Henri Matisse- My take on the flight of Icarus

The real flight of Icarus

Henri Matisse - The flight of Icarus

 The story goes that a young man named Icarus was obsessed with the idea of flying. Determined to raise to the skies and fulfill his dream he constructed beautiful wings made from wax. Happily he ascended, gliding through skies, going higher and higher. His father warned him again and again not to get too close to the sun, but Icarus discarded all warnings and one day headed straight up towards the bright light of the sun. The heat melted the wax and Icarus plunged to his death.

Here Matisse shows Icarus flailing in the deep blue sky, his body in free fall. It’s a deeply tragic moment of inevitable death, of destruction, of collapse of hopes and ambitions, yet Matisse creates an almost meditational composition. The bursts of the yellow sunlight against the rich blue of the sky are almost hypnotic. His Icarus with a bright red spot in place of a heart is mysterious and calm, free of anxiety or fear. This beautiful, bold colour could be interpreted as Matisse’s way of depicting Icarus’ passion for flying!

SOOOOOOO before I knew all that I had only looked at the image of the flight of Icarus. 

I took my own view of the image and made my own interpretation of it......Looking at the image I thought it was marvelling the strength and power of the male form....Mythical with the stars and strong colours of manly boldness......... To make my own take on the image I first made the colours for my reproduction of it.. blue, purple, yellow, orange and red. I also cut black paper. I made the orange by mixing red and yellow and the purple tones by mixing blue and red. 

To give my own take I wanted to express the excitement I felt from moving away from the mono dull tones of cubism and into this new bold freshness that fauvism brought... I felt captured into a world full of life and this I felt was important to express the passion and love I have for my new learning of art.

.Keeping the qualities of the original I made my main cutout female by exaggerating the form of a women. I wanted to portray the strength that the man had and make it very evident and as striking also for the women in the same way I thought Matisse had. In a modern day, women do have an equal a roll as the man does. Especially in working life.(debatable I know)  I like how the size of my cutout of the woman against the male one is much larger, thus in given the idea of him idolising and intrigued by her female form.... Many artist have drawn the female form and I do feel very strongly that it is to a big part of art history. Since the beginning of time!!

I also wanted to think about how when the Fauvism movement or many movements began not everyone agreed with the content and opinion was alot of the time debated. I feel by making the image of the man and woman graphic like I did represents an interpretation of this also.

Henri Matisse in later years! With his female lady

 Towards the later part of his life, Matisse, almost blind and no longer able to paint using traditional means, resorted to “painting with scissors”.  Even Matisse himself had a woman by his side colouring in the paper and doing most of the hard work for him......... Behind every great man is a even greater woman - feminist slogan who said it however is unknown.

Futurism

Filippo Marinetti

Movement started by Filippo Marinetti an Italian poet who in 1909 published on the front page of France's Le Figaro. The founding and manifesto of Futurism. 

It was a glorification of speed, technology and war!

It wasn't until 1911 that the distinctive futurist style emerged and then it was a product of Cubist influence. Futurist wanted to bring not only modern art to life but to create and evoke all the senses such as smell, noise and heat etc...

They were fascinated with the machinery, speed, violence and change.. Thus them celebrating the glory of the first world war in all its magnitude!

After founding the Futurist Political Party in 1918 Marinetti was also one of the first members of Mussolini's National Fascist Party.

 Some key artists include :- Umberto Bacccioni, Giacomo Balla and Gino Severini.

Russia did embrace the Futurist movement and artists like Kazimir Malevich a Russian modernist painter who created a painting called the black square.  Other Russian artist include Lyubov Popova and David Burliuk.  Vladimir Mayakovsky wrote futurist literature and poetry and was a member of the movement.

Futurist were really a law into they own hands and felt the wealthy could lead the way and change power and following. Also they wanted to forget the old Italian art and embrace a new more powerful Italy. Taking back power and glory from other European countries like France for instance.. Hence the publication on the front page of one of Frances biggest papers.

By 1920 the movement was fading out however may could argue that the movement inspired the modernist style of Art Deco..

The City Rises (1910)

Artist: Umberto Boccioni

The City Rises is often considered to be the first Futurist painting. Here, Boccioni illustrates the construction of a modern city. The chaos and movement in the piece resemble a war scene as indeed war was presented in the Futurist Manifesto as the only means toward cultural progress. The large horse races into the foreground while several workers struggle to gain control, indicating tension between human and animal. The horse and figures are blurred, communicating rapid movement while other elements, such as the buildings in the background, are rendered more realistically. At the same time, the perspective teeters dramatically in different sections of the painting. The work shows influences of Cubism, Impressionism, and Post-Impressionism, revealed in the brushstrokes and fractured representation of space.

