Artist blogpost example

Pablo Picasso

I used to think Picasso was a useless artist because I first saw his works as peculiar, childlike drawings that looked rather silly. I was seeing his cubism and other later works as lacking in skill when really, they were the product of a long journey which was better understood by beginning at... where else? - the beginning.
I had this opportunity when travelling in Europe. I was in Barcelona and stumbled upon a place called the Picasso Museum. Once inside, I was treated to a chronological display of Picasso's works, ranging from when he was just a little boy, painting magnificent portraits, through his various phases of development. For example, the Blue Period, cubism, etc.
In class we looked at some of his work and you even tried your hand at copying his technique.
I will try to bring in the amazing painting that a former student did based on his famous piece, Guernica. It is truly brilliant and now hangs on the wall of my art collector friend [I purchased it from her] alongside a Ralph Hotere and various other notable works.
Actually, that reminds me of another interesting artist I now love but once thought was useless - NZ's own Colin McCahon.

Here are some other related and interesting links:

Do you remember Mr Potato Head? Well try this interactive site ...
www.mrpicassohead.com

Or virtually visit the Barcelona Picasso Museum

For Ralph Hotere click here
[Any idea why I chose black for the Hotere link? Look at some of his work]

For Colin McCahon Google Image results click here

Colin McCahon with his work

[btw - always save your work... a computer glitch nearly lost me this post - i was able to find it again in the drafts section after rebooting - phewf!!!]

Look back through the posts to find...

Your task, Woodmonstas, is to find the post with the discussion about our assignment to do with ourselves as learners. We must hit the ground running with it when we return from camp. Sadly this term is disrupted heavily with conferences, camps, testing and getting to know one another [- okay, that last one is very important and enjoyable].
Mostly, the research is into how we learn, starting with the habits of mind work we did, then moving onto the nervous sytem and the brain investigation. Soon we need to investigate our personal learning styles through the various systems that are available to help us understand our learning styles. We are all different and "one size doesn't fit all". Can you explain what I mean by that?

For now, in your own blogs, I would like you to create a post about an artist you like. Show some examples of their work that you enjoy.
Do you know how to upload pictures to your blog? I have demonstrated in class and will again. Post links to websites that you think are valuable for anyone wanting to learn about them and any url's of places you have found information. And make a personal statement about why you enjoy their work.
I will post an example above this post.

Okay?
[This is why it is important to access the blog and to try to do what I ask - it is part of your class work. I am not just trying to amuse myself whilst sitting at home. Some of you are doing a GREAT JOB! In fact, several of you even seem to have an international following already. Well done!]

Interested in Art?

As part of our project about getting to know ourselves as learners, we will be investigating art and portraiture. You will be learning to express yourselves artistically. Part of your study will involve studying famous artists and developing a self portrait in the style of a notable artist who appeals to you.
Will you be a future Gauguin, Rembrandt, Picasso, Degas, David Hockney, Egon Schiele or Andy Warhol?
Who knows.
If you allow yourself to give it a go, you may be surprised....

Here are some links to famous artists:
http://www.alifetimeofcolor.com

Portrait lesson activities:
http://www.alifetimeofcolor.com [same site again, but a different page]

Intermediate art games:
http://www.alifetimeofcolor.com [ditto]

Can you express your musical reactions artistically?
http://www.alifetimeofcolor.com [it really is a different page, honest]