EXHIBITION TEXT
This piece aims to improve the techniques used for acrylic paint on canvas along with the better understanding of the connection between two pieces and how this could be artistically represented. This piece was created with acrylic paints on a stretched canvas, it focuses on realism and is inspired by the stylistic and conceptual choices Jack Vettriano makes in his pieces specifically "The Dancing Butler". This piece was created to represent the internal disconnection between two individuals despite the external connection that might appear.
INSPIRATION
The main inspiration for this piece was Jack Vettriano and his piece the singing butler from 1992. Jack Vettriano is a Scottish artist whose known for his film noir style. In most his pieces the subjects appear to be disconnected from the background and each other, allowing the audience to come with different interpretations. This piece is composed of oil paint on canvas and conceptually focuses on love and the relationships of two individuals.
His combination between the fancy individuals and casual background interested me and pushed me to apply his ideas in to my piece through my own interpretation. He mentions that he chose to draw the background of a beach because a woman had once told him "he was good at painting beaches" and he states "people in love usually go to the beach". His stylistic and conceptual choice of the background along with the movement created through the positioning of the individuals inspired my own piece. I applied his concepts of a disconnection in my background and through the separation of individuals within both canvases creating the diptych. I applied his movement as I chose a position moving flow like as well.
His combination between the fancy individuals and casual background interested me and pushed me to apply his ideas in to my piece through my own interpretation. He mentions that he chose to draw the background of a beach because a woman had once told him "he was good at painting beaches" and he states "people in love usually go to the beach". His stylistic and conceptual choice of the background along with the movement created through the positioning of the individuals inspired my own piece. I applied his concepts of a disconnection in my background and through the separation of individuals within both canvases creating the diptych. I applied his movement as I chose a position moving flow like as well.
The Singing Butler 1992
PLANNING
To begin I started to gather information about pieces I took interest in and debated between two specific ones. One of which was Jack Vettrianno and the singing butler the other piece was the creation of Adam. however because it is such a common piece with a clear connection I decided that by choosing Jack Vettriano and the singing butler I would be able to create a more original idea allowing myself to be challenged by a new sense of creativity.Knowing which piece I would focus on I began to gather more specific information of it. I wanted my background to represent the disconnection of two individuals just as Jack Vetrianno does in his work. I liked the idea of having a position like the one Vettrinano presents in his piece and separating the individuals to represent a disconnection between the two despite being in such intimate and close position physically. This would symbolize the true intimacy of a relationships through the indirect and direct disconnection of the individual. I would utilize my background to further push this idea of a disconnection between relationships by applying opposite concepts. I figured hot and cold would best represent this which is why I went with the theme of hot and cold to symbolize the different passions the individual hold for the relationship. the background would essentially represent the individuals feelings whilst the central focus of the piece would only show the external image of an individual.
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having this concept in mind I decided to choose a certain position. I wanted my piece to be really raw to truly represent the realness of a relationships which is why I had my parents chose. random position on the spot. I took a couple of pictures and chose on one to draw. I then began to sketch the protists of my parents but separated them o have them act be on one separate canvas. By doing so I would get myself familiarized with the proportions/ shading before applying it to my canvas. Once I had this I started to play around with my background. I didn't just want to have a plain background like blue and red meaning I had to decide on something more complex.
Knowing I ward to truly emphasize the raw feeling of a relationship I wanted to go for a casual setting that related to the individuals apperarence. Which led me to choose a microwave an a refrigerator to represent the opposing feelings the indivualds helch for the relationship. the fridge would symbolize the old aspect of the opposing feelings which in other words symbolizes the least lively an dpasionate side of a relationship. meaning that the other side would have a microwave representing the hot aspect symbolizing the more passionate and lively side f a relationship. Having these concepts and styles in mind I began to sketch on canvas.
PROCESS
CANVAS STRETCHING
To begin the piece I started by stretching out the canvases I would use. To do so I took 4 wooden parts and aligned them to form a 2 ft x 1 ft canvas two times I stapled them together from the corners connecting I then grabbed the canvas paper and stapled it onto my frames, gesso was then applied evenly throughout the canvas to stretch it out. After having this complete I began to sketch onto the canvas.
To begin the piece I started by stretching out the canvases I would use. To do so I took 4 wooden parts and aligned them to form a 2 ft x 1 ft canvas two times I stapled them together from the corners connecting I then grabbed the canvas paper and stapled it onto my frames, gesso was then applied evenly throughout the canvas to stretch it out. After having this complete I began to sketch onto the canvas.
MANS PORTRAIT
I started with the mans portrait. I played around with the proportions first and then went into detail. I began detailing the face first and then ent onto the clothes. I proceeded to add the background in a way which would be proportionate to the body. I took an image of the microwave area and just sketched that behind him. I then began to add details of the background in once I had the main proportions and basic sketch. Once I had completed my sketch I could begin to paint with the acrylics now.
I started with the mans portrait. I played around with the proportions first and then went into detail. I began detailing the face first and then ent onto the clothes. I proceeded to add the background in a way which would be proportionate to the body. I took an image of the microwave area and just sketched that behind him. I then began to add details of the background in once I had the main proportions and basic sketch. Once I had completed my sketch I could begin to paint with the acrylics now.
