Utopia part 2
Title: Utopia part 2
Size: 12 inches x 12 inches Medium: Acrylic on canvas Completion: September 2019 Exhibition TextUtopia part 2 is a continuation of Utopia, where the painting is meant to represent the beauty and serenity in a simple place, in contrast to some of the environmental issues going on in the world right now. This piece in particular focuses on a different terrain that the first in the series. Utopia part 2 was inspired by Erin Hanson's landscapes.
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Planning
Inspiration
Erin Hanson is a contemporary artist who identifies her style as "open impressionism". The brushstrokes that she uses are small and minimalist, in order to get the detail. She wants to capture the pure beauty of nature by using bold, yet simple colors. She got her inspiration for many of her pieces from rock climbing on the Grand Canyon, which is why many of the paintings she produces are of landscapes.
Throughout my piece, I really wanted to focus on the texture of the sky, as my inspiration did.
Throughout my piece, I really wanted to focus on the texture of the sky, as my inspiration did.
Sketches
For my first idea, I wanted to work on how I was going to lay out what I wanted to paint based off my inspiration. I also worked on getting the clouds right, with the dry brush technique.
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The second sketch, I was experimenting with how I wanted the balance to look in the piece and how much I wanted to emphasize certain things. If I went along with this sketch, I wouldn't be incorporating as much of the sky, like my inspiration did.
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This sketch was experimenting again with the balance of the piece. I knew what elements I wanted in the piece, but I just wanted to see what it would look like with different things in different places.
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Experimentation
Throughout the process, I had to experiment a lot with how I was going to get the textures I wanted in the clouds. In my sketches, I tried two different techniques on painting clouds, because I didn't have experience with it before. I watched this YouTube video to get an idea of how I wanted to do it. I made a few adjustments so that it would match my inspiration as well.
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Process
4. Then, I needed to let the background base color for the sky to dry before I painted the clouds otherwise the colors would just blend together, which isn't what I wanted. Then, I began working on the clouds. The clouds were very important in this piece, as I really wanted to make sure they were like my inspiration photo. I took my time and build up the colors and textures until I got them to look the way I wanted. To create them, I used brushes 3 and 5 with colors 1, 3, and 11
Reflection
Critique
Overall, I am happy with the way the piece turned out. This was the first time I painted clouds, and after practicing and experimenting, and watching the YouTube videos, and all things considered, I am happy with the way they turned out. I don't think I like the darker highlights on the clouds, but I included them to mirror my inspiration. If I were to do this in the future, I would leave them out, just for my personal taste. I am also really happy with the texture on the plants. I think that by having the texture, it gives it a little more realism, and makes it look more like the inspiration. If I were to change something, I would add more texture to the ground. I added some shadows and highlights, but I think I could have added more details to make it more interesting.
Compare and Contrast
Fading Light by Erin Hanson
Summer Saguaro by Erin Hanson
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Similarities
Differences
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Utopia Part 2 by Lexie Snyder
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ACT Responses
Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect on your artwork.
My inspiration influenced the layout of my piece, as well as the colors. I also was inspired by the artist's techniques.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
The author wants to convey the natural, simple beauty of nature.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
I can conclude that the artist was heavily inspired by what she saw in nature.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The central theme around my artist was they portrayal of landscapes and the simple beauty in nature.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
I can infer that the artist was heavily inspired by nature for many of her pieces.
My inspiration influenced the layout of my piece, as well as the colors. I also was inspired by the artist's techniques.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
The author wants to convey the natural, simple beauty of nature.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
I can conclude that the artist was heavily inspired by what she saw in nature.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The central theme around my artist was they portrayal of landscapes and the simple beauty in nature.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
I can infer that the artist was heavily inspired by nature for many of her pieces.
Bibliography
“Contemporary Impressionism Art Gallery in San Diego California Featuring the Artwork of Erin Hanson.” Contemporary Impressionism Art Gallery in San Diego California Featuring the Artwork of Erin Hanson, Red Rock Fine Art Inc. , 2019, https://www.erinhanson.com/.