before I tried painting for real, I tested out the gouache. It was on a piece of paper provided to me by my art teacher, that I tested out the ways I could use the gouache. I used it while dry and I used it while wet to see what it would look like. It was here that I discovered that they had different values depending on if it was dry or not.
This is the very first part that I painted. Here I tested out what I had learned. I tried different amounts of water during this part. I found that it was more optimal to use small amounts of water to paint rather than use large amounts. One reason is because I personally feel like I have more control of the paint when it doesn’t easily spread to places I don’t want it to. A second is because using too much water would result in scraping off paint that hadn’t dried fully yet. So from then on I stuck to using small amounts of water. |
For the floor of Modern Identity, I decided to experiment with using different brushstrokes to create different textures. I remembered a technique that I used in my art history class that could be applied here. The technique was used to create an impressionist painting in that class so I thought that I would be able to apply it here as well. For the floor in Modern Identity, I used quick and short brushstrokes. I would let them dry so as to not ruin the look. This ended up being a success because these brushstrokes helped make the red floor look different from the walls which did not employ the same brushstrokes. |
Critique
Compare
Leaders of the Modern World and Masks Still Life 3-
Color is used similarly on both of these pieces. The background is made up of a cool color. This is in contrast to the subjects that are painted in warm colors However, there is one subject in both that does not follow this. In Masks, this is the green mask with the white beard. In my piece, this is the white face. These subjects still stand out because they have large spaces of white which is sparingly used in the rest of the painting. These uses of color are what emphasizes the subjects
The uses of space are also similar. The subjects have little distance between them. This distance between them consists of negative space that is made from the background. They also overlap with each other at some points.
Thick lines and shapes are also used to create the facial features of the subjects on both pieces. These lines are organic and long. They sprawl across the spaces that they are in. large organic shapes make up the majority of the pieces. They are used to both make up the subjects and create their facial features.
Color is used similarly on both of these pieces. The background is made up of a cool color. This is in contrast to the subjects that are painted in warm colors However, there is one subject in both that does not follow this. In Masks, this is the green mask with the white beard. In my piece, this is the white face. These subjects still stand out because they have large spaces of white which is sparingly used in the rest of the painting. These uses of color are what emphasizes the subjects
The uses of space are also similar. The subjects have little distance between them. This distance between them consists of negative space that is made from the background. They also overlap with each other at some points.
Thick lines and shapes are also used to create the facial features of the subjects on both pieces. These lines are organic and long. They sprawl across the spaces that they are in. large organic shapes make up the majority of the pieces. They are used to both make up the subjects and create their facial features.
Modern Identity and The Psyche Mirror-
On the surface, my piece and Morisot’s have little similarities aside from the pose of the subjects and the use of a mirror. However, both of our pieces use balance, space, emphasis, value, and color in similar ways.
Both of our pieces use color and value to differentiate spaces and to create emphasis. In both pieces, a red floor is used to differentiate it from the space occupied by the wall that is a different color. In the mirror, different values of colors are used. In The Psyche Mirror, the woman’s reflection has dark values. This is in contrast to the real woman with light values. This use of value in the reflection is also present within my piece. Both of them use value to emphasize the subject.
Both pieces are balanced in the same way. In both pieces, a figure and a mirror are present. The mirror is placed to the left of the painting and the figure is in the middle. Two objects are placed to the right to balance the pieces. In The Psyche Mirror, a window and sofa are on the right. In my piece, curtains and a drawer are placed on the right.
On the surface, my piece and Morisot’s have little similarities aside from the pose of the subjects and the use of a mirror. However, both of our pieces use balance, space, emphasis, value, and color in similar ways.
Both of our pieces use color and value to differentiate spaces and to create emphasis. In both pieces, a red floor is used to differentiate it from the space occupied by the wall that is a different color. In the mirror, different values of colors are used. In The Psyche Mirror, the woman’s reflection has dark values. This is in contrast to the real woman with light values. This use of value in the reflection is also present within my piece. Both of them use value to emphasize the subject.
Both pieces are balanced in the same way. In both pieces, a figure and a mirror are present. The mirror is placed to the left of the painting and the figure is in the middle. Two objects are placed to the right to balance the pieces. In The Psyche Mirror, a window and sofa are on the right. In my piece, curtains and a drawer are placed on the right.
Contrast
Leaders of the Modern World and Masks Still Life 3-
The subjects in Masks are made up of several different colors. This is something that I stayed away from in my piece. Each face is made up of one color alongside different hues and shades. The only other colors present are the hair colors. White and black are used sparingly. This restricted use of color was chosen to portray the restrictive perspective shared by the politicians being portrayed in this piece. This is supposed to contrast with the subject of Modern identity which is made up of multiple colors.
The subjects in Masks are made up of several different colors. This is something that I stayed away from in my piece. Each face is made up of one color alongside different hues and shades. The only other colors present are the hair colors. White and black are used sparingly. This restricted use of color was chosen to portray the restrictive perspective shared by the politicians being portrayed in this piece. This is supposed to contrast with the subject of Modern identity which is made up of multiple colors.
Modern Identity and The Psyche Mirror-
I originally intended for my piece to replicate the impressionist style of The Psyche Mirror. However, along the way my focus shifted. It became more reminiscent of an expressionist piece as it lost the realistic look the original had.
