Don’t worry, you’re not alone! We’ve all experienced that moment, facing a blank canvas or an intricate sculpture, feeling completely clueless about how to even start making sense of it. Developing an “artistic eye” – the ability to truly see and appreciate art – isn’t something that happens overnight.

As an art student, you’re on an exciting journey, one that will transform you from a passive viewer into an active critic capable of dissecting and discussing art with confidence. Just like checking an EssayPro review before making a decision, honing your artistic eye requires careful consideration and exploration.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to truly see art, how to analyze it, and even how to start forming your own unique opinions.

Understanding the Basics: The Elements and Principles of Art

Before we dive into the deep end, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. Consider the elements and principles of art as the fundamental components that construct any piece of art.

The elements are like the basic ingredients in your artistic kitchen:

• Line. The path of a moving point creating shapes and forms. Think of the graceful curves of a dancer’s body or the sharp angles of a cityscape.
• Shape. A two-dimensional area enclosed by lines. It can be geometric (squares, circles) or organic (the shape of a cloud or a leaf).
• Form. The three-dimensional version of shape, having volume and mass. Sculptures, buildings, even your own body, all have form.
• Color. This is the visual effect we get when light bounces off things. Colors have three main traits: hue (the actual color name, like red or green), value (how light or dark the color is), and intensity (how bright or dull the color appears).
• Texture. This describes the surface of something – what it feels like or what we think it would feel like if we touched it. Textures can be rough, smooth, bumpy, or any other way you can imagine.
• Space. This refers to the area surrounding, separating, and even inside objects. It’s what gives a piece of art a feeling of depth, perspective, and even the illusion of movement.

Now, let’s add some spice to the mix with the principles of art:

• Balance. This refers to how the visual elements are arranged in a piece. Think of it like a seesaw – it can be perfectly balanced on both sides (symmetrical), or it can have different things on each side but still feel stable (asymmetrical).
• Contrast. This is all about the differences you see in a piece of art. It could be the contrast between light and shadow, rough and smooth textures, or large and small shapes. Contrast adds excitement and makes the artwork more interesting to look at.
• Emphasis. The focal point of a piece where the artist wants to draw your attention.
• Movement. The path your eye takes as it travels through the artwork. Artists use lines, shapes, and colors to guide your gaze.
• Pattern. This happens when elements in a piece of art repeat, giving it a feeling of rhythm or a predictable flow.
• Proportion. This is about how the sizes of different things in the artwork compare to each other. It’s like making sure everything is the right size so it looks natural and balanced together.
• Unity. The sense of harmony and wholeness in a composition. All the components come together to form a unified and harmonious composition.

Understanding these basics is like having a map to navigate the world of art. Now, let’s explore how to use this map to develop your artistic eye.

Training Your Eye: Look, Look Again, and Then Look Some More

The first step to becoming an art critic is simple: look at art! A lot of it. Visit museums, galleries, art fairs, and even online platforms. 

Don’t just glance at the pieces, though. Really look at them. Be mindful of the finer points, the color palette, the textures, and how the foundational elements and principles are employed within the artwork.

Here are some pointers to maximize your art viewing adventures:

• Take your time. Don’t rush through an exhibition. Select a handful of artworks that pique your interest and dedicate a good amount of time to truly observe them.
• Sketch. Bring a sketchbook and try to capture the essence of a piece through drawing. This will force you to pay close attention to its structure and composition.
• Inquire and investigate. What feelings does the artwork stir within you? What message is the artist aiming to communicate? Which techniques did they employ?
• Compare and contrast. Identify parallels and distinctions between various artworks. This practice will contribute to the development of your own specialized vocabulary for art critique.

Analyzing Art: Going Beyond the Surface

Once you’ve trained your eye to really see art, it’s time to start analyzing it. This is where you go beyond simply describing what you see and start digging deeper into the meaning and context of the artwork.

Here are some crucial factors to take into account when analyzing art.

Context 

When did the artist create this work? What was the global climate at that time? Who was the artist, and what experiences shaped their life? Grasping the context can illuminate the artwork’s meaning and importance.

Content 

What is the artwork depicting? Is it a portrait, a landscape, or does it lean toward abstraction? Are there any symbols or metaphors employed? Analyzing the content can help you decipher the artist’s message.

Form 

In what manner are the fundamental elements and guiding principles of art employed within the artwork? How do they play a role in shaping the overall arrangement and conveying its intended message? Analyzing the form can help you understand the artist’s technique and style.

