Critical Analysis

Claude Monet was a French Impressionist painter who was born in 1840. Monet painted in Paris and Venice, as well as when he traveled. Some of his most famous paintings are of haystacks that he painted at different times of the day over a period of years. Monet died in 1926.
One of Monet’s most famous paintings is San Giorgio Maggiore at Twilight (Dusk). This painting is also known as Sunset in Venice. This oil on canvas painting is 65 x 92 cm in size and is on display at the National Museum and Galleries of Wales in Cardiff, Wales. This painting was completed in 1908.
The initial reaction to this work was one of awe. It was so vibrant in color that one fails to look at the subject. What was Monet’s meaning in this painting?
With such vibrant colors of blue, yellow, orange and pink the sky looks like it does when the sunsets on many summer days. These colors are reflected upon the water highlighted by the sun shining through the clouds to create an almost divine effect. Not only is the setting sun in all of its radiant glory reflected on the water but also the buildings of the city of Venice show their reflection as well as the sun sets behind them.
The tallest of these buildings, one that resembles a lighthouse or church steeple reflects in the choppy waters as they make their way to shore. The choppy waters are not strong but gentle in nature as they slowly breakup the shadows. The waters could be described as rippling as they move the colors of the clouds reflecting in them together to create even more colors.
To the right side of the painting a faint impression of a shadow exists. This could indicate more of Venice or it could be ship. What ever it is, it is clouded in a fog of color that is created by the setting sun.
As the city of Venice juts out into the water, the shoreline is swallowed by the reflections from the water.
This painting shows the way Monet seen Venice, soft, mysterious and beautiful. This painting provides one with a sense of peace when it is viewed.
In my opinion this painting is priceless as it is one of the masterpieces of the world. I believe that Monet was trying to share his love of Venice and how he saw it when he put brush to canvas.

This artwork can be viewed at: http://the-athenaeum.org/art/detail.php?ID=3971%20

Ephemeral, Ethereal, and Conceptual Art

The distinguishing characteristics of the three categories is that ephemeral art is short-lived, ethereal art is highly refined and conceptual art is art were the idea is the primary objective.
All three forms in my opinion are necessary in our world today. Conceptual art allows an individual to express an idea without worrying about what the finished work looks like. Ethereal art to me is the more celestial form if you will. This form to me provides a sense of expression that means to move the viewer. Ephemeral art is a form of art that can be seen everywhere we look today. It comes in the form of flyers, sports cards, sidewalk chalk art, sand castles, and graffiti.
Conceptual art, to me, is the form that i most necessary because it allows those with little or no artistic talent to express themselves without worrying about the visual outcome of the work.

Monet

I thought that I would share a painting from one of my favorite artists, Claude Monet. What does this mean to you? To me, it shows the solitude of a man. Loneliness of an individual searching for companionship.

Fine Arts

Fine Arts to me is the study of the various modes of expression of ones inner feelings. These feelings my be expressed through music, sculpture, painting, literary works, or in a theatrical setting. Interpretation of these works is solely up to the individual who views the work. Art can mean many different things to different individuals.