Proposal

Realist painters such as Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, and Michelangelo have been instrumental in shaping my personal art style, particularly in the realm of realism. These masterful artists have had a profound impact on me, inspiring me to strive for a level of realism that captures the essence of my subjects. I have always been drawn to the minute details that bring portraits to life, including the intricate folds of clothing, the delicate strands of hair or eyelashes, and even the weathered lines and wrinkles on the faces of my subjects. However, my relentless pursuit of achieving the same level of realism as these revered artists has often left me feeling dissatisfied with my own work.

In light of this, I have decided to embark on a new artistic journey, one that allows me to explore painting without being fixated solely on capturing every precise detail. I recognize the need to strike a balance between meticulous realism and artistic expression. Hence, I view this opportunity as a way to expand my creative horizons and discover alternative approaches that resonate with me.

For this project, I have planned to create four distinct portraits, each employing different techniques and emphasizing varying aspects of artistic expression. The first portrait will align with my customary realism art style, meticulously capturing the intricate details that define my subjects. In the second portrait, I intend to maintain a realistic representation while consciously reducing the level of meticulousness in my execution. This approach will enable me to focus more on the overall impression and emotional impact of the artwork, rather than becoming overly consumed by each minute element.

The third portrait will depart from strict realism, embracing a more abstract style. This departure will encourage me to explore the boundaries of realism and experiment with unconventional interpretations. Lastly, the fourth portrait will prioritize the creative process itself, emphasizing spontaneity, freedom, and intuition. By allowing the process to take center stage, I aim to break free from the constraints of perfectionism and find joy in the act of creation.

To enrich my artistic journey, I have carefully chosen three inspiring artworks as references. "Portrait of Madame Heim" by Robert Delaunay, "Willie Nelson" by Richard Day, and an untitled piece by Joseph Lee will serve as sources of inspiration throughout this project. These works encapsulate the essence of different styles and approaches, providing me with valuable insights and pushing the boundaries of my creativity.

In conclusion, my aspiration is to strike a harmonious balance between realism and artistic expression in my portraits. Through this exploration, I hope to shift my focus from an unattainable pursuit of perfection to a more fluid and fulfilling creative process. By embracing diverse techniques and drawing inspiration from remarkable artists, I am excited to embark on this transformative artistic journey.

exploring realism without the habit of focusing on the details

There wasn’t much said about Lee’s object but the reason why I chose to respond to it was because of how Lee was able to connect her object to mine – the way we both see our objects as a means to satisfy our need to move our fingers and occupy ourselves. I found it intriguing as to how Annie was able to delve deeper into the reason why we found such interest in our chosen objects, especially when our objects were as simple as a rock or in my case, tetris. I then proceeded to think about how I could relate to rocks and the first thought that came to mind was the memory of me rock-skipping when I was younger and how it brought me so much joy and excitement every time the rock was able to bounce off the water even just a little.
This reminded me how a simple, yet imperfect object is able to bring contentment and happiness. I have always been somewhat of a perfectionist especially when it comes to my art practice and this was a problem that I faced often. Reflecting about Lee’s imperfect rock was able to bring her some joy and my childhood memories of having fun with this simple object reminded me of how I should not be so focused on making my art “perfect”, but to enjoy the process and even have fun in the simple steps of sketching and planning my art.
To respond to Lee’s object, I decided to create a poem about enjoying the little things and to not get caught up in our mistakes. I have little to no experience with poems but I hope it’s still okay:)

When life gets hectic, and days seem long,
It's easy to forget the joys, that make us feel strong.
We get caught up in the rush, and forget to take time,
To appreciate the simple things, that make life sublime.
But what about when things don't go quite right,
When mistakes are made, and we lose sight.
It's important to remember, that it's okay to falter,
To pick ourselves up, and not let it alter.
For mistakes are lessons, in disguise,
They help us grow, and open our eyes.
To new possibilities, we might have missed,
And help us find the path, we've always wished.
So, take a deep breath, and embrace the day,
Enjoy the simple things, that come your way.
And if you stumble, don't let it bring you down,
For mistakes are opportunities, to turn things around.