END OF HS ART REFLECTION

These past 2 years taking HTHS art have been a blast. I've made so many great pieces I will take with me through my life. I've also learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of. This year I tried to top the projects I did last year. I do wish there were more options for an art class since we did do the same projects as last year; however, I had a great time overall. Taking art was an experience that I wouldn't be able to achieve in any other class. I'm sad to be going away and I definitely wish I started art class as a freshman. I may take an art class in college if it fits in my schedule. Thanks Mrs Kiick for helping me achieve my goals and showing me my true art potential. I will miss your cheerful personality so much next year.

MY VIDEO SLIDESHOW

Kizoa slideshow: PATTI'S VIDEO SLIDESHOW - Slideshow

Short Story

The famous artist Chuck Close painted a picture of a beautiful woman that he wishes would come to life.  After years of not being able to find the perfect girl, he paints her.  He had heard that if he brought the painting to Magic Kingdom, Mickey Mouse would turn her into a real woman.  Thrilled, Chuck hopped on the next flight to Disney World.  When he arrived at the Castle, Mickey was nowhere to be found. So, to kill some time Chuck went to Blizzard Beach.  When at Blizzard Beach, Chuck left the painting on the beach while he went surfing but when he returned she was all sandy and wet, she was ruined.  Chuck spent the next few hours trying to make her perfect again, but he was discouraged.  She was still beautiful so he brought her back to Mickey's castle and he was home.  Mickey met with him and took a look at the tarnished painting.  He said "as perfect as this woman may seem, you cannot paint love."  Chuck understood and flew home with just a painting.  After his whole day full of excitement, adventure, and sadness, Chuck truely believed that he would find a woman as beautiful as she was.  At the airport, a beautiful woman noticed the painting he was carrying and stopped him.  It was fate, they fell in love.  The End.

BLIND CONTOUR DRAWING

Blind contour drawings are my favorite so far this year.  This topic is very interesting because we have to answer questions about ourselves then creatively incorporate them into out picture.  It was also interesting to see what your drawing looked like after not seeing it. Some of them were very funny to look at and others were just plain weird. Some things that I am incorporating about myself is that I want to become a nurse so I drew the medicine symbol. I love drawing so this is a fun project for me and I'm really getting into it.  I cant wait to see the finished product.

LANTERN PROJECT

The cut paper lantern project was interesting and very nerve racking.  I was always afraid to cut because I knew I wouldn't be able to turn back once I cut.  I enjoyed doing this but it wasn't my favorite.  I'm still not sure how I feel about the lantern itself. I would've wanted it to be a lamp because I feel I would've gotten more use from a lamp.  Overall I was happy how mine turned out.  We had to choose a season to display and I chose spring so I cut out flowers and bumblebees.  I like having this experience under my belt and I'm happy I did it.

EMPTY BOWLS DINNER

The empty bowls dinner is an event that my school participates in to help feed the hungry in the south jersey area. Two years ago I was not involved in art class; however, I attended the empty bowls dinner.  This year, I was able to create bowls that will be sold and used on the actual night.  This is such a great event and I'm thrilled to be able to be deeply involved in the whole process.  This has inspired me to get more involved in community events and help those in need.  Families and companies generously donate food to be served on that night.  The entire community comes together to support.  And I can't forget to mention all the amazing bowls that will be sold! It was such a fun process and I can't wait to see people eat out of the bowls I made.

CHUCK CLOSE

Chuck Close is an extraordinary man and painter.  He was born in Washington and was intrigued by art as a young boy.  He has always preferred painting from photographs and he continues to do so even after his tragic accident.  "The Event" was how he referred to the night he had a seizure which left him paralyzed from the neck down.  After a tough struggle through physical therapy, he has regained some movement in his arms and legs.  He continues to paint using a paint brush strapped to his wrist.  I was immediately drawn to Chuck because of his strength to keep going and work to do what he is so passionate about.  I was also drawn to him because his paintings are absolutely beautiful.  He paints with little dots of all different colors so when one looks at it up close it doesnt seem like anything; however, when seen from a distance it is an amazing portrait.
 
As you can see, these paintings are quite large.


This is a more pixalated painting.



This is a self portrait.

Ive listed below a link to see more of Chuck's work:
http://www.fastcodesign.com/1671037/after-decades-of-pixel-painting-chuck-close-goes-truly-digital#1