Interpretation 

How does the artwork resonate with you on a personal level? What emotions does it stir within you? What message do you believe the artist is attempting to convey? Remember, there’s no single “right” interpretation. Your own perspective is valuable.

Developing Your Critical Voice

Now comes the exciting part. This is where you move beyond simply analyzing art and start forming your own opinions and judgments.

Here are some tips to help you find your critical voice:

• Be honest. Don’t be afraid to say what you really think, even if it goes against the popular opinion.
• Be specific. Avoid vague language like “good” or “bad.” Employ precise language to articulate the aspects of the artwork that resonate with you or those that don’t.
• Be informed. Back up your opinions with evidence and reasoning. Refer to the context, content, and form of the artwork to support your arguments.
• Maintain an open mind. Be receptive to altering your viewpoint if you come across fresh information or alternative perspectives.
• Demonstrate respect. Even when your opinion clashes with another’s, articulate your disagreement in a courteous and constructive fashion.

Developing your critical voice is an ongoing process. The deeper your involvement with art, the more sophisticated and nuanced your viewpoints will evolve.

Wrapping Up

Becoming an art critic is not about memorizing facts or regurgitating what others have said. It’s about cultivating a deep appreciation for art, training your eye to see beyond the surface, and developing your own perspective.

As you hone your artistic eye, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the world around you, connect with artists across time and cultures, and unlock a lifelong source of joy and inspiration.

The post From Viewer to Critic: Developing Your Artistic Eye as an Art Student appeared first on L&F_well.

Understanding the Artwork:

To embark on the journey of writing a thoughtful and engaging art review, it is paramount to develop a comprehensive understanding of the artwork at hand. This involves immersing oneself in the piece, closely observing and analyzing it from various angles. By unraveling the artist’s intentions and techniques, as well as examining the visual elements, symbolism, and composition, writers can effectively unearth the layers of meaning embedded within the artwork. This foundational knowledge will serve as a solid bedrock for crafting an insightful critique.

Developing a Critical Eye:

Nurturing a discerning and knowledgeable eye is a critical aspect of art critique. Aspiring art writers must cultivate a broad knowledge base encompassing diverse art styles, movements, and genres. Studying art history and relevant cultural contexts is indispensable for gaining a deeper appreciation of artworks and understanding their significance within the larger artistic landscape. By honing the ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of an artwork, writers can offer well-informed assessments, facilitating an enriched understanding for readers.

Structuring the Art Review:

A well-structured art review is essential to maintain the reader’s engagement from start to finish. Crafting an enticing introduction is paramount, as it serves as the gateway to the entire review, capturing the reader’s attention and compelling them to delve deeper. Following the introduction, a concise summary of the artwork and its contextual background should be provided, enabling readers to grasp its significance and relevance. Evaluating the technical and conceptual aspects of the artwork, supported by concrete evidence and illustrative examples, adds depth and credibility to the review. Furthermore, the incorporation of constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement fosters growth within the artistic community, ensuring a balanced and constructive approach to critique.

Engaging and Thoughtful Writing Techniques:

Writing an art review that is both engaging and thoughtful transcends mere description. Employing vivid and evocative language allows readers to experience the artwork on a deeper emotional and sensory level. By incorporating personal reflections and connections, writers can provide unique insights and establish a relatable experience for readers, fostering a more profound connection with the artwork. Striking a delicate balance between subjective opinions and objective analysis is crucial, as it ensures that the review remains fair and comprehensive. Moreover, adopting a clear, concise, and accessible writing style enables a wider audience to connect with the critique, thereby promoting broader appreciation and understanding of art. Exploring diverse perspectives and encouraging dialogue helps to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive artistic community, fostering a space for meaningful exchanges of ideas and interpretations.

Ethical Considerations in Art Critique:

When engaging in art critique, it is vital to navigate ethical considerations with care, sensitivity, and respect. Recognizing and appreciating the artist’s intentions and artistic freedom is crucial, as it acknowledges their unique voice and individuality. By providing fair and balanced assessments, the review maintains its objectivity and impartiality, ensuring that the critique is rooted in a genuine understanding of the artwork. Sensitivity is especially important when handling sensitive topics or controversial artworks.

FAQ

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There is no one right way to start drawing. Artists use a variety of techniques that best suit their personal style of work. But if you’re a beginner, chances are you only know one or two methods, and you keep using them even when they don’t seem to work.