I began by applying some shades to the mans face I then went in to add the base color and some highlights. Blending with acrylics is hard due to the fact it dries out so quickly which is why instead of trying to blend in the colors I utilized more layers to create depth and highlights. I repeated this technique throughout the mans body until completed.
I then began to work with the background which utilized less details. I began with the cabinet handles. I painted the handles and added a shadow to create dimension I continued with the toaster and microwave. I added some highlights and shadows to both I also added part of the fridge next to the cabinets to continue showing the connection of the pieces. I added it on the right side of the canvas so that I could add the fridge on the right side of the woman's portrait to push the concept of disconnection as the same objects would be separate from each other when both pieces were aligned with each other. I did want to emphasize the objects of the background which why I left the rest of the space in the canvas be one flat color, and since the man represented warmth I decided I could show some form of connection to each other by adding the opposing color as the background of the background.
WOMAN PORTRAIT
the woman's portrait was essentially the same process as the mans with a different image. I began sketching her image and to make sure it was proportionate to the mans body I had to align the other canvas and guide myself from the mans proportions to the woman. I sketched these lines and then placed around where certain body parts would go and how each would be positioned. And just like the man once I had the basic sketch of the woman I proceeded to go in to add smaller details. I began with her face as well and continued throughout her body. UN like the man the womans background would be a fridge. However I still wanted the sense of connection which is why I added part of the mans background onto the womans background just like I did with the man. however these two background di not connect which would limit the amount of connection the two symbolized. And once I completed the full sketch I began to ad acrylic paint
the woman's portrait was essentially the same process as the mans with a different image. I began sketching her image and to make sure it was proportionate to the mans body I had to align the other canvas and guide myself from the mans proportions to the woman. I sketched these lines and then placed around where certain body parts would go and how each would be positioned. And just like the man once I had the basic sketch of the woman I proceeded to go in to add smaller details. I began with her face as well and continued throughout her body. UN like the man the womans background would be a fridge. However I still wanted the sense of connection which is why I added part of the mans background onto the womans background just like I did with the man. however these two background di not connect which would limit the amount of connection the two symbolized. And once I completed the full sketch I began to ad acrylic paint
I started applying some shadow to the woman's face I then added the base and went back on with highlights. I continued throughout the body and added the shadows of the folding clothes and later added the base color. I basically did the same for the bottoms and then went back in to add some highlight throughout the piece.
after completing the woman's portrait I went into the background and started coloring the fridge as well as the other minor details. and unlike the man the woman's background color would be red to again show the connection the two hold externally but subtly show the way that these two disconnect internally to show the true intimacy fo what a relationship is like.
EXPERIMENTATION
Throughout the process and planning of this piece experimentation had to be done. One of the first things I experimented with was the position of the individuals. I had my parents who were modeling for me chose a position themselves and I had to choose which one appealed to me the most. The reasoning behind my final choice was because I liked the expression of both of them in the image and I liked the way they were both positioned in general. I thought the lighting was better than others, despite this though I still had to add some filters to make sure I got more saturation and contrast to make sure I was able to identify where the lines were for certain parts.
While in the process of the actual paintings I had to switch between certain brushes for certain parts of my paintings. Each brush and each amount of paint corresponded to a specific part of the piece. Being able to switch from brush and level of paint allowed me to experiment with the different tools I had. And as I went onto the piece I was able to identify when acrylic paint put me into a disadvantage when trying to blend which led me to do layering of colors instead.
While in the process of the actual paintings I had to switch between certain brushes for certain parts of my paintings. Each brush and each amount of paint corresponded to a specific part of the piece. Being able to switch from brush and level of paint allowed me to experiment with the different tools I had. And as I went onto the piece I was able to identify when acrylic paint put me into a disadvantage when trying to blend which led me to do layering of colors instead.
CRITIQUE
Both pieces share the concept of love/ passion. this can be seen in my piece as the individuals represent a form of relationship through the visual image of an intimate connection, Vetrianno's piece as well as mine both utlize the individuals position to create movement within the piece. There's a visual similarity between the position we both include in our pieces, the position also allows u to further covey that concept of love and passion. vetrianno also focuses on the disconnection of individuals which I represent in my piece along with the significance of the background. vetriannos absent background come to represent something within the piece which I also incorporated in my own piece as I created the background for a specific purpose.
Both pieces hold many underlying as well as external differences. UNlie vetriantno the background I incorporated is connected to each individual metaphorically while his background is rather disconnected and unrelated wit the external appearance iwththe individuals. Unlike his piece I focus on each individual of a relationship where as he is focused on the whole as a relationships and makes that his focus o f the piece. Apart from the conceptual differences technique wise vetrinano utilizes more blending when creating his pieces where as I utilized more layering this is also due to the different mediums we utilized on our pieces.
