Roy Lichtenstein, Painter

Roy Lichtenstein

I am a huge fan of pop art, this concept was birthed in America and encompasses many concepts and ideas. The thought of pop art was to make a form that was American based and caught America in its ideal form. One artist who stuck out during this period is Roy Lichtenstein, his ideas and concepts inspired many elements of American art from painting to graphic design and even typography. When I think of pop art I think of a comic that used the small dots to portray color, this gives me an old-school feel; most of the paintings that were done by Roy Lichtenstein, were mostly vibrant.

When many think of Roy Lichtenstein, you think of an artist who inspired the comic book movement but, I see an artist who was driven to produce subject matter in a form that was accepted not only by every culture but most ages as well. Most artists at the time focused on the elder crowd and was very culture specific. Roy Lichtenstein, provides art that can be viewed and appreciated by everyone because of its illustrative and cartoon feel.

In the aspect of type, the idea of illustrating and cartoon design included only those two aspects. But Roy Lichtenstein, incorporated a story a line of literature to compliment his art pieces. Every piece tells a story that every audience can view and appreciate. For instance, Mickey and Donald duck are seen here fishing this can be seen through the illustration alone; the fact that he entails a story to the illustration via text bubble gives the piece depth. 

This concept was around before Roy Lichtenstein's, ideas but the concept he incorporated that separated him from being just another artist I believe is the messages he entailed. Roy Lichtenstein, used the idea's of a love story all the way to the idea of comedy, but everyone understood his message. Therefore, I believe this concept made his pieces more identifiable than most.

Albert Bierstadt, painter

Albert Bierstadt

Albert Bierstadt, was a pioneer of landscape paintings, the idea to capture nature in its ideal form. The landscape painting would come on massive scales this element was to give the viewer a feel of, "awww". In most landscape paintings the artist would portray only nature very seldomly would you see a human figure; if you see such a figure they are often depicted on a much smaller scale that what viewers were used to. Human figures up to this point were often the center focus of most paintings. Albert Bierstadt, was one of the artist whom inspired the idea that nature was bigger than man.

I personally appreciate this type of painting because I took from it the aspect that for once a painter has put aside the human ego and captured the beauty of nature. Most often you find elements of idealism. This being seeing nature as beautiful and trying to portray it in its most perfect form. At the time, the idea of landscape painting underwent much scrutiny, such are most new concepts. Eventually the concept of landscape painting would be greatly accepted and inspire even French painters, who lead the world in painting. 

This idea that American painters inspired would be taken by many cultures. This acceptance lead to many variations of landscape painting, through brush techniques and subject matter. But the overall idea of portraying nature in its ideal form was uniform amongst various painters. One criticism that many American painters underwent with the idea of landscape painting was that the eye of American painters was to hard versus the looseness of French painters. Albert Bierstadt on the other hand I feel captured the comfortable median of looking too hard and painting too loosely.

David Friedrich, Painter

David Friedrich

David Friedrich, a french painter of the romanticism period and is one of the fathers of the romanticism period. His pieces consist of a large amount of emotion; his pieces inspire a lot of artists who followed the romanticism movement. I appreciate the passion involved in his paintings and entails a huge deal of the emotion the artist is depicting. One of the more particular pieces that consist of this is, "The wand above the mists" it shows a figure standing on a cliff that is above what seems to be a sea; the sea appears to clash with the rocks, the figure also seems to be swaying with the wind. This piece gives me a heroic feel towards the figure, the horizon of mountains and clouds help give it a classical feel. 

Most of his artworks involve this sort of central feeling that gives the overall element of heroism. The passionate feel gives an inspiring feel that drives a sense of heroic feel or devotion from the viewer. The fact that you as the viewer can get a sense of energy from his paintings make them quite remarkable. Not many painters can dig that feel of energy from their viewers as David Friedrich. The idea of a romantic painting derived from the concepts David Friedrich, was implimenting in his paintings. The brush work as you notice is a strong element in constructing a romantic feel to painting. This technique captures the emotional aspect.