In this article, I will show you five popular methods for creating a creature/character drawing. I will show their pros and cons so you can decide which one is best for you. However, don’t just look at the pros and cons – not all of them may be important!

1. Stroke

What is this?

This is by far the most popular method among true beginners. Whenever I read the stories of professional artists, they always admit that this is how they started. Basically, a stroke is drawing over an image to copy its lines, partially or completely. The result is a drawing with clean lines and perfect proportions. To circle:

1. Find a drawing/photo (the brighter the lines, the better).
2. Cover it with a thin sheet of paper so you can see the original image (you can use some kind of transparent table, like a window).
3. Draw visible lines.

For

• The drawing is clean.
• Correct proportions.
• Requires little effort.
• Improves handicraft skills.
• A process that even a child can understand.
• It turns out a decent picture without artistic skills.
• Good result guaranteed.

Against

• The drawing is not really yours (if you call it yours, it’s the art of stealing!).
• And any praise you get for a drawing isn’t really yours either.
• You cannot draw what you want, but only copy.
• This is a one time solution.
• Since great results are obtained without much effort, you may not want to strain yourself later for the sake of working on a real drawing.
• This does not make you an artist, but rather a living copier.

How to learn it?

Doing it. It’s not that hard, really!

2. Stroke from memory

What is this?

This is a method that beginners may consider the only honest one. You may or may not use the template; in the end, it all comes down to imagining lines. The process looks like this:

1. Take a blank sheet of paper.
2. Look at it and imagine the future drawing.
3. Draw imaginary lines.

For

• It’s very lucrative.
• If you consider yourself talented, it will be easy to a certain extent.
• If you know what you’re doing, the lines are very clean and neat.
• It does not require a sensitive instrument.

Against

• The more complex the topic, the more “talent”/experience/visual memory it requires.
• You don’t really know what you’re drawing until it’s done – it’s a guessing game.
• The more you guess, the messier the drawing.
• The result rarely matches your vision.
• Every little mistake is fatal to the end result.
• It requires a lot of effort with no guarantee of decent results.

How to learn it?

Don’t learn it. Learn other methods and this skill will update automatically.

3. Structural drawing

What is this?

When you begin to seriously learn to draw, you are told that the final lines come from the guides, the inner skeleton of the drawing. Here’s how to understand it:

1. Get a set of samples of one item.
2. Analyze them to understand the structure of the subject (something common to each photo).
3. Circle from memory to simply draw the structure.
4. Use the structure as guides for the final drawing.

For

• If you understand the topic correctly, you can create very realistic drawings without reference.
• This gives you confidence and the ability to fix bugs on the fly.
• You don’t have to guess where to put the last lines in order for them to be clear.
• You can change what you have learned before learning something new.
• You can teach drawing to others.
• This is perfect for the analytical mind.

Against

• The drawing will come out messy if you have too many guides or draw them in too much detail.
• The poses come out stiff and unnatural because you have to plan them first (unless you use a link).
• It takes a lot of effort to study a topic.
• It takes a lot of practice.
• If you take a bad structure, the final lines will turn out to be bad, no matter how much time you put into it.
• Structural thinking may not fit into the typical mind of an artist.
• Structures can be easily forgotten if you haven’t practiced drawing them for some time.
• You need concentration to draw like this.

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“Shulers”. Caravaggio

This is one of the most famous paintings on the theme of gambling. The name of Caravaggio does not require an extra introduction. The painting was painted at the time of his formation as an artist after he left the studio of Cesare d’Arpino. The picture depicts a well-dressed young man, and two cheaters are already ready to wrap him in their nets – one has cards hidden behind his back, the second tries to peep into the cards of a young man whom they are going to cheat. The bright canvas is not devoid of the drama of the situation, which opens up to an attentive viewer – the calm course of the game can flare up with violence at any moment, because one of the cheaters has a dagger in his belt.

