Week 9-Modernism and Post-Modernism

Self Portrait (1994). Chuck Close. Detail.

Maggie, (1996), Oil on canvas, 30 x 24"
(76.2 x 61 cm), Photograph by Ellen Page Wilson, courtesy of PaceWildenstein, New York, © Chuck Close

Water Lillies (1920) Claude Monet

Water Lillies (1920) Claude Monet.

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

1. Outline the intentions of each artist.

Born in July 5. 1940, the American artist Chuck Close is most know from the techniques he use to paint, he is a painter and a photographer, his work is based on abstract portraits of himself or his friends.

Claude Monet was born in 1840; a French painter interested in the style of impressionism, focused on nature landscapes, his painting is different than the older ones because of the colours and vibrant lights he used in it.

2. Describe the techniques of each artist

Chuck Close’s techniques is based on photorealism, he paints portraits composed of little coloured squares, [“Photorealist” frequently used a grid technique to enlarge a photograph and reduce each square to formal elements of design.] (metroartwork.com: Chuck Close Biography), he rendered it in big size and use acrylic paint and an airbrush to include every detail.

Claude Monet works was based on impressionism; he painted landscapes with lots of colours called broken colour, he worked with oil paints and pastel.

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

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
I always thought that one of the reasons why a painter likes especially to have other painters look at his or her work is the shared experience of having pushed paint around.
Chuck Close

My life has been nothing but a failure.
Claude Monet
No one is an artist unless he carries his picture in his head before painting it, and is sure of his method and composition.
Claude Monet

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

Both artists’ techniques are quite similar in term of brushes used to create their work, they also both paint abstract portraits.

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

Monet and Close have different style; one is more focus on painting landscapes, and nature. One the other hand Close prefer painting portraits.

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

I like Chuck Close's work in term of technique, the way he has used the grid to reveal a portrait, the color used on each "pixels" are so complex that shows the artist talent.
Claude Monet's work is more (for me) rushed, it is not really detailled, it has  good looking if you have a distant view but if you come foreward looks like a mess. But I do like the technique of the mixing colors, the reflection on the lake or the sand seen through the sea

http://swindlemagazine.com/issueicons/chuckclose/

http://kruleintentions.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/chuck-close-euphoria/

http://metroartwork.com/popup_all-artists_info.php?manufacturers_id=59