Painting III Art Problem Create a cubistic vanitas

Painting I/II Art Problem: Create a cubistic vanitas (still-life) using various watercolor techniques.

What is a Vanitas? • In the 1600’s and 1700’s, Netherland artists developed a symbolism in still life art called Vanitas. • Vanitas, in Latin, refers to the "vanity" of all worldly things, such as wealth, beauty, Idle hands (the wasting of time), learning, and the arts. • These pieces would often portray lovely objects, however the symbolism would be reminding us of mans mortality, being centered on life, death, and aging.

Skulls-remind the observer of the certainty of death Pieter Claesz

Other symbolism … l a e s z C i e r P • Decaying or peeled fruit would be a reminder of aging. • Broken glass, bubbles, a burning candle, smoke, watches, hourglasses or a book with turned pages would symbolize the fragility and brevity of life, and the suddenness of death. • Musical instruments were also used to exemplify the ephemeral nature of life. • Seafood or a peeled lemon would tell us that although they were fabulous to look at, they were bitter to taste, just like life could be. Simon Renard De Saint-Andre (1613 -1677)

Ms. O--What does cubism have to do with this? • Vanitas’ were the first still-life paintings --CUBISM broke from tradition and revolutionized it. • Pablo Picasso developed the style in the early 1900 s.

Picassos’ idea… • To not paint things in perspective from one point of view. • Picasso used several points of view, in order to create something more original and effective. • He also challenged the fact the he was observing three dimensional object however painting in a two dimensional product. Picasso, Still Life with Fruit Dish on a Table (1914 -1915) Can you recognize any of these objects? Does it matter? Do you like the way this looks?

How will you solve the art problem? • Choose objects that are symbolic to you, which you have a personal attachment. • Create AT LEAST 2 sketches of the still-life from 2 points of view. • Combine the sketches, ROTATE, ZOOM, FRAGMENT the composition so that it is in a Cubist style. • Transfer sketch to watercolor paper. • Begin to paint! Every act of creation is first an act of destruction. - Pablo Picasso