Ink Block Printing

Tools needed: Black/colour ink, roller, tray, wood engravings/stamps and paper

This was a test to see how much ink was needed to get a good strong clear press of a letter and also to give the example in my book that I had looked into the process of Letter Pressing. Using the block lettering very roughly.
 I haven't properly looked into this way of printing but wanted to try out the basic way of making a stamp. How much ink, pressure and effect it had.

Maybe to some this is a question of why bother.... but to me it adds questions........then question need answers!
Time will come....

I like using ink as I enjoy that the outcome and preparation that comes down to research and disciplining for the best possible result.
I've learnt that Letter pressing and Typography are similar but in fact are actually very different. Something I should explain now but not confident enough to try at this point in time. I dont like to just copy and paste.

I wish I had the knowledge that I have now, when we had our talk with Humphrey Weightman the Graphic Designer. In order to learn I think speaking and doing works best for me to take it in. The actually meaning rather, than reading this and that is why etc....You may as well say just because!!! I'm not doing Letter Pressing or Typography enough to know the different and how or why the difference is important. However, this is something that will come in time. Understanding of things is important and I believe in most cases knowledge is power.


PLUS IM DOING ART & DESIGN NOT GRAPHIC DESIGN SO IF NEEDED I'LL ENLIST THE HELP OF MR WEIGHTMAN who only lives in Coldstream, which I could then visit and has probably got some connection with the Border Reivers as it sits on the Scottish/English border.... Maybe just maybe the path is already set and I have to just follow the signs, learning as I go.....

Does things happen for a reason?

Did the fact I watched Bob Ross as a young teenager have the makings of the bigger picture?

The fact that when working across from an Art Gallery I felt compelled to go and look at the print in the window.......then entered the shop and actually buy it!!! (The Kiss Gustav Klimt)

Does art define us?

What and why does art mean to each individual and how can a picture say so many things to each person?

Why and what brought me here and can I make a difference?

QUESTIONS....questions questions! ! !!!!!!!   

Bob Ross

Robert Norman "Bob" Ross was an American painter, art instructor, and television host. He was best known as the creator and host of The Joy of Painting. 

Holy hell I just learned the legend BOB ROSS died in 1995.. God bless my friend!:( 

This is now a sincere dedication to the man who was truly original, wacky and in our modern day time should of probably been sectioned after confessing to walking around the woods talking to the trees and the animals..... Quote...Just go out and talk to a tree. Make friends with it.........or ...

We don't make mistakes, we just have happy accidents!

In fact forget that, all jokes aside here are some quotes that I LOVE.........................

Nature is so beautiful just let go, have fun with it!

Its hard to see things when you're too close, Take a step back and look!

Don't be afraid to make big decisions. Once you start, they sort of just make themselves!

Talent is a pursued interest. Anything you're willing to practice, you can do.

This one I really like as I did say in another blog that I was frightened as I thought I wouldn't be able to do justice to the image I had in my mind.......

YOU CAN CREATE BEAUTIFUL THINGS - BUT YOU HAVE TO SEE THEM IN YOUR MIND FIRST

I see a dark night with fire glowing clouds in the distance, smailholm tower and a Border Reiver coming towards it ....

Clouds I see! big fluffy clouds, maybe I to should go out and speak to them?!!  Make FRIENDS cos lets face it  after my attempt at clouds last week I could do with some help or divine intervention :)

EARLY CAREER
Ross enlisted into the US Air Force at 18 and worked as a medical records technician, eventually rising to master sergeant and first sergeant. Working and serving in Alaska I guess Ross found love for the snow and mountain ranges that this became a theme in his work. Having held a military position and having to shout and scream at the men to keep them in order and to do the duties etc, Ross decided after moving on from the military he would never scream again. This seems true as his voice on the show The Joy of Painting is calm and has a soft manner and sense of ease.

JOY OF PAINTING

Bob had an 11 year run as the host of the Joy of Painting. This consisted largely of Bob demonstrating the wonder of landscape painting in a tranquil studio setting, adding his wisdom, knowledge and his almost whimsical advice.

Ross would use a wet on wet oil painting technique. He would instruct viewers using quick-study techniques on a limited palette of paints, broken down in a step by step process.
He also founded his own successful line of art supplies and how to books. He trained instructors to teach in the Bob Ross method of painting too, building up a business worth $15 million.

                                                     Little wonder the guy smiles right!!

