:Exhibition:
The Council is inspired by the piece A La Bodiniere by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. It features three judgmental felines. Cats are often thought to have supernatural abilities, these three have a stare that makes you wonder if they're the fates. Some say the way one treats a cat reveals their true nature. They know all. The Council will decide your fate. Title: The Council Size: 12' x 8.5' Medium: digital Date of Completion: November 2022 |
Inspiration
A La Bodiniere by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen is a art deco, art nouveau style lithograph print promotional poster for a local high class theatre in 1894. there is strong use of shape language in his works, the black cat is rigid and alert while the calico is more rounded and relaxed. The cats are both calm, and are neutral colored, drawing more attention to the red parts of the text promotion.
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Planning
In coloring, I made sure to give them different poses and expressions, I want them to look like individuals while still being united in their judgmental stares. The line art is not black but more subtle and adds to the softer look of the piece. The colors are all warm toned, making the piece feel more unified, aside from the pops of blue and green in the cat's eyes. |
Critique
The Council by me (left) A La Bodiniere by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen
similarities
- The composition in both leans to the right with a cluster of cats facing to blank space on the left.
-Both pieces have a focus on characters rather than background, neither include a larger scene and present more of an idea.
-They both feature a neutral, warm color scheme.
differences
-There is a difference in medium, my piece is digital while the inspiration is a lithograph print.
-The intention of the pieces is different, the original was commissioned specifically as an advertisement for a theatre, and many aspects of the piece are influenced by that, the cat's calm nature and interest in the text concerning the advertisement. My piece doesn't have an advertisable focus in mind.
-The alignment of the cats are very deliberate. In mine, one of the cats faces toward the viewer, they are more aware of your presence, while the cats in my inspiration piece are aloof and have little interest in the viewer.
similarities
- The composition in both leans to the right with a cluster of cats facing to blank space on the left.
-Both pieces have a focus on characters rather than background, neither include a larger scene and present more of an idea.
-They both feature a neutral, warm color scheme.
differences
-There is a difference in medium, my piece is digital while the inspiration is a lithograph print.
-The intention of the pieces is different, the original was commissioned specifically as an advertisement for a theatre, and many aspects of the piece are influenced by that, the cat's calm nature and interest in the text concerning the advertisement. My piece doesn't have an advertisable focus in mind.
-The alignment of the cats are very deliberate. In mine, one of the cats faces toward the viewer, they are more aware of your presence, while the cats in my inspiration piece are aloof and have little interest in the viewer.
Reflection
I love this piece, the cats look very expressive and judgmental as they do in life. The colors of the piece are warm and soft. If I were to change anything about my piece I would add more detail to the cats, possibly experimenting with more complicated coat colors like calico or tortoise shell.
ACT Connection
1.) Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause-effect relationships between your inspiration and its effect upon your artwork:
My inspiration was A La Bodiniere by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. Many of his pieces feature cats and are created for a specific purpose or message, my piece similarly has something to say.
2.) What is the overall approach ( point of view ) the author ( from your research ) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
A cat knows all, and will judge your soul when the time comes to meet them. A worshiper of cats would know.
3.) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
I enjoy digital art, it is forgiving to mistakes and allows me to explore different options much more easily than any physical medium would.
4.) What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
Cats often seem aloof or judgmental, maybe they are.
5.) What kind of inferences ( conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning ) did you make while reading your research?
Expressions are important to a piece, it's said eyes are the window to the soul but the face is a window to your emotions, and that's important to convey in artwork.
My inspiration was A La Bodiniere by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. Many of his pieces feature cats and are created for a specific purpose or message, my piece similarly has something to say.
2.) What is the overall approach ( point of view ) the author ( from your research ) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
A cat knows all, and will judge your soul when the time comes to meet them. A worshiper of cats would know.
3.) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
I enjoy digital art, it is forgiving to mistakes and allows me to explore different options much more easily than any physical medium would.
4.) What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
Cats often seem aloof or judgmental, maybe they are.
5.) What kind of inferences ( conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning ) did you make while reading your research?
Expressions are important to a piece, it's said eyes are the window to the soul but the face is a window to your emotions, and that's important to convey in artwork.