Rebellious Simon

[frogza]

I have been growing more and more frustrated with the rules and regulations at school. The rules are so strict and restrictive that it is nearly impossible to develope as an artist and also get a good grade. So I did this piece as a subtle jab at the administration. The title is "Simon and His Non-Regulation Vest Buttons" there is a small plaque on the frame that reads. "Simon had raced well so far, and was in the lead but he had one nagging fear. If the judges noticed his non-regulation vest buttons he would be disqualified." So far two professors have "got it" and talked to me. We'll see how many others do. Feed back is certainly welcome.

It is an intaglio print, (etched into a copper plate, inked and printed all by hand)

[clavus]

sweet! What do you etch the plate with?

[frogza]

You start off coating the plate with a resin. Then draw into the resin with an etching needle. Then dip the plate in an acid bath until it has eaten deeply enough to hold the ink. I also used acrylic spray paint then dipped the plate again to get the clouded effect.

[FngKestrel]

That's a great image. When you say that two of the professors talked to you, do you mean they lauded your cleverness or berated your insolence?

[Nancy]

Originally Posted by frogza

I have been growing more and more frustrated with the rules and regulations at school. The rules are so strict and restrictive that it is nearly impossible to develope as an artist and also get a good grade.

What kind of rules and restrictives?

Great illustration btw with neat details! How long did it take to make?

[frogza]

Originally Posted by Nancy

What kind of rules and restrictives?

With each assignment the medium, topic, style, dimensions and in some cases where we can look for reference material (Like only being able to paint or draw from pictures from National Geographic). These kind of restrictions work fine for lower division classes because kids need to learn about what styles and mediums are out there. But these rules are included in upper division classes as well.

One prof. lectured me saying that he had so many years as an artist and knew what worked well, so I would do well to conform. The other asked what kind of work I would like to do, and we worked out a plan so I can meet the purpose of the class while exploring my own style.

Thanks for the compliments

[Nancy]

Originally Posted by frogza

With each assignment the medium, topic, style, dimensions and in some cases where we can look for reference material (Like only being able to paint or draw from pictures from National Geographic). These kind of restrictions work fine for lower division classes because kids need to learn about what styles and mediums are out there. But these rules are included in upper division classes as well.

I see. Hmmm...well restrictives can be good to some extent as it teaches you to be extra creative and use the limited media that you've been provided with. But of course unlimited artistic freedom is extra fun

Originally Posted by frogza

One prof. lectured me saying that he had so many years as an artist and knew what worked well, so I would do well to conform. The other asked what kind of work I would like to do, and we worked out a plan so I can meet the purpose of the class while exploring my own style.

Thanks for the compliments

Oh wow what an arrogant prick

Good to hear that you've been given a free hand by that second professor

What's the purpose of the class if I may ask?

[frogza]

It's an upper division painting class. The purpose is for us to master oil/acrylic painting. The prof. is into abstract work and had wanted us to do all of our assignments following the style of an abstract artist of our choice, he provided a list 5 or 6 artist to choose from. Since I am more of a realist, he has opened it up so I don't have to do abstract work.

[ergdork]

Very neat work and very clever! I like the style - it some how reminds me of Gulliver's Travels! Not sure why, though!

[FngKestrel]

Originally Posted by frogza

It's an upper division painting class. The purpose is for us to master oil/acrylic painting. The prof. is into abstract work and had wanted us to do all of our assignments following the style of an abstract artist of our choice, he provided a list 5 or 6 artist to choose from. Since I am more of a realist, he has opened it up so I don't have to do abstract work.

Master oil and acrylics using abstract styles? That doesn't seem like a path to learning how to use them. I would think that having to recreate something realistically and having the idiosyncracies of each medium create its own challenges would be a better learning process. Good that he opened it up for you. Make sure you post some of your stuff!