“The End of the Card Game” Messinier

Jean-Louis-Ernest Messonnier is not as famous among the general public as Picasso. But in the 19th century, he was a recognized painter whose paintings were sold at fabulous prices. His “Chess Game” has nothing to do with real passion, a completely different feeling is “The End of the Card Game”. A bright, expressive picture that conveys the climax of the confrontation between two inveterate and hot players. Without resolving the dispute with words, they grab their swords and kill each other. It is difficult, in my opinion, to convey the apogee of the game more expressively than Messonnier did. And indeed – for both the game is over. If you are interested in gambling, we recommend that you try your luck in an online casino – minimum deposit casino

“Preference”. Vasnetsov

For Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov, such a plot is not familiar. A singer of Russian folklore and nature, he suddenly turned to the image of gamblers. Vasnetsov’s attitude to gambling, apparently, was not the best. The Preferans are depicted bored, and the atmosphere of the painting lacks the fire and drama of a card game. Two out of five players who are not busy with what is happening at the table frankly do not know what to do with themselves. Vasnetsov chose an unusual approach to portraying excitement.

“Card player” (“Gambler”). Picasso

The Spanish genius paints this picture at the moment of his passion for cubism, so for an inexperienced viewer it is something incomprehensible with cards in the middle. Well, this is the vision of the creator, but it’s hard not to notice that the cards in the picture, replete with geometric elements, are given a central place.

“Card Players” Paul Cezanne

Another masterpiece of world art. More precisely, this is a series of five paintings united by the theme of playing cards. Three of them are variants of the same composition, where two people sit at a table and hold cards in their hands. Only the surroundings on all canvases are different. The other two paintings are also similar to each other. The difference is in the details. And here the artist depicted not excitement, but a routine, even sometimes it seems that the players are killing time. There is nothing to do, why not spread to the cards? Do the characters just have dull faces, or maybe they are immersed in a heavy thought?

“Before starting”. Degas

The French classic Edgar Degas was fond of horse racing, so it is not surprising that there are so many jockeys and horses in his paintings. For example, “Racehorses in front of the stands”, “At races in the countryside”, “Races in the field” and others. In my opinion, the most revealing painting by Degas on this topic is “Riders before the start”. The audience has already gathered, the jockeys in the saddles, the race will soon start. Men on horseback sit calmly and even with dignity. And in the heat of excitement, one must maintain undaunted fortitude, although it is known how dangerous horse racing was for jockeys. Big money on the hippodrome – big risk.

Soldiers playing cards and dice. De Boulogne

In Valentin de Boulogne, the theme of cards and games runs through a number of paintings. The plot of the painting “The Dodger” is reminiscent of the canvas “Rounders” by Caravaggio, which was discussed above. More than once, the French artist depicted fortune-tellers who are short-handed with cards. But our attention is riveted to the painting “Soldiers playing cards and dice.” Soldiers not engaged in their direct business indulge in gambling with passion and tension in their faces. One couple is playing cards, the other is throwing dice. The dynamism of what is happening is masterfully conveyed by de Boulogne.

The Card Players Lucas van Leyden

Lucas van Leyden, a painter from the beginning of the 16th century, plunges us even deeper into the abyss of centuries. And here people, driven by excitement, indulge in their favorite game of cards. Unbridled passions were not customary to convey in those days in painting, the faces on the canvas are concentrated and, as it were, pious. But the poorly hidden interest in the result of the game shows through in the faces full of languishing expectation. The artist hid, but could not hide their tension. Behind the outward decency are hidden emotions that need to be released. Game, excitement – and six centuries ago they also rule the ball.

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Some aren’t cut out for these skills; Skillhub will provide you with editors for your desired skill. We offer services from all over the world. For example, we have the best resume writers in Houston has to offer.

You can also find various blogs and articles on our website, like this one, discussing the benefits of being a good writer and editor, ways to improve your document revision and modification, criteria to filter different revisors, and covering the topic of ChatGPT.

Benefits of Being a Talented Writer

Writing’s slowly losing its importance. That’s why many benefits can come your way if you’re a good editor, for example. Being proficient gives you advantages like:

• You automatically become a better speaker. It improves your control and language awareness, which is essential for verbal communication. You will begin to stutter less and have a shorter response time since sentences will be easier to structure.
• Composing texts boosts your confidence and academic or career potential. You will gain more confidence, and with this confidence, you will have a chip on your shoulder regarding various achievements. You will always be evaluated higher by the people above you since they will treat you with respect. 
• Since fewer people read and lack grammatical effectiveness, you will stand out. Showing off your competence and ability in anything is great. The reputation will spread, and recruiters will look at you for various job openings.

