The Cafe by Vincent van Gogh
The Great Day of His Wrath by John Martin
Objective: Describe the way color is utilized in each artwork, specially color contrasts. Then contrast these uses in both paintings.
I suggest you visit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_theory to learn some art terms about color. It is kinda dry and drawn out, but you basically need the following: primary, secondary, tertiary; cool vs. warm; tints and shades; shadows and pigments.
You might also want to check out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_colors just because it amused me and it might amuse you.
What is theartgame?
A conceptual diversion amongst friends to develop intellectual capacity and enjoy art. And also to be creative, witty, and random. It's good fun in the form of a mystery/quest/mind game.
What, therefore, should we do?
Every day or two a new piece will be posted. There is an objective associated with each artpiece. The assignment to each theartgame participant is to reflect upon the piece of art in the context of the objective in a reply to the entry. All that is a requested is a single paragraph, written as clearly as possible. If you wish to do more, you may. If you wish to explore beyond the confines of the objective, you may; but please separate both ideas in this case by using the following line of fifteen dashes.
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Please keep in mind that theartgame is structured incrementally; that is to say, it begins with simple objectives and gets harder. Mastering and compilation of smaller, simpler objectives is suggested before tackling bigger obstacles, but any interpretation/analysis is welcome.
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Clues may also accompany the objective. After the majority of the participants have replied, a response containing explanations, evidence from critics, and/or generally useful information will be posted. At this point, after gaining the new knowledge arguments may commence forum-style in the reply section of the entry and continue as long as desired.
How do we discern the good from the bad?
Let me get this point across now, NO INTERPRETATION IS WRONG or STUPID. Please, please. PlEaSe do not be afraid to offer any ideas, opinions, thoughts you have. In fact, it is necessary to maintain the spirit/utility of theartgame.
I had considered awarding points as encouragement, but decided against it. Theartgame is not a competition, but a Siddhartha-like journey to better understand ourselves and the world around us. However, I will be awarding "merits" of sorts for quality responses. "Merits" can be anything, most likely only objects described in hyperspace. Awarding of merits may range from "You receive a metaphysical apple," to "A dirty diaper reeking of sauerkraut." Merits may or may not be purposeful, may or may not be cumulative, and may or may not be useful at the end stages of the game. All are non-transferrable and non-refundable.
Why visual art, specifically paintings?
Because I said so. And I like paintings. Visual art is the easiest to interpret because one does not need to know how to read, what an augmented D chord is, or really any specialized terminology if so desired. We, as humans, perceive the world primarily through the sense of sight, associating what we see to what we already know. When viewing an art piece, it appeals to our sense of aestetics and the paradigms associated with what is being portrayed. Also, because paintings are typically very alike in how they are produced, there is a centralized set of knowledge relating to method and medium that makes paintings easier to discuss.
'Tis all for now. Questions are welcome in the reply zone.
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