Lastly, an element that I noticed with most if not, all his paintings is that the central figure is not involved with the viewer. This concept lets you believe that the figure is undergoing the emotion of the painter; the ability to make this figure a compliment to this emotion or in conflict with it makes the painting able to depict the particular emotion. Even when David Friedrich, depicts nature, nature is not directly involved with the viewer. Instead, nature is involved with the emotion being portrayed.   

   

Van Gogh, Painter

Van Gogh

Dutch Post - Impressionist painter, Vincent van Gogh, was a brilliant painter and perhaps one of the most famous. His paintings entail a great deal of emotion that most viewers can relate to rather it be a vivid, bright and welcoming painting, or a dark, gloomy and grim picture; Van Gogh knew how to attract the eye of his viewers. The most appealing factor about his paintings is the technique he uses which, seems to be an unorthodox brush stroke one that is repetitive and gives the technique a characteristic of a mosaic feel. 

One thing I appreciate most about this artist is the fact that he painted with emotion. Being a victim of mental illness, it can be assumed that Van Gogh used art as an outlet to portray his particular mood or trial he may have been dealing with at that particular time in his life. During his career it is said that he underwent many dilemma's in life aside from his mental condition. 

a Particular painting that many maybe familiar with is The Starry Night, this painting was done towards the end of his life before he committed suicide. This painting was done by him from the window of his hospital room. the picture is uniform and gives the viewer a feel of liberation. The structure is a bit grim feeling giving the over all feel of the picture a sense of contradiction in the aspect that you are welcomed into this setting but thrown off by the shape of this structure. You can also say this picture gives you a , "wave" of emotion. Van Gogh is a monumental figure in the art world today, his unusual technique that works uniformly makes his style, "Van Gogh".   

Eugene Delacroix, Painter

Eugene Delacroix

Eugene Delacroix, a french painter whom of which, was a strong figure for the romantic period of art. His artistic style captures the emotion of his figures; also his technique is the use of loose brush strokes to capture this emotion. Eugene Delacroix was known as a history painter, history paintings include a central figure in which the theme of the painting is based upon. His embarkment on romanticism closely followed Neoclassicism painting which caused a lot of conflict about what was appreciated at the time.

I personally admire paintings and especially those of which were done during the romanticism period. The beauty of the loose brush stroke technique completely captures every emotion the painter is trying to tell the reader. Also his ability to capture the central figure allows the viewer to study what emotion the painter is trying to depict. Eugene Delacroix, was always a painter perceived as an inspiration to those who are becoming well known painters as well as those who are already prestigious. 

During this time French painters were the leaders of art, especially painting. Eugene Delacroix was world profound and his painting set a standard that many wished to achieve. His influence to deliver painting from the Neoclassical period to the Romanticism period was truly remarkable and a success. Another element I appreciate about this particular type of painting is the ability to capture the timeframe at a stand still through these picturesque brush strokes.

Saul Bass, Graphic Designer

Saul Bass

Saul Bass has proven to be an inspiration amongst many graphic designers including myself. His style is quite unique, he comes from the "New Wave" era which entails a punk rock feel while still maintaining the principles of Swiss design. His art pieces are unique in the idea of the time in which they began to surface the design world. 

His concepts use a quite a bit of contrast that depicts the message from the illustration. His works give you a grunge feel a style that was mostly used by, David Carson, while using this feel he also incorporates a clean feel to allow his messaging to be clear and concise. One of his most noticeable works is the AT&T logo that is identical to a globe, that has a number of lines arranging the shape. Also the Bell logo is quite distinguishable amongst consumers and designers.

His use of tile sequences were also a, "Saul Bass" brand of design. You can notice this through the logo design for ATT&T. This concept has to do with a repetitive shape that is often inconsistent. He uses this to build shapes that are representative to the message he is trying to portray.

Marian Bantjes, Graphic Designer

Marian Bantjes

Women graphic designers are hard to find. The graphic design industry is mostly lead by men. But one inspiring grahic designer artist that I found who happens to be a woman is, Marian Bantjes he design work incorporates elements of typography. Typography which is a personal favorite of mine, is the concept of design through the use of words; using words to illustrate your concept. 

