Foundations of Art

In my first year in high school, taking Foundations of Art was fun, exciting, stressful, and rewarding. I feel like I have grown so much since the beginning of the year compared to where I am right now. Taking this course has highlighted my strengths in taking critical feedback, and revision. In this course, my weaknesses of focus, and patience have been highlighted and shown. In taking this course, my work throughout the year has shown my growth in paying attention to detail, and throughout the year I have shown more and more creativity in my work. I have improved so much when you compare my first self-portrait at the beginning of the year and my most recent, just in the middle of the year. You can see how much more detail, shadowing, and perspective I added in my most recent portrait.

One of the most challenging projects I have completed this year was my wire sculpture. I did not like working with wire, and it was so difficult making it stand on its own, while still looking semi-realistic. This project really challenged me and brought me out of my comfort zone. I was forced to use new tools I wasn't familiar with, and I was forced to create art in a way that was completely new to me. I was ready to just give up and throw away my work. But I persevered and powered through, and I am very glad that I did. It really shows how when using tools to make art, when utilized properly they will help you a ton. This course has taught me about all the different ways using an artistic process can be helpful. Following the proper steps and techniques, will pay off in the right way. When using helpful tools like tortellini’s to shade, and pliers to move the wire, it will pay off in the end. In art, tools are your friend, and they are very helpful. The project I am the proudest of would be my surrealism painting. I loved creating that piece, and I am really proud that it turned out so realistic and similar to my collage. I love to paint, and I am very proud that I was able to use the skills I had been taught and paint something so realistic.

In the future, I hope to continue making art and creating. Throughout summer, I will continue to paint in my free time and whenever I am available. Regarding next year, I am learning more about clay, and clay sculptures by taking Ceramics1 with Mr. Anderson. I am excited to see what my future brings in the arts. Art has always been a great outlet for me. Art is so great because you can have such a strong meaning or such a light meaning, and it is all open for interpretation. Engaging in art makes you think about the deeper meaning of life. When you look at an art piece, you have the ability to use critical thinking and figure out what that piece means. When you make art, you are forced to look at the colors critically, pay attention to minor details, and be in touch with yourself. At times of creating art, you are forced to give yourself the time of day, and really focus. Creating art can be like therapy for a lot of people. Making and simply browsing art can give you clarity, and inner peace.

How you present art means a lot to the observer of the work. When presenting work you have to make sure you have good lighting, a title for your work, and the dimensions. When picking art for a portfolio, you have to make sure it is something that you are proud of, and something you want to promote. The first day I started this course, I did not want anyone to see my work, I was not good at adding shading, or using perspective correctly. Through my time taking this course, I have learned how to properly shade, and how to properly add linear perspective. Although I am nowhere near perfect, I critiqued myself, learned from my mistakes, and got better. I believe that is something to be proud of. I have enjoyed my time in this course, even though it can be difficult and stressful at times. Not only that, but I went into this year knowing that I had a passion for art, and it was so fun to create. I am so glad I was introduced to all these new ways to create art. This year has brought me so much insight into new ways to create, and I am so thankful for that.