AHIST 1401 UNIVERSITY OF THE PEOPLE DISCUSSION FORUM UNIT 1 Choose and identify your favorite work of art. Your choice can be from any time and place and can challenge the traditional definitions of art. What visual qualities make this item your favorite? Include in your discussion, as appropriate, descriptions of the artist’s (or creator’s) use of formal elements such as line, shape, color, space, and other design elements. You may wish to include a link to an image of your chosen item (if available) to assist your classmates in their participation. Firstly, I must admit that while I don't frequently visit art galleries physically, I have attended a few in the past. Nevertheless, I am captivated by the allure of art and thoroughly enjoy observing the creative process involved in its making. Although various genres of art capture my interest, one stands out prominently: Impressionism. I find this style particularly engaging to contemplate and interpret. The significance of a piece of art lies solely in the eyes of the beholder. For me, it's an exploration to observe and contrast how I perceive a painting in contrast to others' interpretations. One specific Impressionist artist who captured my attention is Claude Monet, particularly through a selection of his paintings. Among his collection, "Water-Lilies 28" holds a special place as my favorite artwork. Find the link to the “Water-Lilies 28” painting. https://www.claudemonetgallery.org/Water-Lilies28.html The historical context behind this painting is quite fascinating. Claude Monet created an extensive collection of paintings featuring water lilies, known as the Water Lilies series. Reportedly, he painted over 250 pieces depicting these lilies flourishing in the pond situated at his residence. Personally, I find this painting visually stunning. Its serene and earthy tones evoke a sense of tranquility, transporting me to that era. When Monet crafted his "Water Lilies," his focus was on the water's surface, capturing reflections of the surrounding landscape and sky, seamlessly merging the two elements. The harmonious interplay of colors is striking. Within this artwork, one can observe the clouds' reflections on the water, alongside the graceful water lilies adrift on its surface. The use of short, smooth brushstrokes is notable, enhancing the vividness of colors and intricate details, thereby achieving a more expressive and realistic appearance. What's particularly intriguing is the absence of a clear sense of scale upon closer inspection. It's challenging to discern where the pond's boundaries lie or its actual size. Personally, I believe the artist demonstrated remarkable skill in painting the "Water Lilies," continuing to weave an incredible narrative through his art. References: Belton, R. J. (n.d.). Art History: A Preliminary Handbook. The University of British Columbia, Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies. https://fccs.ok.ubc.ca/student-resources/arth/ Monet, C. (n.d.). Water-Lilies: Retrieved from https://www.claudemonetgallery.org/Water-Lilies28.html
