Final Grade

When I saw that I was to suggest my final grade I got a knot in my stomach. I feel that I completed all of the assignments to the best of my ability so I would that that into consideration. Every student strives for an A however it is up to the instructor to determine what is fair. I do know that I have learned more than I had expected from taking this course and would recommend it to others. Thank you to all for making it so enjoyable and informative.

Critical Analysis-Dance Piece

The dance piece that I watched was Gene Kelly’s famous scene from Singin’ in the Rain. This film was made by MGM in 1952. Kelly along with Stanley Donen directed the film. Kelly was born in 1912 in Pittsburgh and died in 1996 in Los Angeles. He was considered by many as a mans dancer. This meant that he represented the everyday man because of his physical appearance.
In the dance scene Kelly used not only his physical ability to perform a very moving as well as entertaining dance, but incorporates props also. These props include rain, umbrella, sidewalk and water puddle. The use of these items provides the viewer with an added visual treat in addition to the fluidness and effortlessness of Kelly’s routine.
As Kelly dances in the street splashing puddles to the music and singing he is suddenly observed by a police office who looks at him as if he is crazy. Kelly incorporates that into the dance by slowing it down some before finally ending it only to whistle as he strolls down the street as the rain stops.
As Kelly performed this routine it became very evident what a brilliant performer he is. The use of the umbrella is one that was effortless and very well thought out. Its use provides the viewer a sense of wonderment as to the genius of the choreographers simplistic use of an everyday item used in such manner.
The use of the puddles and water on the street provides the viewer with a memorable moment that they will remember. It is a scene that is simplistic yet very demanding on the performer.
This is a performance that I feel is one of the classic dance performances of all time. I would recommend that everyone watch this film if for only this dance scene. I feel that this performance is not only difficult but could be potentially dangerous because of the use of the water. Kelly is undoubtedly one of the most talented dancers in American theatrical history.

Vulgarity in Art

The assumption of what is vulgar is up to each individual. Some of the most important as well as impressive works of art could be deemed vulgar because they contain a form of nudity. Many of the most important sculptures that have been perserved for centuries could be classified as vulgar.
Damien Hirst,the British artist,could be called the shock artist for his works. However, personally, I think some of his works border on scientific in nature. The fact that people find it vulgar is their opinion.
Comedy has evoloved from the slapsick of yesteryear to the almost hardcore and at time obscene standup that can be seen today. Once again it is an individual opinion that determines as to the vulgarity of the material.
For centuries nudity was not considered obscene or out of the norm. In the early part of the twentieth century a group of gentlemen came to the conclusion that they didn't want their women to view what they were watching in the smoking room. So nudity became vulgar.
Many books were marked as vulgar in nature and banned from schools and libraries. At times these books were burned.
With vulgarity being an individual opinion it must be confined to that, an opinion. Times have changed and opinions have become less of a widespread fear so therefore the opinion that something is vulgar is not as likely to occur as it would have in years past. All opinions will not change but idividuals understand that all people have the right to choose what their opinion is or isn't.

Critical Analysis Link

http://www.box.net/shared/ldiln77okc

Critical Analysis 2

When I first heard the song Imagine I was taken back by the first line in the song. Why was John Lennon denouncing religion? This song was written by Lennon in 1971. Lennon was one of the orginal Beatles that went out on is own after the breakup and had a very successful career. He was shot down in front of his apartment in New York in 1980. His life is remembered with the establishment of Strawberry Fields a portion of Central Park set aside for the celebration of his life.
This song, from the beginning to the end, is one of love and hope. I feel Lennon was trying to provide a message that everyone should be considered equal. His attempts to have the listener understand that without labels people are just people, that we are just flesh and bone. He also tries to convey that religion and war are big reasons for problems that are in the world today. He tries to get the listener to understand that the world would be a better place if we could look at each other as human beings instead of put labels on people and being so judgemental.
I feel that the song is one of the best Lennon songs ever composed. His love of mankind, his compassion for humanity, and his never ending desire for peace is seen in these few words.
In my opinion this is a great song. The message it presents is one we should all take a moment to reflect upon. After really listening to the song I don't think Lennon was denouncing religion but trying to get us to understand that we should't judge someone for what they believe in. After some reflection that even though was a dreamer we do all share the world and we need to understand that though we are different and believe in different things we need to try and get along as one.

Songs I Like

Here are three songs that I really like. The styles differ but the music is great.Billie Holliday, Grada and Bill Evans are all different but unique artists.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14894620
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=43637288
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87945801

Music as the Highest Art Form

I just watched the classic Hitchcock film Psycho. Hitchcock used music to set up the scene he was shooting. For example the famous shower scene had the intense music we all have heard and can readily identify. The intensity of this movie is amplified by the musical score. The writer of the score,Bernard Herrman, created something that we will always remember. This movie was made by the outstanding acting by the music propelled it into the realm of being a classic.

My Landscape

Over the course of the last few years I have landscaped my yard with the aid of rock that I gathered from numerous creeks. I have created borders around flower beds and around the trees that we have planted. We are in the process of designing a deck in the rear and planning what plants we want to plant around it. We are putting new walkways from the rear of the house and from the front of the house that remind you of the walkways at the beach. We are putting a gazebo in the backyard in the near future and are discussing what to plant around it.
Our front yard consists of various colors of irises and azeleas. This planting and landscaping is an ongoing project that we fully enjoy.

My Stay in Europe

These are a few photos of my two year stay in Europe.

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.