The artwork that Marian Bantjes, produces is quite complex yet inviting to the eyes of many. Unlike the Swiss design style which involves, simplicity. Her concepts mainly involve the viewer to actually read the artwork and look into its complexities to appreciate the overall concept of the design. Marian Bantjes has become a well known graphic designer who is paving the way for many women who have the desire to become a designer themselves.

Marian Bantjes provides many concepts most of which have a script feel to them. The use of swirls and circles gives her concepts a more feminine approach most of which you may not notice in the design industry these days. The use of these swirls provide a bit more of depth to her designs and also contrasts with her message intended thus, making the overall design concept readable and complex.

Harmony Hammond, Sculptist

Harmony Hammond

I appreciated this artist because she designed with a meaning, she spoke through her work. The artist ability to speak women rights through her art I found appealing. Not many women artist at least beginning are able to portray messages such as she did. Meaning her voice is heard more over than your beginning artists and the messages she portrays are intriguing. Though I personally am not a fan of sculpture only because I have never taken the time to appreciate it. 

Her speech was fascinating she was clear and concise. She understood her message and didn't seem to get lost in her belief's. She knew what message she wanted to deliver and did so well. She conducted herself in a professional manner all the while letting the audience know she is just as human as they are. Sometimes I feel artists who are well known and recognized become lost in what their personal mission is when they first set out to become and artist. 

Lastly, Its always fun to hear a woman's idea about art because it gives you a broader spectrum about art and its point of views. It is inspiring to learn different artists belief's about art and even more so a woman's approach.

Swiss Style Graphic Design

Swiss Style

Swiss style graphic design was a vital movement for graphic design which, took place during modernism. The design style originated in the late 1920's and early 1930's. The style is best defined as, "design with subtraction". I find this design style most compelling to me because it involves a clean and concise design element that allows the consumer or appreciator to better understand its language and message. This is done in through the upmost simplest elements a designer can possibly come up with. Most recently in my design methods I have found myself using this particular design regimen.

Its favored by many because of its use of typography; though many appreciate an illustration most people find themselves appreciating art not though art galleries but through design campaigns. The Swiss style was founded by a group of artists, of those artists the one that Americans were mostly exposed to was Paul Rand. Many of his designs incorporate design at its simplest. One thing that most people may not appreciate is that though the design maybe simple and subtracted they often see this style as "lazy"; but the attractiveness and simplicity makes the design readily identifiable as well as quickly read. The idea is to pose a message on the go. 

This artistic style took on like a wild fire. Many incorporated this idea not only through language art but, living art as well. Living art meaning the way furniture was designed, the way people wore their clothing, and the way houses were designed. This art style also inspired many branches of the Swiss style.

Frank Llyod Wright, Architect

     Frank Llyod Wright

     Frank Llyod Wright, was a remarkable architect who inspired many of his time. His master pieces 

whom many study even until this day are considered monuments even by the untrained artists eye. Born

in the city of Richland Center, Wisconsin; studying at Wisconsin Madison Wright would soon embark

upon a number of brilliant pieces from a simple chair to the massive Price Tower in Bartlesville,

Oklahoma.

     Of his artworks the first I will depict is Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium located in Tempe,

Arizona.  The completion of this structure was in 1964; the building stands on an area in which is quite

vast and is an open scenery, in which it feels very inviting for those who arrive to the building. The feel

of openness makes it seem like a center piece for the university. The design is quite abstract for a
building; like any other building its structure is simple line mesh making the building appear modern.

The use of linear shapes together with round shapes gives a contrast, making it more appealing to the

viewer. The feeling I received just by looking on the outside seemed like the structure was ahead of its

time  and to have seen it right after its construction would have given anyone a glimpse into the future.

     The next piece which is my personal favorite and I am sure would be many others is, "Falling

Water". The fact that astounds me the most about this structure is its year of completion being in 1935.

Even today, this piece considered, "modern" and is quite appreciated even by that of the common eye.

This piece is remarked by American Institute of Architects as, "best all-time work of architecture". The

use of prairie style design which is the linear roofing, gives the home its style. The house built on the

rivers waterfall and is camouflaged into its surrounding because of the structure style and element of

color.

