Video Responses

The Drawings of Michelangelo-

Michelangelo is an artist that fascinates me by his lifelike works. His drawings can be viewed in the British museum by serious students. I found it interesting that there are so many factors to consider when drawing, such as the weight, making it look like an actual human being. Also the use of cross hatching to make the figures is fascinating that these simple lines can make up such a complex picture. Michelangelo was very well rounded, as he also taught himself how to sculpt, in which his knowledge anatomy really helped him to make such beautiful pieces. His signature work is the “Pieta” a sculpture of Christ which was a great accomplishment. In 1505 he was invited to Rome, and in 1508 he decorated the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, which was the greatest commission of his life. When god gives the spark of life to Adam, is the most important part of the ceiling.  

Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance

Leonardo da Vinci is another of my favorite artists mostly because of his diversity. He was the quintessential “Renaissance man”. Throughout his childhood his artistic sensitivities increased and developed and he eventually apprentices with Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence. He learned to master perspective and proportion of humans and animals and learns to draw from life. When he was twenty two he was accepted into the painter’s guild. He also became experienced with architecture, machinery and mechanical inventions.

Albrecht Durer: Image of a Master

I chose this video because I don’t really know much about this artist other than what I have read in our book. Durer is said to be the greatest artist of the northern Renaissance, and was the primary conduit which Italian Renaissance forms and ideas were introduced in Germany, under which was still dominated by Gothic tradition. His father whom was a goldsmith was a great influence to him along with his godfather and one of Germany’s finest printers, publishers, painter and illustrator; Anthony Koberger. He became fascinated with portraits and the process of aging. He is considered to be the first landscape artists which was influenced by Venetian artist.

Valazquez

I chose this one as well because I do not know much about this artist, although the name is familiar. He was an extraordinary painter, who was a court painter of King Philip the Fourth of Spain, whom was a good friend of his. He was influenced by those of Italy and many of his works are based on an earlier age.  His paintings really capture the moment which can be seen in many of his works included the painting of Prince Don Carlos. His wife remained by his side throughout their life, and they had two daughters together. Velazquez is an idealist from a vantage point above reality. He uses his mind's eye to capture the essence of a king personality characterized by stasis, but full of inner movement and emotion. Velazquez paints based on what he see’s such as pictures of deformed individuals with great sympathy and insight that reveal an artistic and psychological breakthrough. Regardless of flaws, he paints was he sees.