Major project: Drawing post

I started my major project in week 3. At the beginning I took photos of my teammates. I spend 3 days to take all of photos. It was very hard to catch all my friends become some training are in the morning and some in the evening.  Even more trainings are in Gi and without that’s mean NoGi.

 After that I started sketching using willow charcoal. At the beginning I was struggling to get proportions right, I drew lines and rubber it few times, below I leaving my final sketch finished in 1h. I had a month break from christmas to now so I think it will be better and better after. This was like a warm up.

Below I leaving photo in closer perspective. 

As I said before I was struggle to get proportions right… Next one will be better. Next day I moved on to painting using ink wash or Indiaink/Indianink below I leaving my artwork:

And same story here… proportions are better but still I painted it using light colour just to mark points of models ,few times I getting proportions and then I painted it using darker tone.

Major project: Process post

This time I visited woodwork to talk about frames and canvas to my major project everything went well and I made an appointment for 2PM, by the way Chris offers his help/support with this task. 

The photo above depicts process of creating a frames. Chris cut for me wood and told me what I should do with this. So I used this metal holders for wood and then I used glue to stick it together and than I made holes by drill and use screws to make construction solid.

Photo above depicts first finished frame. When I have got 6 ,I started making surface of the wood smooth by sand paper. 

The next step was to start adding canvas, so I asked Chris how to do it correctly. We cut a fabric and then stretch it to frame and then connect it using stapler.

I spend around 2,5hour for this task. After that I leaved my frames with canvas in Art Factory and went straight to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.

George Bellows Research

Today I chose George Bellows and I would like to look at his artworks and discuss about it.

The first painting I would like discuss is paint titled “ George Bellows, Both Members of This Club, 1909, oil on canvas, 115 x 160.5 cm (National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.)”  the painting I will leaving below.

George Bellows, Both Members of This Club, 1909, oil on canvas, 115 x 160.5 cm (National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.)

Painting depicts boxing match between two mans in a ring. Bellows would emphasise and shows emotions durning that sport event. As smarthistory.org (2015) states “ Bellows applied paint with a quickness and sketchiness that echoes the energetic movement of the athletes and the flickering of low light as it bounces across the faces of the rowdy, restless audience.”

The second artwork created by George Bellows is related to boxing too as one above. This one is titled: A Stag at Sharkey's,  created in 1917. To create this one was used lithographic ink. As collectionsarts.mia.org state “His best known lithograph, A Stag at Sharkey’s, is based on his own 1909 painting of the subject, an illegal prizefight”

Bellow G A Stag at Sharkey's, 1917

As Christie’s (2020) states: 

*at live auction Price realised was USD 87,500 Closed: 25 Oct 2018

* Bellows executed the subject first in 1909 as an oil painting. At the time, boxing was illegal in New York, except for private clubs.

* Bellows was noted for his sporting themes, especially boxing.

* As a boxing fan ,Bellows visited various clubs, such as Sharkey’s Athletic Club.  The bar owner was Tom Skarkey who charged fees for membership to fight in a bar.

What have others stated about the work?

” A brilliant draftsman, Bellows captures the intensity and drama of the fighters’ violent encounter, their bodies seemingly merged into a single form and rendered as if a classical statue. He omits the ropes on the near side of the ring so as not to obstruct the formal beauty of the scene.”.  Artsmia
 2024

Do I agree what with other have said?

Yes when I’m looking at that painting or lithograph I feel like I’m using “Time Machine” in my head I heard screams ,punches , noises of fight and a lot of men’s energy.

How does this work relate to my own work?
I would like to said I’m going to do major project related with sport and I would like to capture the emotions on my future paintings.

What can I learn from this and how will it inform my concept or progress?
I could learn technique of creating a painting to capture the moment and add emotions to it.

Reference:

     Dr. Abby R. Eron, "George Bellows, Both Members of This Club," in Smarthistory, August 9, 2015, accessed January 28, 2025, https://smarthistory.org/bellows-both-members-of-this-club/.

  “A Stag at Sharkey’s, George Bellows ^ Minneapolis Institute of Art.” @Artsmia, 2024, collections.artsmia.org/art/109688/a-stag-at-sharkeys-george-bellows. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

   “GEORGE BELLOWS (1882-1925), a Stag at Sharkey’s | Christie’s.” Christies.com, Christie’s, 2020, www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6166069. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Major Project Plan - Part 1

 Here is my Major Project Working Plan.

*I will update this plan in week 5 and week 7. Then I will add new information to this posts including progress in this project.

Art Portfolio One: Sign Off

 Here is my Project Sign Off. 