Ways to Improve in Proofreading and Correcting

For a successfully written piece, it’s always intelligent to revise and change any mistakes if you can find any. If you’re unsure where errors lie even after multiple readings, try applying these small tricks to your method:

• Read your work out loud. Some aren’t visual learners but learn and notice things from listening to them. It takes little time. Monotonous passages are less likely to occur, especially in a resume, since you don’t want to bore your potential employer.
• Take a break between readings. First, take a rest between writing and editing. After that, revise the text multiple times and rest throughout the revising process. You could notice something you would never have before; you will have more energy and a clear mind.
• Create a routine. Routines will make it easier for you to revise since you’ll know the process by heart. It should be unique and work for you; you can try different suggestions from others but maintain accuracy.
• Differentiate effort based on the essential features. Apart from grammar, vary your concentration based on what is most vital. This tip will help you create your best work where it matters most. 
• Use different revising tools and professionals. Grammar and other helper tools are on the internet, so use them. Professional editors will be the best investment you can make regarding resume editing. You can get them for low Zety prices.

Criteria to Find the Right Editor for Your Needs

Since so many freelancers and full-time employees work in the same field, many options exist. It can be a hard decision for an enormous amount of people. You should always consider the fit of the client and professional first since experiences vary since people are different. A good decision-making process should include the following:

ChatGPT and AI Will Replace Human Writing and Editing

This hypothesis is wrong, and many people have said it’s incorrect. Both ordinary people on forums and professionals agree.  These are some of the reasons mentioned that suggest the statement in the title is wrong:

• AI is prone to plagiarizing. ChatGPT uses different content and merges it into your work. It hasn’t learned how to cite without mistakes. Insufficient citation leads to plagiarism. The robot does not know how our grammar works, so it’ll be lacking in many aspects.
• It’s not capable of keeping up with our creativity. The AI can do a decent job with small and straightforward tasks, but the more complex they get, the more is required, and the bigger the chance of failure.
• A common belief is that we will start working with ChatGPT and use it as a tool. A widespread Reddit belief is that we’ll begin working with it, analyzing it, and using it to our advantage. But, it’ll never eclipse humanity since no emotions or language features would be present. 
• A person on Reddit stated that ChatGPT has no idea of right and wrong. It’ll give you proper and incorrect answers without any difference. Someone might trust it too much, and be a little naive, which can lead to false information spread or wrong answers written.

Editing Problems 

• Many don’t have the will, motivation, or patience to go through their content again. You should always do it no matter the circumstance. Even if rest is needed before you do it, it doesn’t matter; you should still get it done. 
• Lack of error awareness. It isn’t an excuse if someone is too proud to admit they made a mistake or doesn’t see the error. With the amount of resume-writing services you have at your fingertips, it shouldn’t be a problem. Our services are affordable, and it’s not just us saying we have the best resume-writing service on the internet; various websites are saying it too. It’s no wonder we have several talented writers and editors like Perla Aroyo, with 4311 successful orders.

If you live in Houston, sign up at Skillhub for the best resume writers in Houston offers.

FAQ

1. Can I work with multiple editors at a time?

Yes, you can work with as many writers or editors as possible if you feel that will result in the best product. Hiring a large number can come with a hefty price tag. But hiring, for example, two writers can provide you with options.

2. How do I ask for a resume sample?

Be honest, and ask if you want to see some previous work, to decide whether you are happy with your decision. Another way is to give the professional a task; once the job’s finished, check it out and decide if you like it.

3. Are Skillhub services location dependent?

No, it may affect turnaround time because of different time zones, etc. Anyone with a computer can access us since our website is simple to find. It’s also easy to navigate so that no one would have trouble.

Works Cited

1. “Zety Resume Builder Reviews & Order | Top-Resume-Reviews.”.
2. “Houston Resume Writing Services | Skillhub.” Skillhub.com.
3. CWang. Will ChatGPT Kill the Student Essay? – Universities Aren’t Ready for the Answer AI Is Here to Stay. It’s up to Educators to Articulate Why Writing Still Matters. 25 Mar. 2023.
4. “7 Text Editing and Proofreading Techniques for Blog Owners.” Tech News Tube.
5. Market Trends. “Can AI Writing Tools Replace a Professional Essay Writer?” Analytics Insight, 21 Dec. 2021.
6. “5 Ways How Being Great at Writing Helps You Starting from School – Dazzle Junction.” Dazzlejunction.com.
7. “Top 10 Best Professional Resume Writing Services.” The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com.