Both pieces hold many underlying as well as external differences. UNlie vetriantno the background I incorporated is connected to each individual metaphorically while his background is rather disconnected and unrelated wit the external appearance iwththe individuals. Unlike his piece I focus on each individual of a relationship where as he is focused on the whole as a relationships and makes that his focus o f the piece. Apart from the conceptual differences technique wise vetrinano utilizes more blending when creating his pieces where as I utilized more layering this is also due to the different mediums we utilized on our pieces.
REFLECTIONS
After completing the project I would say that in terms of the aesthetic I am almost satisfied with the results. I personally liked the way my piece turned out in general however I am aware there were many aspects that could be improved but overall the presentation satisfied my liking. I enjoyed the process of this piece, I have worked with acrylic paints on canvas before so I was in some way familiarized with the techniques but by doing this project I was able to gain more knowledge as I acquired certain techniques I hadn't used before.
One major thing that affected the final outcome of my piece was forgetting to wash my canvas, because of this once I had complete both my pieces my canvas was showing a lot through the paint which made it look really sloppy. Another thing the made my piece look sloppy were certain parts of the painting that had uneven colors and a large difference in contrast. There were times were the shadows were too dark or the highlights were too light which made the piece look flat and sloppy. Some proportions were off but the hands of my individuals especially the one reaching out for both could have been a lot cleaner the was due to the fact I wasn't able to see the exact position of the hands due to the fact the images I used had some part of the body being cut off which affected my piece, as I had to come up with the image that was left behind.
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One of the other things I would say could have been better was the uneven distribution of detail. This can be seen throughout my background and on the feet of the models. The cabinets could have had more shadows and highlights to create better depth. The straight lines of the cabinets and kitchen utilities also lacked more precision that would allow them to appear cleaner. Despite liking the concept of the flat color as the background of the background I feel as though there could still have been more depth and movement going on. After completing the piece and viewing others work I think that by adding some brushstrokes of different shades of the color trough the background could have been more appealing to the eye.
Overall however this project was enjoyed and I was able to explore a concept I usually don't focus on when creating art pieces, I enjoyed allowing myself explore through the concept of love and passion and being able to represent my persecutive though my stylistic choices. I would say I have gained more understanding on the technique applied on acrylics and canvas definitely and would like to work with mediums such as these more often
Overall however this project was enjoyed and I was able to explore a concept I usually don't focus on when creating art pieces, I enjoyed allowing myself explore through the concept of love and passion and being able to represent my persecutive though my stylistic choices. I would say I have gained more understanding on the technique applied on acrylics and canvas definitely and would like to work with mediums such as these more often
ACT QUESTIONS
1)Clearly explain and describe how you are able to identify the cause-effect relationships between your inspiration and its effect upon your artwork.
The inspiration was conceptually and visually applied in my piece and this can be seen as both pieces explore similar concepts of love with the similar artistic choices of disconnection and connection through the use of emphasis and background. Movement is implemented within both pieces and the overall piece resembles some of the main aspects the inspiration hits.
2)what is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
Jack Vettriano shows the intimacy of relationships in a different way I did but one is able to infer that he holds similar perspectives in regard of the topic of disconnection and true intimacy of a relationship as a lot of his work focuses on two individuals, he has the experience of creating these portraits and analyzing these different forms of relationships.
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration.
I have discovered the complexity of relationships and how varied they are through the work Vettriano has created. I have also discovered the significance a piece can hold to certain topics and how much a certain part of it can represent.
4)What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
My focus when looking for inspirational research was the idea of "polar opposites" and how I could implement a connection of two separate and opposite individual objects/ people.
5)What kind of inferences (conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
Every aspect of a piece symbolizes something which allows for more complexity making the piece more significant to the artist themselves and the audience analyzing and interpreting it.
The inspiration was conceptually and visually applied in my piece and this can be seen as both pieces explore similar concepts of love with the similar artistic choices of disconnection and connection through the use of emphasis and background. Movement is implemented within both pieces and the overall piece resembles some of the main aspects the inspiration hits.
2)what is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
Jack Vettriano shows the intimacy of relationships in a different way I did but one is able to infer that he holds similar perspectives in regard of the topic of disconnection and true intimacy of a relationship as a lot of his work focuses on two individuals, he has the experience of creating these portraits and analyzing these different forms of relationships.
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration.
I have discovered the complexity of relationships and how varied they are through the work Vettriano has created. I have also discovered the significance a piece can hold to certain topics and how much a certain part of it can represent.
4)What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
My focus when looking for inspirational research was the idea of "polar opposites" and how I could implement a connection of two separate and opposite individual objects/ people.
5)What kind of inferences (conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
Every aspect of a piece symbolizes something which allows for more complexity making the piece more significant to the artist themselves and the audience analyzing and interpreting it.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Artnet.com, http://www.artnet.com/artists/jack-vettriano/.
Collins, Amy Fine. “Is Painter Jack Vettriano's Work Brainless Erotica, or Bona Fide Art?” Vanity Fair, 28 June 2012, https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2012/07/jack-vettriano-singing-butler-art.
Collins, Amy Fine. “Is Painter Jack Vettriano's Work Brainless Erotica, or Bona Fide Art?” Vanity Fair, 28 June 2012, https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2012/07/jack-vettriano-singing-butler-art.