6 portraits of my teammates on canvas 

2 sculptures 

Few preparation sketches 

My project will be 6 canvas ,2 sculptures and few of preparation sketches on A2-A3 sheet. First I’m going to do a couple of photos of my teammates, that’s mean I will take a photo of torso , shoulders ,head plus I will take a photo durning the action for example while sparrings. Today 22.01 I will take photos of two friends Joe and Paul, rest of photos I will take in near future ,it’s hard to catch everyone at the same time in same day on training. Today I’m going to wood workshop to learn how to create frame for a canvas and after I will do 6 canvas 36cm x 46cm and I will use a charcoal or ink wash to create 6 drawing/painting in expressionism style, I will do few experiments before that using pencils that’s mean quick sketches on A2-A3 at the end I will create 2 sculptures.

Initial Artist Research

 For my major project I could look at the most famous expressionist artist which I saw at Leicester Museum such as:

*Max Klinger who was inspiration for Kathe Kollwitz

Max Klinger in 1899 by Nicola Perscheid

One of his works is “A Life” and as the collector.com state “ Max Klinger’s art is generally regarded as the first attempt by German visual artists to address the social issue of prostitution, highlighting the hypocrisy of bourgeois morality and the injustices suffered by women in the city.”  Artist in that times had a big power of influence of people they could focus people attentions on problems ,informations ,art etc.

A Life (1884)

I think it will be good idea to look at artist who was inspired Kathe Kollwitz, to more understand Kollwitz I have to look at her roots of inspiration, it will be interesting,I can’t wait to start looking deeper.

Another artist who catched my eye durning visit in Leicester museum was Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884 - 1976). I sketched two of his artwork titled “landscape” and “landscape with tree.
I living one of his artwork below:

Female Head (1916)

Another interesting artwork created by Karl Schmidt is “Head of Christ”, theme of religion is always strong ,generation emotions and catching eye. I could use it as inspiration ,I would like to create some artwork related to religion if not on my major project I going to do it in a near future.

Head of Christ (1918)

The third artis which I chose was Franz Marc (1880-1916). I saw his works and sketch it as inspiration in Leicester museum too.  His paintings could be inspiration for me, contrast between colours and strong contour are generally what I want to do and what I feel. For example I living one of his artwork below:

Birth of the Horses 1913

* Two weeks ago I watched The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari from 1920. The scenes was looks like they were recorded in theatre. Something like blend or mix cartoon with movie, this was something new for me. Scenes and faces expression I could compare to bad trip on acid, unrealistic and extreme expression. Even movie was without sound expression I felt emotions and weird atmosphere. The contour and colour of background and models makes a job. Movie was weird and was completely different from the moves was are recording now.

Reference:

      Klinger, Max . A Life, 1884, www.thecollector.com/max-klinger-most-incredible-artworks/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Art Portfolio ONE: Project Statement

After some consideration and watched move created in Expressionism theme  “The Cabinet of Dr Caligari 1920” I chose that theme of my major project.

First idea was to take a 4 to 6 people of my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team  then contact with they and ask to take a full length photos it will be serious expression photos will be included too torso upwards , head and shoulders, generally 360 degrees. Its perfect idea I could experiments with techniques , a could create drawings and painting experiments and finally create 4 to 6 paintings and 1 to 2 sculptures!

The second idea was given my by my teacher to do some experiments and use as a reference and inspiration techniques of drawing/painting used by Kathe Kollwitz the German Expressionist. This is the best idea ,I still struggle with some styles and techniques in other I have better results. I could make some paintings , drawings , sculptures it could help mi to find style where I can feel comfortable and maybe create my own style or add some ideas to my tattooing hobby.

One of techniques could be black and white lines as for example a added below:

Figure 14: Käthe Kollwitz, In Memoriam Karl Liebknecht (Gedenkblatt für Karl Liebknecht), woodcut print, 1920

I could to it using white on black or ink wash.

The next one I could draw using the willow charcoal as example below I leaving Kathe work:

Deutschlands Kindern Hungern 1924

Going forward I could make next one using the pencils and as inspiration I could use Kathe work:

Death and Woman by Käthe Kollwitz 1910.

Next one I could use an ink pens and use that one as inspiration:

Drinking Den 1901

Developing Ideas (the object lesson)

 This is the Art Portfolio project of the 'Object Lesson'.  In this project we are choosing an object and using this as a starting point for a short one week project. First I chose a hair brush as an object:

Then o changed a perspective of view, from that side its looks different, like a walk patch with some trees at the end.

From the other side now its looks like brush looking on himself in a mirror. Like a living brush.

Brush using solarium.

Now after that I have an idea to create series of images like for example brush on the party, brush while taking drugs, brush driving a car etc. Bad brush in crazy lifestyle.