The reason I like the artist was since watching the first show at the age of 11 or so, he played a massive part on the belief of my young mind that given time, practice and encouragement anyone could be an accomplished artist. I guess at the time I wasn't encouraged or believing in myself so much and it has took me nearly another 11 years to start to want to push the limits of what I think I know and what I would like. You get out what you put it they say so here goes my time to create, believe and enjoy My own Joy of Painting.

I will do some Bob Ross tutored paintings and add the outcome on here once finished. 

Watch this space!

making my own liquid white....A wash used over the canvas to seal the surface and make painting easier. Titanium white and raw linseed oil. 

mixing to a thin coat

coulours needed were yellow ochre, burnt sienna, sap green, burnt umber, cadmium yellow, white and black

using a fan brush

cactus at sunset watched but didnt stick to it fully

colour slighty different as wasn't as organised at the beginning.. 

Golden glow of morning watched but again added my own take

taken to the point I could but wanna decide what i can add later incorporating the Border Reivers

Overall I enjoyed taking the time out of my busy life and having time to myself to just paint,, Bob Ross was clear and easy to understand. However, wouldn't recommend having the washing machine spinning in the same room as couldn't hear a thing Ross was saying in the first picture.... hence the fact that I missed him saying I was suppose to cover and tape out the sun...I will keep practicing oil and blending as I do feel its the best way to get the effect I want. Also need a bigger paint palette as mine was too small and needed to load up all the time. Think I'm frightened to use to much paint to and should probably make more up to begin with.

.........................................................................................................................................

Border Reivers 

 Familiar pattern occurring here yet again! What do I know of the Borders Reivers!! Very little!  I'm starting to question what it is I do know about the world around me.....seems very little :(
Soooooo..... thanks to the research of books, internet, class talks and asking friends I have learnt!

The Border Reivers were made up of English and Scottish families or clans. They lived between the 14 century and the late 17th century. At this time the border of England and Scotland was lacking law and order and so cattle rustling, feuding, murder, arson and pillaging were all common occurrences.
Because of the feuding the borders offered little incentive for farming. However, raiding for livestock was a a way of life and a matter of business for border families. This was a simply and accepted way of life and a way of making a living.

Family was important and sometimes the fights between the two divides would be more a loyal war. Scotttish reivers were just as likely to raid others scots. The victims of reiving could be anyone from outside the immediate family.

The Reivers rode small horses called hobblers. The Hobbler was noted for its ability to cover great distances over difficult ground at high speed. I would like to try and draw sketches of these horses and some battle scenes for the poster or banner i have to design.  My idea at this time is to have a dark night sky with clouds, in the distance I'd like to have some arson happening (fire colour reflected in the clouds) then maybe in the front of the picture horse and rider coming up towards Smailholm tower.

The towers like Smailholm were called Pele towers.  Pele towers were a way of warning families of danger of approaching trouble. Some families would of lived at the top of these towers which would have only been accessible with ladders. The ladders would have been lifted away to protect the family for raiders and danger. Also fire torches would tell of dangers coming to the next tower in the distance. Setting off a chain of glowing warning lights.

After a union between England and Scotland in 1503 King James 1 wanted to rid the border of the reivers. The reivers had rebelled against him and James had to face mass raids from Scots trying to brake the new rule that had been set in place. He issued a proclamation against them. All rebels and disorderly persons would be punished or even hanged.

Tensions must of been high for many families as this was a way of life.  I kinda think of it as the olden day equivalent of the coal miners and Thatcher haha.

Googled Thatcher and the coal miners on google images as a source of info

 James decreed the Borders be renamed `The Middle Shires'. 

The battles of Otterburn 1388,  Flodden Field 1513 and Solway moss 1542 are all linked to the Reivers.

Now because of the law many families like the Armstrongs and Grahams were banished to Farmanagh in Ireland. Others were encourage to leave and serve as mercenaries in the armies of continental Europe. Some continued as outlaws and became known a `moss troopers'. 

Peace had arrived in the borders by 1620, possibly for the first time.

I decided after doing some research I'd start to paint some clouds ready for my picture of the dark night and smailholm tower idea.  Now in my head I can see how its set out all lovely, absolute perfection, reflections of the fires burning bright in the night sky, raiders on horseback coming up towards the tower etc

BUT 

Clouds - First battle has commenced - No in fact failure seems to be the only thing that's actually happening here!! Children could probably do a better job!! Am I thinking into clouds to much? How can I possibly take what I see and feel in my head and do it justice? 

