Architecture: A Study (Part 1)

It feels like I want to change my career every several months.  So, for one hot second I was thinking about going back to school to study architecture.  But after researching the different programs in the area and job prospects, I have changed my mind.  I think my next career goal is getting a masters degree in Economics or Urban Planning???? 😅

Nevertheless, I like learning about architecture and when I saw a video from Architectural Digest on Zaha Hadid, I wanted to explore more.    In the video it explained Hadid's fourth-year thesis project, "Malevich's Tektonik".  Her instructors told the students to use artwork by the artist Kazimir Malevich.  This assignment was the springboard for Hadid to rethink what was possible in architecture.

Hadid's "Malevich Tektonik"
Malevich’s Tektonik – Zaha Hadid Architects

I was curious what an architecture degree involved when it intersects with art. I found an article of projects that architecture students completed in school.  One submission stated in the archinect.com article that they were assigned to read Louis Kahn's "Between Silence and Light" and then photographically represent concepts within the book such as Order, Joy, Touch, Site and Wonder.

I think I want to try the above example as a project. Stay tuned....~JM

Vase of Flowers

 Below is a painting I did of flowers in a vase.  I recommend buying many different affordable bouquets of flowers from Trader Joe's, etc. and draw what you see with pencil.  Then use paint and/or a pastel chalk to add color.  I also had fun looking at the National Gallery of Art's website and using the search term "Flowers in Vase" to see the many variations of flowers in vases by well-known artists. ~ JM

My interpretation of "Vase of Flowers"

A sample of "Vase of Flowers" in the National Gallery of Art website (nga.gov)

Summer Photography

 Summer photography can mean so many things.   In the beauty of summertime, I captured words, feelings, and themes that are associated for summer.  Such as casualness, holidays, vacation, water, flowers, nature, boats, festivals, street vendors, outdoor dining, strolling, families, road trips, day trips, the beach and relaxation.  Click here for tips on summer photography. ~ JM

Yarn Wreaths

I made wreaths out of yarn since I had so much left over from an earlier project. 

The first wreath I used a wire wreath frame to weave yarn through.  

The start of the weaving process.

The finished wreath.

In the second wreath, I used two different size cardboard circles and wrapped colorful embroidery string around various parts of the circle creating a unique design.  ~ JM

Wrapped colorful string around two cardboard circles.

Museum Visit: Museum of Modern Art (NYC)

 I did a quick day trip to NYC before one of the exhibits at the Museum of Modern Arts (MoMA) closed.

I knew I wanted to see an exhibit on Marlon Mullen's art when I saw this video about him on their social media.  He is an artist who has a developmental disability.   More details on Mr. Mullen are found on MoMA's website 

Marlon Mullen

Another wonderful exhibit I really enjoyed was the artwork by Jack Whitten.  The MoMA's website states, "Through his exploration of materials and tools - from new paints to Afro-combs and electrostatic printing- Whitten invented art-making techniques that were the first of their kind.  Through his confrontation with racial prejudice and technological change, he made art matter in a world of turmoil."  Below is some of his artwork.  This exhibit will go until August 2, 2025. ~ JM

Whitten

Whitten

Digital Art

I took advantage of attending a class at the Apple store.  The focus was on the software Procreate.  You can use other applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Fresco, Corel Painter, etc. to create art.

Below is the progression of outlining a flower and then applying layers to add more color.  In the end, I displayed my finished picture in front of the class.   😁~ JM

Chalk Pastel and Watercolor

 Using watercolor as a base, add pastel to create dimension, texture and to modify the color.  Edgar Degas experimented with this in the below painting, "Two Women".  Click on this article that explains Degas's process.

Below is my experiment of watercolor and pastel. ~ JM

Collage of watercolor with pastel added in geometric design.