New Quarter, New Old Art!

Post #1 

Week #1

Introduction To  Renaissance  Art

In this quarter, we will be discussing renaissance art, and looking at many different works by different artists. But what is it about Renaissance art that sparks a light in our souls? Why does it resonate so fully within our hearts? Why do people still hold it in such a high regard now, with all of our technology and modern artists? It awakens a stirring inside of us, that can be felt again and again as we gaze upon the beauty that was created during this time period. But why is this so? Why do we hold this art in such high regard?  Why does our breath catch every time we gaze a work of art created during this era? What did Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo know that made their art so amazing? And not only was their art amazing, they created so much of it during each of their lifetimes, proving that their ability was greater than any we can imagine. Already at the beginning of the quarter, so many questions are rattling around in my head. Alas I can only speculate and research, but most of these questions may never be answered by anyone but the artist themselves... 

Even to the average viewer, one with no artistic ability of their own, can look at a work like the Mona Lisa, or the Sistine chapel and stare at it astounded at the simple beauty that resides in the semi-realistic style of those time periods. We can even duplicate and mass produce these famous paintings, turn them into skins for our cell phones and stitch them into purses and bags. But why this time period? What is so special about it? Perhaps the answer lies in the fine soft features created from oils on wood, or the powerful contrast of colors; or even an accurate representation of light and spacial elements that seem so realistic that if only we could reach out into the painting, perhaps we could join another world long since past. What woman wouldn't want a man with the physique of the statue of David?  Who wouldn't look at the mirror in A Double Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife and marvel at the accurate portrayal of a mirror and eye for the details that surround it? 

With the growth of technology in our generation, as well as the invention of photography and the change in societies level of importance from art to sports; Hundreds of years of knowledge about art techniques and training to reach that point have been lost to the wind. Which is why I believe the Art of the Renaissance period is looked upon as so marvelous and awe inspiring; because with all our technology and advancements we still lack the ability to recreate works such as the Mona Lisa, the Sistine Chapel, and The statue of David.  And this reason is among some of the main reasons I so look forward to taking this class as well. 

My name is Kelsee Franz, and I love art. 

January 6, 2012