My piece uses different textures and brush strokes whereas The Psyche Mirror uses one consistent texture. My use of texture can be seen most notably in the floor, the mirror, and the wall. The floor uses quick and short horizontal strokes. The wall uses longer strokes that appear more solid than the floor. Also, the texture of the floor's reflection is different from the real one. This was done to help the viewer differentiate between the floor and its reflection.
I originally intended for my piece to replicate the impressionist style of The Psyche Mirror. However, along the way my focus shifted. It became more reminiscent of an expressionist piece as it lost the realistic look the original had.
My piece uses different textures and brush strokes whereas The Psyche Mirror uses one consistent texture. My use of texture can be seen most notably in the floor, the mirror, and the wall. The floor uses quick and short horizontal strokes. The wall uses longer strokes that appear more solid than the floor. Also, the texture of the floor's reflection is different from the real one. This was done to help the viewer differentiate between the floor and its reflection.
Reflection
This project was my first time experimenting with several things. These things being gouache, water, and texture. I’ve never painted with anything besides acrylic paint. So it was interesting when I was provided the opportunity to paint with an entirely new medium. I used this project to see what different paints were capable of. Not only did I experiment with the gouache, but I also experimented with adding water to my paint. In previous projects, I’ve never painted with a wet brush. Painting with a wet brush was always to the detriment of my artwork. However, this time I felt inclined to use water because of the new medium that I was using. This is also the first time I’ve tried experimenting with different textures. In previous projects, I’ve used just one type of texture in my work. However, this time I used different textures in a single painting.
I mostly enjoyed working on Leaders of the Modern World. This is because I had a clear vision for that artwork. I was inspired by designs of the masks in Masks Still Life 3 to create a painting reminiscent of political cartoons. Political cartoons often have the figures that they are representing very exaggerated. I personally like getting creative with my artwork instead of just replicating what I see. So I was able to insert my critique of politicians with harmful policies and have a creative design. This was the opposite for Modern Identity. Since I originally planned on keeping the impressionist art style. I didn’t attempt to be creative with the painting. I was only focused on modernizing The Psyche Mirror. Even while painting it, I couldn’t feel any passion for this piece. It didn’t feel like my piece because it was still heavily based on The Psyche Mirror. I believe that if I had originally adapted the piece to be more reminiscent of expressionism, it would have turned out better. I left painting the person in the piece for last because I still didn’t know how to paint them. It was at the last second that I decided to paint them how I did. However, because the painting was improperly planned, the theme doesn’t really get across. The subject has an out of place blue sock and white drawer. These choices of color were made to communicate how people in the modern age don’t conform to traditional values. But I feel like this doesn’t come across in the painting. If I planned for this, then perhaps it could have been properly implemented. In conclusion, while I do hope that viewers find the original political message in these pieces, I’d also be okay with viewers seeing the effects of improper planning. I hope they learn like I have that an artist must have passion for what they create, or else it will come out as a failure.
I mostly enjoyed working on Leaders of the Modern World. This is because I had a clear vision for that artwork. I was inspired by designs of the masks in Masks Still Life 3 to create a painting reminiscent of political cartoons. Political cartoons often have the figures that they are representing very exaggerated. I personally like getting creative with my artwork instead of just replicating what I see. So I was able to insert my critique of politicians with harmful policies and have a creative design. This was the opposite for Modern Identity. Since I originally planned on keeping the impressionist art style. I didn’t attempt to be creative with the painting. I was only focused on modernizing The Psyche Mirror. Even while painting it, I couldn’t feel any passion for this piece. It didn’t feel like my piece because it was still heavily based on The Psyche Mirror. I believe that if I had originally adapted the piece to be more reminiscent of expressionism, it would have turned out better. I left painting the person in the piece for last because I still didn’t know how to paint them. It was at the last second that I decided to paint them how I did. However, because the painting was improperly planned, the theme doesn’t really get across. The subject has an out of place blue sock and white drawer. These choices of color were made to communicate how people in the modern age don’t conform to traditional values. But I feel like this doesn’t come across in the painting. If I planned for this, then perhaps it could have been properly implemented. In conclusion, while I do hope that viewers find the original political message in these pieces, I’d also be okay with viewers seeing the effects of improper planning. I hope they learn like I have that an artist must have passion for what they create, or else it will come out as a failure.
ACT questions
Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect on your artwork?
Nolde's expressionist style can be seen in my work on Leaders of the Modern World. Morisot's impressionist style was ultimately lost in my work on Modern Identity.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
My sources document the works of artists and analyze their work.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
The acceptance of new cultures and ideas lead to conflict with those who embrace tradition.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
How artists view from the world around them and create art from it.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
The intentions behind the works of Mask Still Life 3 and The Psyche Mirror.
Nolde's expressionist style can be seen in my work on Leaders of the Modern World. Morisot's impressionist style was ultimately lost in my work on Modern Identity.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
My sources document the works of artists and analyze their work.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
The acceptance of new cultures and ideas lead to conflict with those who embrace tradition.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
How artists view from the world around them and create art from it.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
The intentions behind the works of Mask Still Life 3 and The Psyche Mirror.
Citations
“The Psyche Mirror.” Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, www.museothyssen.org/en/collection/artists/morisot-berthe/psyche-mirror.
Mask Still Life III (1911) by Emil Nolde – Artchive. www.artchive.com/artwork/mask-still-life-iii-emil-nolde-1911/.
Mask Still Life III (1911) by Emil Nolde – Artchive. www.artchive.com/artwork/mask-still-life-iii-emil-nolde-1911/.