The one on black paper is closer than the others but still not the idea I foresee

I can see this becoming very agonising for me and I really don't wanna just give up on it so soon. The image I have is a good strong idea that jumps out at me as to how I see the Border Reivers. 

I'm going to look at different artists and see if I to can work in the same way or medium as one of them......Bob Ross is coming to mind. Good old Bob :) clouds and trees!!

Refer to my Bob Ross blog to see more information on my cloud practices.

Iwant to test the way paints work as I've only ever painted by numbers or with household paint (being a painter and decorator) 

The idea is to paint a horse using the least brush strokes possible but to give a strong image of a horse and rider. I want the mark to give the impression of boldness strength and power. speed and movement.  Because oil is a good thick medium I do feel that this is my best choice. but I did have a go painting with Acrylic.

 I felt that Acrylic was trying to hard. I was like watercolour if thinned with water and a weak oil when used out of the tube. I didn't like it at all. The texture and effect it gives isn't nice and I feel that for me its only good enough for works like painting by numbers or covering background washes for oil. haha. Debates welcome because I may be missing a point but I do feel strongly about this and happy to argue my point!  

putting down a base colour

3 different colours

 I did 3 different colours as not sure if Acrylics work best going dark to light or light to dark

See My Border Reiver book for my thoughts and outcome

Thinking how to create the look of movement. The green horse was just using up my paint as not to waste..I just let the brush make shapes to outline a horse.. Acrylic was patchy and had to load brush, not very free flowing

not a thoroughbred horse we see today.. 

using a palette knife only to do a tower similar to Smailholm... will add details later! Cloud wasnt working so decided to take it out... Brave move to remove something when you had worked at it... However it wasn't working

less cloud

dark image of landscape... againjust seeing what the paint does... Used the linseed mix and I'm worried that it's not the correct mix and won't dry.. Learning practice if not!

This is the image I kinda have in mind but mine I'd like alot darker... So the viewer has to get up close to actually look and see what is happening

I went to this status in Galashiels. Very large I'd say life size to scale. 

This image is a good likeness of how i'd like my Reivers coming up towards Smailholm Tower

Linoleum Printing

10/11/15

 Today, we had a go at lino cutting. First I decided on an image that I would like to use and would maybe give me the best image and effect. I had been working on a loch and tree image for another project and thought it would be interesting to see what effect i would get from this printing. I could maybe even use it.

Tools needed : pen, pencil, ink, roller(brayer)

lino handle/cutter, press(optional), board for cutting 

I had to practice using the cutter before I took to the finish work. The lino is thick but I found if you angled the cutter to much it was easy to dig to far.

I also found that working out what would be printed and what wouldn't hard to figure out. In the end I used my sketch book to highlight the bits I would want to be seen.

Print worked out ok for my first go.. However didn't think of the mirror imaging and the tree I had wanted on the other side.

printed onto a watercolour background I had

Overall I found this interesting and would like to take more time seeing what fun I could have and what works and doesn't. I do think this is something that interests me and I like how you put in the hard work and have to wait to see the final outcome. This is something that could help me slow down and take my time as I tend to get ahead of myself sometimes.

Class Picture

Class Picture

Today,  we got asked to create a picture of our class.  In order to do this we would have to choose a partner, then using acetate draw around the person. Next we would have to scale up using a projector and arrange our pictures together as a group photo.  

I was partnered with Alex. I asked Alex to sit crossed legged against the wall for me to draw him. We had decided because he was the only boy in the class that he should be centre of attention in the group picture. I found that holding the acetate up and drawing at the same time was harder than it looked, also the fact that the image changed if u looked through your other eye. My hand and drawing were shaky but I do feel I captured a good likeness of Alex.

After drawing Alex, I created a larger image with the projector and then painted in the details........

The class then put all the images together and we designed a background environment in 2d perspective. The background changed ideas a few times but we finally decided that The Haining House and woodland (somewhere he had been on a class visit) would make a good choice for our set up. Each person decided what they would do. I created a tree by sticking paper together and painting the bark on it. Next I asked the class to paint a hand and print the image into the bark. I felt this would bring the class together on a different level and we also asked our tutor Niall to make his hands the roots.. thus in keeping us all together strong and representing his authority and hold.

Our tree to which more leaves were added

our layout

Together as a group we placed our work and pinned in up on the wall... Everyone had played an important part and for such a big group I think we all had a fair say in the outcome of our finished picture. I found that working with others was at times frustrating because if I had an idea I couldn't just run with it and had to take everyone elses opinion on board.

Overall while the finish produce looks rather childlike I did enjoy making and doing the task set to us. 

Our finish

Setting out