But finally I make a plan and develop brush to “tools holder” to stick it to the wall.

Then I added ‘tools’ various items such as student card, keys to car and home etc

And took a photo in different position 

Reflection

I started thinking about transforming object one to different and other point of view. I start looking on internet information about transform and as  Tate.org.uk state “ Try writing a list of synonyms for ‘transform’. To alter, mutate, revamp or revolutionise are just a few. Think about what you can transform, and how you can do so. Don’t forget you can transform things you can’t see too – you can transform an idea, a feeling, or a way of doing something.” We could transform not just an objects ,generally we could transform everything.

Reference:

    Tate. “Transformation Coursework Guide – Student Resource.” Tate, www.tate.org.uk/art/student-resource/exam-help/transformation. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.

Initial Ideas generation (Crazy Eights)

 Today we have to create an eight 2minutes sketches on A3 sheet of paper divide to eight squares. Firstly again I have no idea what I supposed to do but I believe in myself and my abilities so I started drawing. The plan was to keep the flow and do the exercises under pressure. I have to work with pressure it’s part of life and it helping making progress fast.

 So on the first image I draw forest which popping out from an image from 2D to 3D, second was crazy head with crazy mind, the third one was the smartphone and people with smartphones instead of they head, the fourth one ,here I tryied to draw unicorn and geometric shapes. By the way I really have empty head and tried do exercise. Next one fifth was in mixed media and  a model in 2D and tattoo machine in 3D.  The sixth one was heads and geometric, the seventh was head eyes in different areas and with some nature elements on it and the last one eight was a few objects a classic telephone ,numbers , tv etc.

Below I leaving that 8 images:

After that I chose two of it to develop it and draw series of 4 so together in theme are 8 pictures.

Really I have had no idea what to draw so I started from draw three crazy heads as a second drawing next I moved on to my drawing of nature which popping out from 2D so I started drawing more elements of nature are jumped to 3D after that in third one I drawn more elements in 3D than before and on the last one everything jumped off 2D to 3D. 2D sheet of paper is completely blank. 
Then I come back to idea with crazy heads and I drawn all world as crazy head ,it’s something like consciousness in all elements and the last one developed to solar system all planets and star have crazy consciousness.

Reflection ? It’s good technique to move on with creativity, pressure and work quickly giving nice results. 

As Sciaverma7.medium.com state “ I would also recommend this idea to any group that is pressed for time or any group that is having trouble visually depicting their ideas. Rapidly creating sketches can help your team use your meeting time efficiently and prevent your team from getting caught in the details of a single potential solution.”  This only confirms in my belief that every moment it’s good to try new excercises and methods.

*Why I have chosen this two images ? Firstly I don’t fully understand the task but after I felt exited and everything I seen in my head. Of course I could develop other images but this two were most suitable for this.  Some images I see in advanced stage. I could make thing which standing across develop its call downgrade I think. I felt these two the most.

Reference:

 Verma, Scia. “Rapid Brainstorming with Crazy Eights.” Medium, 27 Apr. 2021, sciaverma7.medium.com/rapid-brainstorming-with-crazy-eights-2d0d992e91ae. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.

First thoughts….

 Hello! Today my tutor showed and explain major project in my subject area. I have to chose one of four following themes:  First one was “Expression” for all groups without architects. The second one was “Earthly Delights” ,The third one was “baunhaus” and the last one “Mixed media art”

When I heard expression I thought it will be my theme, live colours and unrealistic images. I really can open wings.  Next one was “Earthly Delights” and this was surprised me, another interesting theme where could use “unrealistic frame” . I really don’t fell “Baunhaus” so i just leaved it without comment. “Mixed media art” it’s sounds ok. In my head I have seen 2D painting and popping out realistic mixed elements which together creating 3D works. 

Next day me and all group with tutor went to the New walk Museum and Gallery. The focused was on the Expressionism and Beyond exhibition. When we get in we saw unusual stairs. I turned on camera and took a photo of it.

Next we moved upstairs to see the Expressionism and Beyound exhibition.  Durning the visit we have to make minimum of three sketches, take a photographs of exhibits and make a notes. I look around and not waiting founded the first image as a reference for my sketch. I pulled out fineliner and A4 sketchbook and started sketching. First painting which catched my eye was Red Woman painted by Fran Marc in 1912. This is what i like.  Counrast between strong colours without shading ,simple colourfull ,unrealistic ,woman plus elements of geometry and nature. I have no more to add. 