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Henri Rousseau

The future artist and one of the most influential representatives of primitivism was born into the family of a plumber in the French town of Laval. After serving in the army, Henri got a job at the local customs office, where he worked as a simple clerk for much of his life. “Le Douanier” or “The Customs Officer” is the condescending nickname given by critics of this period to the naive self-taught artist. The modest, tenacious and talented Rousseau, having formed his own unique style, managed to gain recognition during his lifetime – his works were exhibited in the same exhibitions as paintings by Van Gogh, Matisse and Gauguin. Later Pablo Picasso acquired many paintings by Rousseau, some of which he bequeathed to the Louvre.

Paul Gauguin

A successful and wealthy stockbroker Paul Gauguin started his way in art collecting paintings by modern impressionist artists. Gradually gaining an understanding of painting, Gauguin tried his hand at the easel. In Gauguin’s spacious, comfortable apartments, much attention was given to the artist’s studio. Gradually, Paul distances himself from his main profession in favor of painting. Along with immersion in art, his financial problems grow. Friendship with artists Leval, Van Gogh, with whom Gauguin stayed and worked in Arles, and communication with other talented contemporaries become his only professional school. Driven by a desire to merge with nature and get away from civilization, Paul Gauguin goes to Tahiti and then to the Marquesas Islands, where he creates his most famous paintings.

Maurice Utrilo.

For a long time, the work of a self-taught master was not recognized by professional critics and gallery owners. The education of the young Utrilo was to observe the work of the great artists of Montmartre. The boy was given such an opportunity by his mother, the future artist, the beautiful Suzanne Valadon, who worked as a model who posed for such painters as Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Berthe Morioso and Degas. However, by the age of 30, Maurice Utrilo’s work gradually becomes in demand, and even later the artist becomes an international celebrity, receiving the Legion of Honor at age 42 for his contribution to French art, hardly regretting the lack of a diploma.

Maurice de Vlaminck.

The French landscape painter was born in 1876 and graduated only from music school as a violinist and cellist. The musician’s paintings don’t begin selling for the first time until he was 30, and before Morms’ major artistic success comes, he earns a living by giving private music lessons and performing in local salons and restaurants. Vlaminck later devotes himself entirely to painting and becomes one of the artists whose Fauvist paintings had a significant influence on the 20th century Impressionists.

Frida Kahlo

The legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was born in 1907 in the suburbs of Mexico City, later changing her year of birth to 1910, the date of the Mexican Revolution. She graduated from one of Mexico’s best educational institutions, the National Preparatory School, planning to study medicine in the future. After a serious accident, in which Frida was involved at the age of eighteen, the girl found herself bedridden for a year. It was during this period that she asked her parents to bring her brushes, canvases and paints. The novice artist’s first painting was a self-portrait, which for a long time determined the main direction of Frida’s work. Currently, Frida Kahlo is a truly iconic character of modern history, her rich biography has become the prototype of many works of literature and cinema.

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The sculpture, as the artist himself officially calls it, was first presented by the French gallery Perrotin at the Art Basel Miami Beach fair in December 2019.

The work has sold three times in a row for amounts ranging from $120,000 to $150,000, has become a worldwide sensation and an Internet meme hero. “The Comedian” attracted so much attention that it had to be removed from the gallery’s booth before the fair ended because of the enormous influx of viewers.

In September 2020, an anonymous benefactor donated Cattelan’s work to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Museum director Richard Armstrong has already joked that the work won’t be much of a burden on the repository. So far, the inclusion of the work in the exhibition of the museum is out of the question. Nevertheless, museum directors noted that the museum has accepted the gift with gratitude, since the Cattelan object is undoubtedly part of the recent history of contemporary culture as a whole. The museum director also recalled the importance of the artist’s living connection to modern art history.

Sources at the Guggenheim Museum told us that in fact the gift is a certificate of authenticity and an impressive instruction manual explaining how the exhibit should be mounted and displayed. Neither the banana nor even the very scotch used in the Miami exhibit includes the case. If the Comedian is to be exhibited, it will most likely be in one of the museum’s temporary exhibitions, and the fruit used will be disposed of periodically.

Heir to an industrial empire, Swiss-born collector and philanthropist Solomon Guggenheim founded the museum of the same name in New York in 1937. Today, the museum is one of the most fundamental and popular contemporary art collections in the world.

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The artist’s biography has been repeatedly rewritten, and is also accompanied by speculation and legends, which are often refuted or questioned by researchers. The sources of false rumors often turned out to be gallery owners and art dealers who sought to fuel interest in the artist’s paintings by substituting and exaggerating biographical facts.

