Art Portfolio 

The cat represents my love for cats and I took inspiration from my cat. The title of my work is names Romeo which is also my cats name. It shows my interests in animals and the fluffy bed represents that care I have for animals in a way.

The story behind the paperbag is that the contents of the ppaperbag is the owners brunch because they missed breakfast and they decided to add milk and have mentos. 

The “La Bulaqueña” was made in 1895  and prior to the painting being made, in 1892 Juan Luna had a quarrel with his wife and accused her of having an affair in a fit of jealousy; he ended up killing his wife and mother-in-law. It is believed that the woman in the painting is Emiliana Trinidad, who could have been someone he was courting which could have inspired him to make the painting after losing his wife. Emiliana Trinidad as well could have been the woman in his other painting known as “Tampuhan”, some believe she is the woman sitting down. 

1. Description 

The “La Bulaqueña” is a portrait made by Juan Luna. It shows a woman sitting down, facing the right as well as holding a fan and a handkerchief. She is seen wearing a Baro’t Saya which is a traditional Philippine type of clothing. The background is covered with dark shades. 

2. Elements and Principles

Juan Luna utilizes defined lines to outline the  woman in the painting. He uses organic shapes as well to show or exaggerate the flow of the clothing in a way. The color is used to highlight the woman in a way and make her the main subject of the painting or how it separates her from the background. Juan Luna as well simulates the texture of fabric to make it more realistic. He uses the contrast between darker tones and lighter tints. For example the use of darker tones for the upper half of the painting while the clothes of the woman are a  lighter tint which give it contrast. 

The focal point of the art work is the sleeves of the woman and in terms of the directional flow, some tend to look left and right where the sleeves are and then up and down. “La Bulaqueña” is asymmetrical with realistic proportions. 

1. Intuitive response 

• The initial response I had to La Bulaqueña was that she had a serene expression on her face as well as her status based on her clothing. Most upper class women in the Philippines during the time wore fabrics shown in the painting. It also gave me a sense of nostalgia and her expression also brought a bit of sadness 

2. Informed response 

• The works represent the beauty and grace of Filipino women. The art work itself commemorates the essence of Filipino culture and the Spanish influence. We are able to see that the fan and the handkerchief represent the Spanish practices that have inspired a part of Philippine culture. It shows as well that the woman is highly affected by Spanish practices. The woman in the portrait is believed to be Emiliana Trinidad, who was said to be close to Juan Luna. “La Bulaqueña” is supposed to represent the history and representation of women in the Philippines through her Baro’t Saya and through the details such as the fan. The emotion of the painting shows pride in the culture as well as serenity through her expression. 

Queenie Pacquiao, Filipino, 12/30/2008, Summer Day, 2024, Acrylic, 51x51 cm, Brent School Manila

My figure is holding on to a rope while trying to lift someone up and another figure is lifting them up from the side. My figure is one of the people helping the person reach the top which is part of the story of lifting someone up and encouraging them.

Studio#12

"Practice Gratitude"