Francisco Goya, Painter

Francisco Goya

Oil paintings have always been compelling to me. the expression of an artists thoughts and the way they perceive life 

in that particular moment. Francisco Goya  did just that being involved in the Romantic art movement in the 18th century. 

The Romantic style is comprised of emotional expression the technique of the brush stroke also emphasizes expression. 

Francisco Goya was a spanish painter and is generally known for his "Gothic" style paintings.

The painting, "Saturn Devouring his Sons" painted between 1819-1823 of the Greek myth of Titan Cronus. The idea 

that evoked Saturn to devour his children in fear that they would over throw him. The realism involved in this picture for its 

time was intense. The horror in the eyes of Saturn for his depicted actions, resembles that of the viewers perception. 

Another painting that was attractive by Goya was, "Courtyard with Lunatics" this painting has elements of negative 

shapes. The element that makes this painting captivating are the awkward positions these subject matter are undergoing. The erie stares give the viewer a state of uneasiness

Wolfgang Weingart

Wolfgang Weingart

Graphic designer and Typographer of the Swiss movement, Weingart is said to have also influence the “New Wave Movement” many note him as the father of that particular movement. He began teaching at the Basel School of Design and later the summer program for Yale University. This style encompasses the idea of a more grunge feel while still maintaining legibility. This style deals with a manipulation of font that is still clear and concise. For instance, his book cover that entails the words, “Typography” gives a feel of the Swiss style due to its subtraction factor but also gives you a grunge feel because of its distortion. This style was inspired also by the movement of punk rock.Another poster he constructs with the same idea is unnamed but as you can see it uses the element of torn paper and a gritty feel. But the overall design still maintains a sense of legibility and is clear and concise. The contrast element is a bit conflicting because of the various grays used. But for this to have been designed during the Swiss movement it gave graphic designers a new taste of content and inspiration. 

Joseph Muller-Brokmann, Graphic Designer

Joseph Muller-Brockmann

Perhaps one of the most well known Swiss designers, which are design with subtraction Joseph Muller at the age of 43, was a teacher of Zurich school of arts and crafts. His most influential work, which depicted him, as one of the best at this particular design concept was the construction of a town hall poster for Beethoven. The poster was made for the Zurich Town hall, includes a design that defines simplicity at its best. The contrast of black and white as well as the lettering from bold to slim draws the viewer’s eye directly to the information. The circular shapes that encompass the lettering present a feel of classicism and elegancy to the overall design. This is a concept I am most pleased with because of the overall composition and legibility of the design.The overall all idea of Joseph Muller’s concepts were to make the eye less challenged, meaning to present less conflict between message and design. This can be noticed in the poster “Aus der Sammlung des Kunsthauses Zurich”. Again he uses a two-color contrast to draw the view to the information presented. Also the clear difference from this poster in comparison to “Beethoven” is the overall shape of the poster. This poster presents a linear shape but it still incorporates the same idea of encompassing the literature with shape

Paul Rand, Graphic Designer

“Design is a problem solving activity. It provides a means of clarifying, synthesizing, and dramatizing a word, a picture, a product, or an event,” Paul Rand. This quote stood out as an inspirational thought conveying Paul Rand’s idea of design. Paul Rand, graphic designer of the 20^th century was a major influence in the design world. His businessman tactics partnered with his ability to understand the design process, helped bring an adequate and respectful
relationship between design and the corporate world. Paul Rand, based in the United States was mostly known for his corporate logo design those being IBM, UPS and ABC to name a slim few. 

Paul Rand an American born graphic designer would soon find himself amongst the legends of design and inspiration. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1914 Paul Rand attended Institutions such as Pratt, Parsons School of Design and The Art students League. Though attending such design schools it is said he did not take any concept from them, thus, making him a self taught designer. During Rand's uprising in become a world-renowned, designer he found himself to be one of the originators and innovators of the, Swiss style of Graphic Design. The Swiss style, is an international typographic style, “that demands cleanliness, readability and objectivity. The typical layout of the style are asymmetric and use a sans-serif typeface,” such as Helvetica. Rand’s path to success began creating stock images for magazines and various newspapers. Paul Rand’s core influence was from the works of European Magazine “Gebrauchsgrahik”.  His attention to the German advertising style played another large role for inspiration more particularly the, Sachplakat style which, is described as an ornamental poster. The skill sets that separated Rand from other young and upcoming designers of that particular time was his articulate mannerisms his ability to conduct himself on an intellectual level. Rand’s artistic ability was not discovered by his innovating logos; rather, it was his indistinguishable layouts found in magazines. An Apparel Magazine, anniversary issue (Esquire) which, received criticism such as, “His remarkable talent for transforming mundane photographs into dynamic compositions, which [. . .] gave editorial weight to the page”. After his uplifting career at Esquire Rand would take on a new identity. 

