daniel's BLOG: claud monet_vs

Both Claude Monet and Chuck Close were exploring paint, color and human perception. Research the work of both artists in order to;

1. Outline the intentions of each artist.

In Claude Monet’s “water lilies”, I assume his intentions were of capturing the peaceful atmosphere around the quiet scenes and painting in a way to show emotion rather than what he sees

Whereas Chuck close would produce portraits of famous people, or his family and friends if not exactly as he sees it, an impression or maybe better.

2. Describe the techniques of each artist

Claude Monet: “There are two common misnomers about Monet. The first is that, as an Impressionist, Monet's paintings were done spontaneously. In fact, Monet studied his subjects intently, planned his paintings, and worked hard to achieve his results. He often painted a series of the same subject to capture the changing effects of the light, swapping canvases as the day progressed.” (http://painting.about.com/od/oldmastertechniques/a/Techs_Monet.htm)

Chuck Close: “Close paints strictly from photos, transferring the photo on to canvases that are typically three meters high. He uses grids to transfer images from photographs to the canvas, enhancing details along the way to create a shockingly lifelike image. His earlier work captured the photographic feel. He even went as far as to blur out things farther away from the face the way the lens blurs out the background in a photo.” (http://library.thinkquest.org/C0118063/time/close.htm)

Claude Monet demonstrates a free expressive painting style. Seen with the brush strokes & the calm colors on “Bordighera". But Chuck Close demonstrates a style of painting which seems decorative. Girding or blurring a face. An early Photoshop edition?

3. Find 2 quotes about each artists work, and reference them correctly.

"As for the colors I use, what's so interesting about that ? I don't think one could paint better or more brightly with another palette. The most important thing is to know how to use the colors. Their choice is a matter of habit. In short, I use white lead, cadmium yellow, vermilion, madder, cobalt blue, chrome green. That's all." - Claude Monet

“One day Boudin said to me, "Learn to draw well and appreciate the sea, the light, the blue sky." I took his advice.” - Claude Monet

“I did some pastels and I did other pieces in which there was just basically one color per square, and then they would get bigger and I could get 2 or 3 colors into the square, and ultimately I just started making oil paintings.” - Chuck Close

“I think most paintings are a record of the decisions that the artist made. I just perhaps make them a little clearer than some people have.” - Chuck Close

4. Note 3 similarities of the work of both artists.

The main similarity was of there fine eye for detail. Both Monet & Close demonstrate such technique. Also the interest in there subject matters. Claude Monet was also ex-caricaturist. A person whom does portraiture like Chuck Close. And also the similarities between there use of color.

5. What are some differences between the artist's works. (at least 3)

The style of painting is of different uniqueness. Also there subject and specific process of production. Monet paints via emotion whereas Close would produce Photoshop like pictures.

There choice of subject: Monet’s work is of mainly nature and outdoors, whereas Close prefers portraits of family and friends.

6. Describe your response to the work of both artists.

Immaculate painting techniques. Both techniques were of own uniqueness. I liked both the artists work. It was just 2 different artists with minor similarities. Like two different cars. They both got chairs, etc. but then there’s something Monet will have that Close lacks & vise versa;