For example, contrary to the legend of the only painting sold during his lifetime, to date, documented at least 14 successful transactions related to the work of the master. Naturally, the artist actually sold many more paintings, not to mention the fact that for some time Van Gogh himself was a professional dealer of paintings.

We’ve collected the titles of several works that are quite rarely shown to the general public, including early Van Gogh paintings in which the handwriting of the future master is easily discernible:

• Vincent van Gogh, Roofs. A View from the Studio”, 1882
• Vincent van Gogh, A Trimmed Willow Tree, 1882.
• Vincent van Gogh, A Meadow in the Mountains of Le Mas de Saint-Paul, 1889
• Vincent van Gogh, A View of the Roofs of Paris, 1886.
• Vincent van Gogh, The Garden of Dobigny, 1890.
• Vincent van Gogh, Still Life with a Bible, 1885
• Vincent van Gogh, Landscape under a Stormy Sky, 1888
• Vincent van Gogh, “Girl in White in the Woods,” 1882.
• Vincent van Gogh, “Exterior of a Restaurant on Agnère,” 1887.

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“Work Without Authorship” (Werk ohne Autor) / 2018, Germany

The names of the main characters are fictional, but as the plot progresses, it becomes clear that the film’s story is based on the biography of the now living German painter Gerhard Richter. The 88-year-old painter did not appreciate the film, yet the fascinating story, which tells of life, love and creativity against the backdrop of Nazism, escape from East Germany, encounter with the realities of Western modern art and worldwide recognition, coupled with good camerawork and a touching soundtrack, makes the film a beautiful and meaning-filled stor”Gauguin. In Search of Paradise,” in some translations “Savage” (Gauguin – Voyage de Tahiti) / 2017, France

A pictorial film biography about the famous French painter, played by Vincent Cassel. The plot describes the period when Gauguin leaves the bohemian life of Paris for Tahiti, where he meets a local girl – a beautiful islander Techura, who would later become the heroine of many now famous paintings of the artist.

“Genius: Picasso” / 2018, USA

The second season of the acclaimed National Geographic project “Geniuses” colorfully narrates the biography of Pablo Picasso, played by Antonio Banderas. For ten episodes, the viewer observes all the main events of the rich life of the legendary Spaniard – from enrollment in art school and youth to death. Along with the biography of the artist, the viewer contemplates the historical events of the twentieth century, as well as the great contemporaries of Picasso – Ernest Hemingway, Jean Cocteau, Marc Chagall.

“The Final Portrait / 2017, UK, USA

In 1964, two years before his death, the famous sculptor Alberto Giacometti (Geoffrey Rush) begins working on a portrait of his friend, the young and popular American critic James Lord (Armie Hammer). The film may seem to have almost no plot, but the fresh atmosphere of Paris and the brilliant dialogues about life, art and painting make you want to watch the Oscar-nominated film to the end.

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Pablo Picasso, Picador, 1889.

Impressed by a bullfight, eight-year-old Pablo Picasso created his earliest surviving painting. The young artist painted from an early age. Many people also know his Portrait of his Mother, painted at the age of 13.

Michelangelo, “The Torture of St. Anthony,” 1487

By far the most expensive work of art created by a child. The earliest surviving work by Michelangelo. In July 2008 the painting was sold at an auction at Sotheby’s for 2 million dollars. At the time of the painting, the 12-year-old Michelangelo was studying in the studio of Domenico Ghirlandaio.

Salvador Dali, “Landscape near Figueres,” 1910

The 6-year-old Salvador painted this landscape on a postcard. The layer of oil paint is so thin that the postcard design figures show through the painting.

Paul Klee, Children’s Drawing of a Lady with an Umbrella 1873-1875.

One of the most prominent masters of the European avant-garde, after he had already graduated from art school, dissected his childhood sketches and picked out this particular pencil drawing. The artist systematically used this portrait, among others, created at the age of 4-6 years in his mature works, considering childish art especially valuable thanks to its sincerity and spontaneity.

Albrecht Dürer, self-portrait, 1484

Dürer’s work marked the formation of the Northern European self-portrait as an independent genre. The greatest master of the Western European Renaissance painted his first portrait while working in his father’s jewelry workshop and later studying under Michael Wolgemuth, the greatest artist of the time. Dürer created his self-portrait at the age of 13.

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