Marc,F.  Red Woman (1912) 

Sketch interpretation of Marc,F.  Red Woman (1912)  by Adrian Mazurkiewicz 2025

When I finished I walk around again to found another piece of work as inspiration for my future major project and when I found it i start it sketching as before.  Next one was painted by Karl Schmidt-Rottluff  Landschaft (1938) . What was catched my eye in this painting was as before unrealistic painting with strong countrast between colourfull elements of landscape. As germanexpressionismleicester.org  2014 state ‘ Vivid, pulsating pink earth, strange blue trees and plants taking on new, unexpected forms characterise the landscape here. “  I couldn’t found better words to explain what I would like to say so I used a quotation which is 100% what I think about this artwork.

Schmidt-Rottluff K,  Landschaft (1938)

Sketch interpretation of Schmidt-Rottluff K,  Landschaft (1938)  by Adrian Mazurkiewicz 2025

Then I did one more round around exhibition room and my tutor Sam told me to look at the digital screen and interesting painting there. My eye was catched by Käthe Kollwitz Tod und Frau 1910 , english title is Death and Woman. I know this artist because I have had to do artist research in Life Drawing module in 2024. The theme of skeleton representing death trying to take with him a nude woman and child trying to keep this woman its makes an impression on me.

Kollwitz K, Tod und Frau 1910

Sketch interpretation of Kollwitz K, Tod und Frau (1910) by Adrian Mazurkiewicz 2025

After that I realised I still have a time and I want to make the most of the time that remains to make progress and do the task the best I can. So classic I did a round around exhibition room to found the last painting  ,which was Landscape with Tree painted by Karl Schmidt-Rottluff. Painting looks really weird. strong contrast with colourfull elements it is one of thing which connecting every works which I chose that day.

Schmidt-Rottluff K,  Landscape with Tree (1921)

Sketch interpretation of Schmidt-Rottluff K,  Landscape with Tree (1921)  by Adrian Mazurkiewicz 2025

 Reference:

    German Expressionism Leicester. “Landscape.” Germanexpressionismleicester.org, Leicester City Council, Sept. 2014, www.germanexpressionismleicester.org/leicesters-collection/artists-and-artworks/karl-schmidt-rottluff/landscape/. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

Art Portfolio: Welcome post!

 Hello! It’s second term at DMUIC. Today after the Christmas break I started a new module called “Art Portfolio”. Durning the break I visited Koszalin ,a small city in Poland near Baltic Sea. In that time I created a few tattoos on a skin using dotwork method.  As crochet.co.uk state “ The dotwork tattoo style is created by inking a series of dots that come together to create the desired image. Highly versatile for full images, portraits, and particularly shading, artists often use dotwork for an element of a design that is otherwise done in a different style.” Dot tattoos are more accurate and that form of tattooing taking much more time than the “modern” method.  I enjoy that time. I was inspired by other tattoo artist who are specialist in mandalas and geometric style. Dotwork is good for that type of tattoos. I leave one of my work below:

Mazurkiewicz, A. (2024) Mandala with Horus Eye, dotwork

One of the artist which I inspired is Karolina Czaja who tattooing since 2004.  Karolina is also my master friend and tattoo artist.

Tattoo by Karolina Czaja n.d 

Today durning Art Portfolio class we did a photo similar to the old image/painting but renovated. So we created a group of three me ,Ramiz and Violeta. We chose an image which we used as a base and created new version of this image. We chose an image below:

   Caravaggio (Circa 1601) The Supper at Emmaus

After this we started collecting a fabric and an items. Than we moved on to creating a space.
We found a teapot.

We also found an empty bottle and a plastic fruits.

We used one of mannequins as a model

Then we started creating a photo area, we used desks ,chairs ,black fabrics as background etc.

Next we arrange space on the table.

This is our final outcome.

*Reflection 

It was nice to work with Violeta and Ramiz, together we created nice group , everyone add something to this task and final effect want really well. Violeta start looking for items ,while me and Ramiz started creating a workplace. Ramiz have idea to use a mannequin as a model what was good becouse on an image was 4 people. Together we chose an image and went through this task with smile on face.

As a fine art I would like to learn about a wide range of making images and try a range of materials which sound exiting! In this term I would like to focus on developing my drawing and painting skills which could help me in tattooing. I would like to express myself and using “paints and paper” show what I have in my mind. I would like to experiment with various techniques and mediums to add myself to the artworks. 

Reference:

   Babs Bantleman. “Dotwork Tattoos: All You Need to Know about This Quirky Tattoo Style.” CrocArt, 2 Mar. 2022, crocart.co.uk/blog/dotwork-tattoos/?srsltid=AfmBOoqeX7T9DicOxiaCUtJoZDhhDrseWA7c5inwCEy6XxaTsr-uNYUm. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.