Corporate logo design made Rand an icon in graphic design. One of his most influential and prestigious logos was the IBM logo. The logo originally designed in 1962, consisted of 13total bars that horizontally marked through the letters, “IBM”. The logo was originally designed using blue and white coloring. Later the design was modified to an 8 bar design were the 8 bars horizontally struck through the lettering, “IBM”. The idea behind the implementation of stripes was considered a half-toning technique the objective was to make the logo slightly “less heavy and more dynamic.” Paul Rand quoted in his article, The Politics of Design, “Ignorance of the history and methodology of design-how work is conceived, produced, and reproduced-adds to the difficulties and misunderstandings.” With this being said the depiction of this computer company through his logo design was to interpret to the consumer the easiness and simplicity of this new innovation. Associated with this campaign was the famous, “eye-bee-M” poster, which was designed in 1980 as a banner and 1981 as a poster. This poster consisted of an artistic eye that is looking at the viewer; a bee that is colorful and artistic as well followed by the trademark “M”. This poster made the company, IBM, recognizable amongst daily living and even through the viewer’s children. Many viewed his logo design as, “simplistic”

William Blake, Painter and Poet

William Blake, born in 1757 took part in the Romanticism movement. Blake’s beginning exposure to the idea of art began in engraving Greek drawings of antiquities this practice was preferred to actual drawing. Through this practice Blake was unknowingly practicing the classical form of drawing. By the age of 21, Blake was considered a professional engraver. 7 years later Blake found himself enrolled into the Royal academy. During this time Blake rebelled against the accepted views of painting at the time that being the Rubens style. This style was derived from Peter Paul Rubens who was a Baroque painter, this focused primarily on emphasized movement, color, and sensuality. The focused subject matter was predominately portraits, landscapes and history paintings of allegorical and mythological subjects. Blake preferred the classical style specifically from early influencers such as Michelangelo and Raphael.

William Blake’s works were influenced from the Bible, as stated before he shared many radical views and ideas about the bible through his paintings. From a young age, it is said that William Blake has witnessed visions of times were he “saw God” when God “put his head to the window”. Blake from these visions made what viewers depict as visionary paintings. Blake’s painting, “The Ghost of a Flea” depicts a monstrous head un-top of a human like body. The head can be described as being demonic. The body of the flea is lying between the stride of the demonic figure. This exaggerated subject matter is painted on a mahogany panel and painted with tempera heightened with god leaf. The painting was produced in 1820 and was a commissioned painting by watercolorist John Varley. Spiritual art had become popular in Britainfrom 1770-1830.

Another one of William Blake’s painting that I found intriguing that consisted of a religious subject matter was, “Satan calling up his Legions”. This painting is based upon the Book of Revelations in this the subject matter is seen uprising his “minions” to what one may assume Earth. This being one of the thought's of final judgment from the Book of Revelation. Thispainting has a lot of motion as well as feeling. It can be said that based upon the reading in the bible, this uprising is what Blake may have found most compelling to translate the overall feel and tone of the particular reading. You can take away from the painting that this is unearthly but it is quite romantic. The colors and tone of the painting one may not be able to depict what is being portrayed without the title. Another painting that was based upon the Book of Revelations that one might find compelling is, “The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed in Sun”. In this painting the Dragon is depicted as being ready to devour the child of the pregnant woman. The dragon’s back is facing the viewer and the lady underneath the dragon in horror. The dynamic wing spread of the dragon demands the viewer’s attention. This particular scene was depicted from Revelations 12 verse 4 it is said, “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to earth; and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. This painting was produced between 1805 and 1810 and was a part of a watercolor series.

Neville Brody, Graphic Designer

Neville Brody

The digital world has made a huge influence in the world of art. Many designs of which are hand sketched then produced unto a digital platform this has been taking artists interest by storm. Graphic designer, Neville Brody, comes from the London College of Printing and Hornsey College of Art both of which are based in England. Neville is what many may call a key influencer in the community of graphic design. Currently Brody owns a number of studios those being in San Francisco, Paris, Berlin and New York. His company concentrates more so on motion design or films, working for Paramount and Mission Impossible films. But instead of showing you some motion film examples, Brody has also done a number of poster ads, album covers and typefaces to name a few.

Brody’s design, “It allows” designed April of 2007 incorporates the idea of contrast. The use of black and whites allows for this design to not only to be understood but, strong in flow for the eye. From my perspective it seems as if Brody is in fact Idealizing graphic design. The elements I feel depict such a message is not only his title, “It allows” but that subject matter clearly defies what viewers accept as proper writing format. Being a fan of typography, one can appreciate the use of slim fonts with bold; larger fonts with that of smaller create an amazing sense of contrast. The design also incorporates some original fonts created strictly for this design.

"People think that digital design is a fixed language," he says. "But it's not; it's very fluid. It's like I'm doing a painting where the paint refuses to dry. I hand it on to the someone else, who pushes that paint around. And the process is continuous - it will never stop." This quote from Muchacreative.com clearly states the world of graphic design; that being an art that is continuously evolving through the influence of other designers. This next image consists of a number of magazine covers designed by Brody. While with the magazine company, “The Face” Brody was the art director, typographer and graphic designer. The Face magazine is a magazine that housed most of his early works from 1981-1986. The magazine’s context was of music, fashion and culture many described this work as “digital romantic” or “new romantic”.

Currently wikipedia states, Neville Brody has been announced to be the new Head of the Communication Art & Design department at the Royal College of Art commencing this happened January 2011”. His works on various new typefaces, album covers, posters and other mediums have influenced many designers to study his style and intake his inspiration.

David Carson, Grahic Designer

David Carson

I have found myself to be immersed in the world of typography. I have grown quite fond of its art. To actually think that there is much creativity that goes into setting up a magazine article or a newspaper ad has never been much appreciated until now. After studying the works of artists I have noticed the ability the art brings to break boundaries. There are many artists who pick up on this skill and many of whom that is dearly noted and most appreciated is David Carson. Carson began his study at the University of Arizona and later found himself at San Diego State University were he studied Sociology and worked towards BFA. Carson a world-class surfer began his career in the graphic design community as the art director of Transworld Skateboard magazine.

His Design “Don’t Mistake Legibility for Communication” designed date was not given. This design shows off his name given to him in the graphic design community. Being known as the “Father of Grunge”. The thought of grunge art has to do with distortion or a sense of out of order. The art piece in itself gives thought that many viewers don’t appreciate art unless there is some form of “order” but he challenges that thought and rule with this display.

Many of his works among his career were means of inspiration for many designers even today. His skills have earned him many awards that made his work very reputable. Some of the awards that were given are, Best overall design by, Society of Publication Designers of New York, Designer of the Year 1998 and 1999 by, International Center of Photography, Master of Typography by Graphics Magazine, and Cover of the Year by Society of Publication Designers of New York to name a few.

In 1995, David Carson moved to New York were he opened his own studio and worked as a freelance artist. In the span of three years Carson was doing work for major corporations such as Nike, Pepsi, AT&T, Budweiser, and Nike later he found himself embarking on other major campaigns who sought out his design capabilities. Those companies being MTV, Kodak, Toyota and Intel these are to name a slim few.

As he furthered his horizons in typography people began to take notice and artist began to look at Carson for inspiration. He then found his interest in schools though he never fully manifested the idea he began opening studios all over the United States as well as a few over seas. Currently Carson finds himself lecturing inspiration, ideas and his philosophy about typography. Most of his pieces did not include a date as to when he completed them some, not even a title.