The History of Art

By Annmarie Edwards

What is Art?

"Art is very like people: always different and always much the same," according to Norbert Lynton, author of A History of Art, p.7). New, revolutionary, and unique are words that describe art.

Classification of Art

Prehistoric art
No one can learn for sure the exact time prehistoric art emerged. As such, the origin of prehistoric art baffled historians. Current discoveries of prehistoric art by archaeologists showed markings dated over 70,000 years ago. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-historic_art

Archaeologists discovered prehistoric art on caves, stones, and beads. Cave drawings, part of the prehistoric art era depicted animals and everyday life of that period.

Historians relate prehistoric to the Upper Paleolithic period. During the Mesolithic period painted stones another form of prehistoric art emerged.

The Neolithic Period
Pottery a form of artwork emerged during the Neolithic Period. This form of artwork came from the Jomo people in Ancient Japan.

Prehistoric man used cave drawings as evidence of their existence. Cave drawings by prehistoric man left a landmark for generations over the years. When evaluating cave drawings by prehistoric man, it provides a lens what life was like during that period.

According to Norbert Lynton, "Art is at once mankind's most wonderful and most basic invention…" (page. 7). Prehistoric man started this basic invention to express himself using markings. In our present-day culture art change in so many different ways. The question is what would prehistoric man think of our present-day art? Food for thought.

Prehistoric painting showed domesticated animals and tools used in hunting. Lynton suggested that prehistoric men made figures of small women called Venus.



Art in prehistoric time was an expression of faith and part survival. Present-day art has come a long way seeing how prehistoric men used art as a form of survival. Is it safe to say that art is part survival? What is your take?


To learn more about the history of art read "A History of Art An Introduction to painting and sculpture" by Norbert Lynton.



Annmarie Edwards is an artist who appreciates art on all levels. She uses different medium in her artistic expression. You can view some of her artwork on her blogs.
http://artsinamerica.blogspot.com
http://mrslaughingpants.typepad.com
http://onlineworkforcetraining.blogspot.com


Copyrighted © by Annmarie Edwards 2008

How to Create Art From Non Art Material

By Annmarie Edwards

Creating art from non art material stimulates the minds of artists everywhere in creating new art form. Nowadays you can see expressed art in different forms. Whenever time I view a piece of artwork I always ask what the artist was thinking in creating the artwork. Creating artwork fascinates me.

Non art materials

No nart materials can be anything from scrap iron, old plates, clocks, newspapers, stones wood, glass, beads and the list goes on. It is safe to say anything that allows artistic expression through the experiment of different materials will help in developing artistic skills. This will in fact helps to strengthen creativity.

Creativity and Art

The accessibility of waste materials is everywhere. Creating art form out of nonart materials give room for originality and invention in creating new art form.

By using nontraditional art materials, artists become more aware of their environment, and, use the materials that are accessible to them in creating artwork. Art is part of our environment and by using nonart materials artists are able to use the resources that their environment provide in a new way by creating art. Non art material is a new way for artists everywhere to express themselves using materials from their environment. This is a new way of thinking and appreciating artwork.


Annmarie Edwards is an artist who appreciates the arts on all levels. She uses different medium in her artistic expression. You can view some of her artwork on her blogs.
http://artsinamerica.blogspot.com
http://mrslaughingpants.typepad.com


Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards

How to use Collage as a Creative Process

Using collage as an art form opens a new medium for the creative artist. Collage is a therapy of the mind.


Collage offers a new way of thinking. Artists help our society recycle old into new by applying the collage technique.


Mail art uses old magazines in the recycle project of creating something of significance. Normally consumers toss magazines when they are through with them. Artists give new life to these short-lived magazines by using them in collage pieces.


Our society slashed billions of trees every year to make paper. Artists save the environment by cutting back on the use of paper through recycling.


I have found collage to add to my portfolio of artwork. It is an exciting avenue to explore. The good about using collage is the material is available. As an artist, you have to employ the creative process to bring new form into life.


Artists battle hindrances in their expression of art. Mind you when you embark on using, the creative process be mindful of other people's work. Be respectful to the copyright law and adhere to the rules.

http://whatisfairuse.blogspot.com/2008/04/collage-is-art-not-theft.html


I do acknowledge the creative process of any art form. Art is a celebration of humanity and let's keep it open. Let your creativity shines and begin to create great work of art through collage.



Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards

How to Appreciate Contemporary Art In America

by Annmarie Edwards


Contemporary art depicts a time spanning from world war 11 and beyond. Art varies to say the least. Some artists choose to represent a historic period while other self-taught artists represent whatever period based on their feelings and emotions in the moment (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contemporary_art).


Solange Knowles an upcoming artist knows her beat when it comes to contemporary art. Her video "I decided" shows that influence spanning important landmarks from the 1960s up to present time. Solange musical sound celebrates a rising star who takes chances. She did her research and what she offers is a work of art.

The "I decided" video takes us back to a time in our political history when there was a cry for change. Example, the breakdown of the Berlin Wall, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, and the rising Supreme are some of the people and events that influence our time. Constant reminder of our past in shaping our future is central. Solange did a great job by intertwine history with a musical touch. What better way to keep us in touch with present-day realities than with music.

Artists always look for different ways to express themselves whether it is music, dancing, painting, or other endeavors. If you're looking for a new stock to invest in then here she is. A new music with a new twist that stays true to history while celebrating our period is a way to invest in the future of an upcoming artist. Check out the music and the video and see for yourself.

http://www.urbanreview.co.uk/2008/06/solange-knowles-i-decided-video.html


Annmarie Edwards is an artist who likes to make commentary on upcoming artists and any work of art that deserves recognition. Read her blog for more information on her work and her perspective on art.


Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards

How To Celebrate American Art

Does art create you or vice versa?

What art does to the human spirit is left up to the imagination. Breath taking architectural designs, lush waterfalls, great paintings, amusement parks, entertainers, playwrights, spirituals teachers all provides inspiration and the medium to bring forth art.

Artists exist in every medium you can think of. From painting, drama, poet, writer, yoga, meditation, scrap booking, singer, play writer, etc.

What is art?

Art is indefinable. Art is unique to itself. You cannot place it in any one medium. People, places, and time influence art. Art penetrates the deep depth of our emotions. It is the window to our soul.

Carolyn Nelson bluntly puts it," Today, my work comes from my deep connection with the native peoples of the Sierra Madre. The emotions and experiences of being among them seems to blend with my early foundation in European Impressionism and forms itself like tapestry, rich in color and tactile" sensation (http://artamerica.com/Nelson/).

Art forces the artist to use the five senses whether it is painting, drama, graphic art, yoga, meditation, writing and the list goes on…

Art is a spiritual awakening that bridge different times and periods. A big influence on our socio-economic and political system. It celebrates current trends and sometimes reflects on history for inspiration.

In essence, you cannot separate the past from the present when you look at art. Art builds interaction among people. Some work of art ponders the mind and leaves you in shock, appreciation, and sometimes disgust. This is what art does. It celebrates human achievements.

Art tells its own story. It lends itself to oneness and brings magic by displaying wishes and restraint. Art is multidimensional. Opinion differs based on the viewer.

Art is Science

Art represents all medium. It challenges popular beliefs, and take you on an exploratory journey. Art makes you experience something on a deeper level. It is like having an orgasm. Art pushes outer limits and meshes past with present. Art has strong emotions.


Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards