Color, Line, Shape, Rhythm in teh Arts Spring 2000

The following postings are a transcript of students' responses to our unit on the elements of art. Students were required to analyze three paintings, two by Raphael and one by Picasso, and then to write a poem whose rhythm and meter served to express the emotions created by one of these paintings. Students also had to explain their reasoning. Student postings have not been edited in any way.

The assignment:

Article No. 3: posted by Deborah Vess on Wed, Jan. 26, 2000, 16:50 Subject: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts includes attachment

Look at these paintings by Raphael(first and second attachments: The Alba Madonna and The School of Athens). Choose one, and discuss its use of color, line, and shape. How does this painting have a rhythm, and are the rhythms different in the two paintings? Why or why not? (think about the movement of the work, to where your eye goes, what draws your attention, and why as examples of rhythm). Now look at the painting by Picasso (third attachment), and describe its use pof color, line, shape, and rhythm. Does this painting covery a different rhythm and tone than the others? Why or why not? Finally, choose one of these paintings. Think about what you said was its use of color, line, shape, and rhythm and think about what feelings or thoughts this painting produces in you. Write a SHORT poem which expresses those feelings, and choose a meter or combination of meters which will express those emotions best. For example, if a painting produces feelings of anxiety and disorder, you might use a combination of a lot of different meters and irregular line lengths. Try to explain why you constructed your poem in this way. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Article No. 11: [Branch from no. 3] posted by student 31 on Tue, Feb. 1, 2000, 10:48 Subject: re: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

The School of Athens is very rich in color and the lines are very smooth and they direct your eye to the center of the two men standing in the walkway. The vivid colors are used mostly on the people who are standing around while the walls are painted a nuetral color, not making them as apparent as the people. The blue of the sky is emphasized and it seems to represent heaven. The lines are very smooth and subtle giving a rhythm of flowing and gentleness. In the Picasso picture it is very busy making the viewer feel a little uneasy because you can't focus on one point.

Poem:

The river babbles as the water flows over the rocks.

Squirrels run and birds chirp,

but only the sound of the wind knocks.

Quiet and peace surround nature at work.

This poem means that the painting of The School Of Athens gives a feeling of being relaxed and it reminds me of nature because of the blue peaceful sky.

Article No. 19: [Branch from no. 3] posted by student 34 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 17:58 Subject: re: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

The School of Athens uses a variety of colors. The painting has dark colors mixed with light colors. In the painting there are very few spaces. It also consist of several shapes. It looks like the shape of the equidistant is in the floor. Raphael uses several rectangles and squares in the columns and other furniture.The lines in the painting give you a sense of movement. It has rhythm, because everyone seems to busy doing something different simultaneously. Someone is reading ,lying on the steps, meditating, and other people look like they are walking and talking.

The rhythm in this painting is different from Alba Madonna, because in that painting there is a sense of tranquility. One baby is staring in Madonna's eyes and the other is looking away. I don't feel a since of movement with this painting.

Picasso painting is quite unusual. He uses no distinct form everything just seems thrown on the canvas. This painting uses dark colors for the background and light colors to show the affects. He uses several shapes such as the square, triangle,and the circle or oval. The lines of the painting are straight, curved, and wavy. This painting has a fast rhythm to me. Everything in the painting looks like it is 3-D. It has human parts mixed with animal body parts how disgusting to think we could have been born that way. The tone seem to be in minor mode because it has dark colors and gives me this dark scary feeling just from the sight of it. III.

Do you know what I am?

Am I a man or a bull?

If I told you what's my name?

You wouldn't believe me and call me a fool?

I like dark colors and different shapes?

I like to move around and can't stay in one place.

Article No. 21: [Branch from no. 3] posted by student 13 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 21:10 Subject: re: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

In The Alba Madonna, Raphael uses the complementary colors red and blue. He uses the red coloring in the center of the painting on the lady's shirt. Blue is used for the lady's skirt and shaw. The only other color he really uses is peach for the skin of the lady and two children. The line that I notice the most is where the sky meets the mountains in the background. This makes a horizontal line. Also, the baby on the lady's lap is reaching his hand out horizontally. The lines make the picture give a very calm feeling. This painting has a very distinct shape. A triangle is formed by the lady and two children. The triangle is a symbol of stability and growth. Raphael gave this painting a steady rhythm. The rhythm given off is almost tranquil. The movement is toward the baby's hand because the three people are looking at it. It looks as if they are leaning toward the hand of the baby. My eye goes toward the baby's hand. Picasso's painting has very dull colors which include black, brown, and white. The background is mainly the darker colors and the creatures are colored white. The line used is very sporadic because things are going everywhere. The shapes are very skewed which gives a confused feeling. The rhythm is very irregular. This painting conveys a different feeling because the other one was calm and peaceful. The colors and shapes especially show these differences.

Poem:

Mother holds her babe.

As he reaches for the azure sky, she watches him.

And wonders what he is reaching for?

Her first born, sitting along side his mother looks at his brother's gesture.

And wonders what he is reaching for?

Article No. 26: [Branch from no. 3] posted by student 3 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 22:53 Subject: re: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

The Alba Madonna used very light colors to give a relaxing feeling. Also, the circular shape made the painting flow together. The light blue used in the background made the painting peaceful. This was a painting that had a pleasant emotion due to color and the mountains in the background.

Oh Madonna, how relaxed are you?

Your peaceful ways and caring eyes help me relax.

The blue sky to relax me even more.

Article No. 51: [Branch from no. 3] posted by student 3 on Thu, Feb. 3, 2000, 20:27 Subject: re: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

The Picasso painting uses a variety of lines and shapes. The color in this painting made it seem depressing or down. The painting uses a shapes from the circle to the square. The lines in this painting cross over each other to make the painting seem "busy." The rhythm in this painting is quick, instead of peaceful as in Alba Madonna. The use of shape and line is obvious in the painting by Picasso. He does not use a wide variety of colors. He mainly uses color to outline the lines.

Article No. 47: posted by student 37 on Thu, Feb. 3, 2000, 15:46 Subject: Color, Lines, Shapes, and Rhythm of the Arts

In the painting "Albe Madonna" the color of the painting is very important to how people understand the meaning of the painting. The natural color used in the painting percieves a sense of calmness and peace. If the artist had used any different color the painting would not be a meaningful, or even looked at the same way. The mother and the two children are sitting in a triangular shape which sets a tone of stability. The circluar lines in the face give off a sense of wholeness. The rhythm of the painting is very flowing, it is all connected. Every person can have a different appeal to every painting, but the painter knows what is attractive to the eye. If anything in the painting had been different the painting would have a whole new meaning. The artist new the message he wanted to portray with this painting, and he used the colors, lines, shapes, and rhythm to make any person feel the same way. This painting gives me a sense of warmth and love, which is brought out by the color, lines, shapes, and rhythm of the painting.

Article No. 49: posted by student 37 on Thu, Feb. 3, 2000, 17:06 Subject: Color, Line, Shape Discussion & Poem

The second Raphael painting caught my eye right away. The use of color in this painting is very contrasting. The walls, steps, and ceiling are a light beige or brown color. Many of the people in the painting are wearing bright colors of orange, red, and blue. Others are wearing dark brown or other shadowed colors. Only three or four people are decorated in white. The neutral colors of the walls and ceiling make the people's bright colors stand out. The bright blue sky in the background also stands out against the neutral archways. The white clouds in the sky are very fluffy and appear to represent the heavens. There are many lines in the painting. Some are obvious drawn lines and others are assumed. The people standing side by side in the back are combined to make a clear horizontal line that stands out in the painting. The round archways and halls are very contrasting to the vertical lines of the walls and columns. There is a sense of movement in the painting because of the way the people are positioned. The natural rhythm is obvious to the onlooker. It's as if they were caught in time in the painting, like a photograph. The shapes are round and square. The squares painted on the floor really contrast the rest of the painting. The first painting suggests no movement at all. They mother and children look as though they were posing for a picture and remaining very still. The lines and colors contrast each other but do not reveal a sense of rhythm to me at all. I am drawn to the woman's shirt because it is such a bright color compared to the rest of the painting. The white eyes in the people also stand out. In Picasso's painting there are very few colors. It appears to be mostly black and white with some beige and brown. The lines are very direct and clear. There are many vertical, horizontal, and round lines. The use of diagnol lines also catches the attention of the looker. This painting appears to be vulgar to me with everything out of proportion. There appears to be no clear rhythm, just chaos among the characters in the painting. The other two paintings were extremely calming or serene. This painting is more active and exciting.

POEM: On the 2nd Raphael painting: "The School of Athens:

Attending school,

Like you and me,

They want to find,

What can they be? A

doctor, a scientist, an artist,

all appeal to the crowd.

They run to class,

There footsteps loud.

Article No. 48: posted by student 37 on Thu, Feb. 3, 2000, 16:42 Subject: Picasso's Third Attachment and Poem

In the Picasso painting, I get a sense of madness and confusion. The color is black and white, which does not appeal to many people. The lines are spirals which cause confusion. Eventhough the painting does not appeal to me, it maybe the most appealing form of art to someone else.

Help! Help!

My eyes drawn from one side of the painting to the other!

I am really not sure of what I am looking at!

Which way?

I really don't know!

Article No. 61: posted by student 11 on Sat, Feb. 5, 2000, 13:59 Subject: Color, lines, and shapes

Dr. Vess, I am sorry that mine is a little late, my internet was down yesterday. I choose to do the Madonna. This painting brings about peace and relaxation. Her red shirt is what caught my eye. The color of her shirt,red, represents some degree of power, while the color of her dress, blue, gives her a sense of peace. These two colors are complementary colors on the color wheel. The use of lines are also seen in this painting. There are horizontal, diagonal, and wavy lines in this painting. Although I think that more lines are used in the other painting. The colors in the other painting are also alot duller. I think that that painting conveys silent or less movement than the Madonna.

Poem

How peaceful do I feel.

As the wind blows by I feel a chill.

Relaxation overcomes my body.

am ready to give away all of my troubles.

Article No. 62: posted by student 11 on Sat, Feb. 5, 2000, 14:10 Subject: Response to Picasso's painting

When I looked at Picasso's painting, different feeling came about me than when I looked at the other two paintings. I felt distractions in his paintings whereas in the other two I felt a sense of peace. Picasso used more wavy lines, which represent something that is unsettled. There was also a dramatic difference in the main two colors that he used- white and dark brown. The color white was really brought to my attention. The rhythm that I associated with this painting was stacato, or broken lines, which represents energy.

Article No. 30: [Branch from no. 3] posted by student 15 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 23:27 Subject: re: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

The School of Athens seems to be a very spacious painting. It shows men, all brighly dressed, and studying in a huge dome-shaped building. The first thing I notice about the painting is the huge space(high ceiling)above their heads. The painting depicts a feeling of much open space; this, perhaps, is to symbolize their minds being "opened" by knowledge. The roof is also round which could represent the wholeness that we aquire through learning. There is much going on in the painting--all of the men are busy conversing and such. The colors are vibrant and many among the men, but the background is a more neutral color--it draws attention the the men and the many different things that they are doing, while the background is one-colored. The main or obvious lines are in the setting around them. The lines in the stairs--stairs that lead up to the two central men (also the diagnal line made by the man on the stairs, pointing to the two men in the center. The other prominent lines are in the walls, going up. This too could draw attention to the lofty thought going on in the picture.The rythem is the hardest for me to discrible. it seems to be smooth in one sense because the background is so smooth, one-colored, and regal. On the other hand the many, many actions of the men give it a lot of life--there is a steady heart beat in the painting. Picasso's painting starkly contrasts the first. It's colors are simply black, white, and the few colors between. The shapes and line are very defined. They are hard and sharp--no smooth edges or curving ceilings here! He obviously wanted to portray something rough and sharp--chaos or distruction maybe. Its rythum is fast and hard--driving and violent! It is very different from the gentle painting of The School; there it was relativly calm and peaceful--Picasso did not want to do that at all with his.

hooF in tHroat!

death In arms--

pIErcing ligHt Through thE night!

chiCKen squalkS!

buLL won't Go--

thERe's yOur eye beneaTh my THigh!

Article No. 50: [Branch from no. 30] posted by student 2 on Thu, Feb. 3, 2000, 19:08 Subject: re: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

In the Alba Madonna, Raphael uses very vivid colors. He uses the complementary colors red and blue the most. The horizontal lines of the sky meeting the mountains gives a feeling of restfulness. The baby's arm is also positioned in a horizontal line. The shape of the painting itself is in a circle representing wholeness. The three people in the painting make up a triangle representing stability. When I first looked at the painting my eyes went directly toward the woman. The bright red in her shirt stood out immediately. Picasso's painting is very plain in color unlike the other paintings. He uses the colors black and white. The lines used gives the painting a busy feel. There are many curved and diagonal lines which implies an unstable feeling. This painting seemed very disturbing to me while the other painting made me feel at ease.

Poem:

Below the light a horse stands madly,

The people lying on the floor look so sadly,

Their eyes of rage tell it all,

And hopes that someone will come to their beckon call

Article No. 38: [Branch from no. 3] posted by student 24 on Thu, Feb. 3, 2000, 01:40 Subject: re: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

Raphael's School of Athens uses warm, neutral colors for the architectual structure. This allows you to focus your attention on the people's clothes consisting of complementary colors such as blue/orange and red/green. The blue and orange clothing draws your attention to the focal point of the painting; the two men. The architectural structure consist of both horizontal and vertical lines. The calming horizontal lines show the feeling of the people. The wavy lines at the top of the arches show a sense of energy towards the clouds which might be implying a type of energy above. The rhythm in this painting is very calm surronding the two men in the center of the painting. They are the focal point that everyone seems to be waiting to hear from. Picasso's painting is dark and created by a collage of different shapes. The combination of shapes and dark colors leaves you with an unsettled feeling unlike the other paintings. The rhythms of this painting could be compared to short, choppy notes implying unsettleness and confusion.

POEM:

I am soo stressed

I have a test,

I have to write a poem

Until I do I can not rest.

I wish this was a dream like in Picasso's painting,

much like them, I want to scream.

Article No. 53: [Branch from no. 3] posted by student 7 on Thu, Feb. 3, 2000, 21:17 Subject: re: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

When I examined the painting The Alba Modonna, by Raphael, the image of the body captured my eye. The lady sticks out in the painting because of her dress. The complentary colors, red and blue, helped the lady to stand out in the portrait. She seems as if she is the center and and most important part of the painting. The red in her dress gives her power, yet the blue color gives a calm and humble portrayal. This restful color is also depicted in the sky. The lines used in this painting include wavy lines, diagonal lines and horizontal lines. The wavy lines in her dress show that there is implied movement. The diagonal lines are found on her shoes. Although they are small, the diagonal lines represent an unstable and unsettling thought. Horizontal lines are shown with the horizon of the sky and the baby's arm. These horizontal lines along with the blue sky, project a restfulness feeling within the portrait. The first shape that stands out to me is the triangle. The children's head connect a line to the mother's head to give this triangular projection. This shape fits the painting perfectly since it means goals, dreams, and visions. The triangle shows self-discovery and revelation. The rhythm of this protrait seems calm and flowing. It seems very peaceful within this painting with little or no movement. The most projected object within The School of Athens was the arches above. These arches caught my eye when I glanced at the portrait. The colors projected in this painting are very dark and dull. Only a few outfits of the men stand out in the crowd. I believe Raphael used the colors blue, orange and red to liven up the painting. The other drab colors are normal for a temple scene because it is supposed to be very quiet and peaceful inside. This was a great projection of prayer. One line that I notice the most is the curve lines of the arches. Again, my eye wonders to the ceiling, looking towards the heaven, which is expected in a temple. Other lines that I see include wavy lines, vertical lines and also horizontal lines. The clothes of the men appear to be wrinkled with wavy lines showing this movement. I notice horizontal lines on the stairs and vertical lines used for pillars. One shape that I notice is the square which represents stability. To show this representation, a man is leaning on this shape. The rhythm in this painting is very busy. This portrait reminds me of Wall Street. The people appear to be moving at an abrupt pace. The third painting by Picasso seems plain but very busy. Since the use of color is limited, the portrait does not have much to look at. This sensation is definitely contrasted by the numersous shapes and images within the painting. The black and white colors are dull and boring. The hint of blue does liven up the picture some. The shapes in this painting are confusing. I see many circles, which depict an image of wholeness. These circles include curved lines which are used in many illusions within the portrait. I also notice a few straight lines which are used to represent strength, in my opinion. These lines appear to be very durable. The rhythm of this portrait is completely the opposite of The Alba Modonna, but like the rhythm of The School of Athens. The rhythm of this portrait is somewhat busy and full of motion. The Alba Modonna was very peaceful and calm. Poem: The beauty and hope in her present clutch, is warmed by the thought of her soothing touch. The children, so young and pure in life, will now gaze upon this world with nothing but strife.

Article No. 112: [Branch from no. 3] posted by student 22 on Fri, Feb. 18, 2000, 11:31 Subject: re: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

I chose the painting of the Madonna. In this painting, the color blue is used a lot. Blue depicts a feeling of stillness and love. This is appropriate besause Jesus depicts the same things. Also, there are diagonal lines that are implied. They are the ones that go from the Madonna's head to Jesus' head and back to John's head. These lines form a tight triangle. In art, the trianlge is a way of portraying stability. In picasso's painting line and shape are very evident. There are many lines that are curved-- like in the horse's head and the woman's head. There are straight lines like the ones that are vertical. This painting has a defintie rhythm. It is a fast paced one with a lot of vertical lines. As for color, black and white are complementary colors. They are meant to give contrast.

Article No. 16: posted by student 19 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 14:46 Subject: color, line, shape, and rhythm discussion 2-2-00

The Alba Madonna is a brilliant painting of a variety of color. The shades of reddish orange tints on her shirt and skirt caught my attention first. Sense red displays strength, it may be referring to her central purpose as a protector and caregiver to the children shown. The bold blue in the sky and dark blue cloth worn by her create tension against the other complementary colors. Blue is also a restful and relaxing hue. It is a most peaceful secen to see a mother with her offsspring, which may be the reason for the use of that color. The surrounding browns and greens are natural and serene colors. They are used to express the beauty of nature and growth of an environment. This painting also includes the use of many lines, especially diaganol and wavy lines. The mountains and greenery display wavy lines, which are used to imply motion. The erosion caused by wind caused the mountains to appear wavy and imperfect. The trees also produce an image of wavy lines, possibly to show depth and distance. The central image, the woman, shows the majority of the wavy lines. The material of her dress seems to be a little wrinkled and is draped akwardly. It displays that she may be moving toward the children. Implied lines are also quite apparent. The childrens' legs appear to be outline with a dark color, but actually are made from implied lines. Diagonal lines are present, also. The cross and the straps on her sandal seem diagonal. These make an unsettling and unstable effect. She is also leaning toward the children, producing an image that she, herself, is a diagonal line. The shapes are all imperfect and unordinary. However, the cross seems almost perfect as it's lines intersect at perfect ninety degree angles. This implys the greater power, christ, is perfect unlike other shapes. The baby's body is rounded, but not perfect just as humans are not. The shape of the mountains and trees are very unusual blobs almost, as they have no exact curve or line. The Abba Madonna was my choice to discuss because although it was unorderly and colorful, it was not nearly as unusual as The School of Athens. The Abba Madonna has a soft, flowing rhythm about it. There is a quiet and peaceful tune produced almost as if a subtle violin were playing in the background. The lines and use of color explain the rhythm the best. The fluid like movement of the woman's clothing is almost a set of musical notes on paper. It lays slightly wrinkled but comfortably drapes the curves of her body. The young children display purity and serenity. A peaceful tune is produced. However, the rhythm of The School of Athens seems like a much more fast paced and restless rhythm. The bariety of bright color mixed with the expressions on the faces of the people contrast each other, producing much confusion. The Tall, but narrow room full of people is unsettling and unstable. There are also lines of every sort everywhere (horizontal, vertical, wavy, diagonal). There is no sense of continuity. The height of the ceiling also caught my attention producing almost a metaphor for the painting. It keeps going up as the confusion of the picture never ends. The endless emotions and positioning of the people give it a nervous feeling like a wavy lines of notes, ranging from high to low pitches, on a line of music. I will post the third painting in a seperate posting.

Article No. 17: posted by student 10 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 16:35 Subject: color, line, shape, and rythm discussion

The Alba Madonna is a very nice painting which gives the on-looker a sense of peace and serenity. The use of color goes from a very soft, and smooth color (almost out of focus) in the background to better contrasted and sharper colors and images of a mother and two children up close. The deep blue in her dress offers a sense of stregnth in looking over her children. I believe the lack of sharpness in the background is to show the lack of importance and to center the eye on the more important characters. The shape used in the painting is dull and not very detailed, however the cross is almost perfect showing it's great importance to the mother and children. The lines used vary from wavy and flowing in the mountains and her dress to straight and precise in the cross. The rhythm is smooth and flowing and implied lines lead the eye to the cross, the central and most important element of this artwork.

Article No. 25: posted by student 20 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 22:51 Subject: Color, Lines, Shapes, & Rhythms

In the painting The Alba Madonna the main colors that are used are the primary colors: red and blue. There are lines used in this painting. I found diagonal lines which draw your attention to the cross in the baby's hand. The shapes that are visible are a triangle, the woman and the two child seem to be looking at the cross for a vision. I believe that the rhythm in The Alba Madonna is a long rhythm that calms and relaxes as you look at the painting. But in The School of Athens there seems to be a short rhythm that is choppy, that implies energy and movement from the surrounding people. In the Picasso painting the only colors used are blacks, whites and grays. There are many different lines shown in this painting: diagonal, curved, horizontal, etc. There seems to be alot of chaos in this painting because there is so much to look at and so much going on at once. There seems to be a combination of short and long rhythms.

Article No. 28: posted by student 20 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 22:57 Subject: Poem of Picasso's Painting Black and White

I feel the cows stare and the people's screams

My attention moves all over the page

Each shape has it's on meaning

Disorder and chaos

Article No. 29: posted by student 5 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 23:18 Subject: Color,line,shape and rhythm discussion.

Alba Madonna This painting contains many examples of color, line, and shape. The calm and peaceful mood of this picture is produced by the use of horizontal lines and earth tone colors that exist in the background. The landscape is flat with a slightly rolling mountain range. The soft blue sky creates a restful state of mind. The complementary colors, red and blue, that the Virgin Mary is wearing, symbolizes fertility and motherhood. If someone were to connect the eyes of the three figures, a diagonal line would be drawn. This implied line creates suspense. One could ask themself, "What are they looking at?" All three of the figures are looking at the cross in the baby's hand. A triangle is formed when the eyes are connected along with the cross. A triangle symbolizes goals, visions and dreams. A person could interpret this painting as being someone's goal to become closer to God. The rhythm of this painting draws attention to the cross that the three figures are looking at. Everyone's eyes are focused on the cross. The rhythm is revealing and follows the constant path of the triangle. Unlike The Alba Madonna, The School of Athens contains a flat, relaxed rhythm because of the horizontal lines that exist throughout the painting. Nothing seems to be revealed in this painting and the rhythm does not change. Picasso's painting is full of all types of shapes and lines. Also, it contains many faces that seem to have feelings of misery and pain. Picasso uses very few colors. The painting consists mostly of black and white with some shades of brown. These colors create depressed and insane emotions. The jumbled variations of color, line and shape probably symbolize that Picasso was going through a nervous breakdown. This painting does not have a definite rhythm. Unlike the other paintings, the rhythm here is constantly changing and it never repeats itself.

Poem:

I seriously doubt You can figure it out.

It don't make sense It creates suspense.

You say it's BAD I painted it MAD!

I wrote this poem about Picasso's painting. The poem describes the confused emotions people may feel while looking at it.

Article No. 31: posted by student 23 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 23:44 Subject: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

The painting "Alba Madonna" by Raphael has a very smooth look to it. The use of colors he has chosen has made the picture seem soft and pleasent to look at. There are no sharp lines in this painting, which makes it smooth. The most prodominant shape in the painting is a circle. It's rhythm is very slow, there is hardly any movement at all. The second painting "The School of Athens", is different from the first because it has a lot going on in the scene. In the "Alba Madonna" your eyes seem to draw attention to the cross the baby Jesus is holding. The painting by Picasso is very different from Raphael's. This painting is hard on the eyes. You can't seem to find a focus point. He uses all sorts of lines and shapes to make the painting seem wild and untamed. The colors are dark, but there is light in between. The color scheme seems to be lost. It is a very difficult painting to look at.

"The Wild Painting"

My eyes quiver for a loo

Center focus can not be found

Mind wondering around

Feeling lost, but hooked

Darkening picture fading away

Cool and collected with no sound

Screaming a meaning all but found

It will always be a stray

Article No. 32: posted by student 4 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 23:49 Subject: color,line.shape.rhythm

The painting by rapheal is quite interesting. The focus of the picture is definitely toward the baby in the middle which is supossed to be jesus. The child on the left and the mother on the right are facing toward the child ehich draws the observers attention directly toward the baby. There are many symbols such as the cross that jesus is holding which shows his faith. The color rapheal uses is sets you in a calm mood. The blue especially leaves you in the wondering state of mind. The painting is very good and lets the observer come to many conclusions as he views the painting. The painting by picasso is very different but many interpretations can be revealed from the work. The many shapes that picasso uses are incredible and the mood created is very depressing. The lack in variety of the color choices left the viewer in a depressing state. There is a head lying on the floor which symbolizes some type of death to the individual. I think this painting was intended to portray all the evil influences around us at all times.everywhere you turn there is something bad going on in this painting and this the same way the world is coming to today.

Oh black and white,

oh black and white h

ow it leaves us in a state of fright, T

he evil beings through our head,

makes us wonder,

alive or dead.

Article No. 53: [Branch from no. 3] posted by student 7 on Thu, Feb. 3, 2000, 21:17 Subject: re: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts Brooke Few

The most projected object within The School of Athens was the arches above. These arches caught my eye when I glanced at the portrait. The colors projected in this painting are very dark and dull. Only a few outfits of the men stand out in the crowd. I believe Raphael used the colors blue, orange and red to liven up the painting. The other drab colors are normal for a temple scene because it is supposed to be very quiet and peaceful inside. This was a great projection of prayer. One line that I notice the most is the curve lines of the arches. Again, my eye wonders to the ceiling, looking towards the heaven, which is expected in a temple. Other lines that I see include wavy lines, vertical lines and also horizontal lines. The clothes of the men appear to be wrinkled with wavy lines showing this movement. I notice horizontal lines on the stairs and vertical lines used for pillars. One shape that I notice is the square which represents stability. To show this representation, a man is leaning on this shape. The rhythm in this painting is very busy. This portrait reminds me of Wall Street. The people appear to be moving at an abrupt pace. The third painting by Picasso seems plain but very busy. Since the use of color is limited, the portrait does not have much to look at. This sensation is definitely contrasted by the numersous shapes and images within the painting. The black and white colors are dull and boring. The hint of blue does liven up the picture some. The shapes in this painting are confusing. I see many circles, which depict an image of wholeness. These circles include curved lines which are used in many illusions within the portrait. I also notice a few straight lines which are used to represent strength, in my opinion. These lines appear to be very durable. The rhythm of this portrait is completely the opposite of The Alba Modonna, but like the rhythm of The School of Athens. The rhythm of this portrait is somewhat busy and full of motion. The Alba Modonna was very peaceful and calm.

Poem: The beauty and hope in her present clutch,

is warmed by the thought of her soothing touch.

The children, so young and pure in life,

will now gaze upon this world with nothing but strife.

Article No. 112: [Branch from no. 3] posted by student 22 on Fri, Feb. 18, 2000, 11:31 Subject: re: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

Article No. 16: posted by student 19 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 14:46 Subject: color, line, shape, and rhythm discussion 2-2-00

The Abba Madonna was my choice to discuss because although it was unorderly and colorful, it was not nearly as unusual as The School of Athens. The Abba Madonna has a soft, flowing rhythm about it. There is a quiet and peaceful tune produced almost as if a subtle violin were playing in the background. The lines and use of color explain the rhythm the best. The fluid like movement of the woman's clothing is almost a set of musical notes on paper. It lays slightly wrinkled but comfortably drapes the curves of her body. The young children display purity and serenity. A peaceful tune is produced.

However, the rhythm of The School of Athens seems like a much more fast paced and restless rhythm. The bariety of bright color mixed with the expressions on the faces of the people contrast each other, producing much confusion. The Tall, but narrow room full of people is unsettling and unstable. There are also lines of every sort everywhere (horizontal, vertical, wavy, diagonal). There is no sense of continuity. The height of the ceiling also caught my attention producing almost a metaphor for the painting. It keeps going up as the confusion of the picture never ends. The endless emotions and positioning of the people give it a nervous feeling like a wavy lines of notes, ranging from high to low pitches, on a line of music. I will post the third painting in a seperate posting.

Article No. 17: posted by student 10 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 16:35 Subject: color, line, shape, and rythm discussion

Article No. 18: posted by student 10 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 16:52 Subject: Color Line Shape and Rythm of the Picasso Painting and Poem.

When I first saw this painting, my first thought was good lord was this guy insane?! He must have had millions of things running through his head. The color is dark and depressing using only black and white and some browns. There has to be at least one of every kind of line possible from straight to circular. The shape used is very abstract and imperfect, but this makes the painting extrordinarily interesting. The rhythm is very wild with feelings of anger, chaos, and confusion.

The POEM we were asked to write (i wrote this after looking at the picture and possibly what the artist was thinking so don't think I am insane):

The thoughts, they overfill my head;

They hurt, they confuse, sometimes they talk to me;

I want them to go away, I want them to leave;

I want them out, I want them out.

Article No. 23: posted by student 18 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 22:32 Subject: color line shape and art

The painting "The School of Athens" was painted by Raphel. This painting is full of action. There are many people in the painting but right off hand your eyes go to the guy standing in the middle, which i believe is Homer. The painting uses many shapes and lines. The people at the bottom of the stairs make triangle that goes the guy in the middle. Even though everyone is doing something different there seems to be no confustion. At the top of the painting there are arches that draw your eyes down to the people that are in a line and they draw your eyes toward the middle guy, Homer. Picasso This painting is, well, crazy. This painting has every shape and line imaginable and then more. The first thing that I noticed was the bull head. It is sort of suspended in the air and is very misfigured. The colors in the paintings are very gloomy. this painting made me feel very unconfortable. I could not understand what in the word was going on in this unique painting. The painting was very dark even though there is a light on in the painting. It seems as if the light would make the painter make the painting have a little more light and more colors.

I really dd not like thi painting at all but here is my poem.

my my was he high

why did all these people die

he has got to be mad

if not that is real sad

Article No. 24: posted by student 21 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 22:45 Subject: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

A.) Raphael's painting "Albe Madonna" is a very rich and interesting painting. He doesn't really use a wide variety of distinctive colors, but his color arrangement is very effective. The main color in the painting is blue, which is present on the lady, and red, which is on the lady's shirt. The use of line is interesting in this painting, because the only definate straight line is those that make up the cross. The meeting of the sky and mountains gives you a sense of a wavy line, and Raphael makes use of diagonal lines and all other types of lines. The shape of the painting is centered around the traingle that drawls your attention to the three figures. The central theme of the painting seems to be the cross which would symbolize it's importance, and is determined because the people are looking at the cross. His use of "dark" colors gives the painting a smooth feel to it, and it draws to the main focus of the paint, the figures and the cross. B.) In Picasso's painting, my first reaction was "wow, this is crazy." He uses every possible line imaginable, which compares to the other three paintings only because each uses each line. Picasso's painting is wild, and very unproportional. His use of sparadic lines doesn't give the painting a center figure. The rhythm is wild, and is far different from the other paintings, which gave you a sense of calmness. His shapes are going everywhere and there is no continuous feature that is present in the painting.

C.) Lots of colors, lots of shapes

Some have flavor, or soft as drapes

No sense or full of pride

It's dense but of a softer side

Article No. 25: posted by student 20 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 22:51 Subject: Color, Lines, Shapes, & Rhythms

Article No. 28: posted by student 20 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 22:57 Subject: Poem of Picasso's Painting Black and White

I feel the cows stare and the people's screams

My attention moves all over the page

Each shape has it's on meaning

Disorder and chaos

Article No. 29: posted by student 5 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 23:18 Subject: Color,line,shape and rhythm discussion.

Poem

I seriously doubt

You can figure it out.

It don't make sense

It creates suspense.

You say it's BAD

I painted it MAD!

I wrote this poem about Picasso's painting. The poem describes the confused emotions people may feel while looking at it.

Article No. 31: posted by student 23 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 23:44 Subject: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

"The Wild Painting"

My eyes quiver for a loo

Center focus can not be found

Mind wondering around

Feeling lost, but hooked

Darkening picture fading away

Cool and collected with no sound

Screaming a meaning all but found

It will always be a stray

Article No. 32: posted by student 4 on Wed, Feb. 2, 2000, 23:49 Subject: color,line.shape.rhythm

The painting by rapheal is quite interesting. The focus of the picture is definitely toward the baby in the middle which is supossed to be jesus. The child on the left and the mother on the right are facing toward the child ehich draws the observers attention directly toward the baby. There are many symbols such as the cross that jesus is holding which shows his faith. The color rapheal uses is sets you in a calm mood. The blue especially leaves you in the wondering state of mind. The painting is very good and lets the observer come to many conclusions as he views the painting. The painting by picasso is very different but many interpretations can be revealed from the work. The many shapes that picasso uses are incredible and the mood created is very depressing. The lack in variety of the color choices left the viewer in a depressing state. There is a head lying on the floor which symbolizes some type of death to the individual. I think this painting was intended to portray all the evil influences around us at all times. everywhere you turn there is something bad going on in this painting and this the same way the world is coming to today.

Oh black and white,

oh black and white how it leaves us in a state of fright,

The evil beings through our head,

makes us wonder, alive or dead.

Article No. 45: posted by student 27 on Thu, Feb. 3, 2000, 14:45 Subject: Color,lines, shapes, and rhythms in the arts

In the painting "Albe Madonna" many colors are used. The colors are browns, blues, and there is a small amount of red on the women's shirt. Blue is a soothing color, brown is a color that is associated with earthly tones, and red is a color that is catching to the eye. This painting very peaceful. It's main point is the top of the women's head. Her head is in the top of the triangle shape. The triangle shape represents stability. The circles in the painting makes the painting flow. This painting is a painting that is pleasant to look at. It is a calm, and peacful and has good color use to show the mood of the painting. it took a lot of thought and time to paint this painting. It was very well painted.

Article No. 46: posted by student 27 on Thu, Feb. 3, 2000, 14:56 Subject: POEM

My first inpression of Picasso's painting was: what in the heck was he thinking !!! The colors that he used are white and black. These colors represent dark, dreary, and a very depressing. The shpaes of this painting are not confined to one place. The shapes are everywhere, this makes the painting even more confusing than it already is. The use of lines are everywhere. The painting is hard to figure out. I wonder what was going through Picasso's head when he painted this painting.

POEM:

What is going on........

what in the world is going on?...

I am so confused......

everything is dark and dreary....

nothing is in the right place....

I am so confused....

Article No. 52: posted by student 14 on Thu, Feb. 3, 2000, 20:47 Subject: color, rythm þÿ

The school of Athens seems to be very peaceful painting. The first painting uses bright colors. These light colors make the painting seem spacious. The lines and shapes are very soft and pleasant looking The second painting also looks spacious because of the light and soft colors that were used. The people seem to be relaxed. I got that impression because the lines are very soft looking. The painting by Picasso has only a few colors. Picasso uses shocking shapes, the images appear hard because of this. The images also seem very bold, the seem to jump out at you.

Poem- on Picasso�s painting.

I hate I eat my bate.

When I bite they try to fight.

As they die I say goodbye.

As I eat my meal their skin will start to peal.

Article No. 54: posted by student 29 on Thu, Feb. 3, 2000, 23:03 Subject: Holly Story reaction

In Rapheal's painting, the Alba Madonna, he uses the complimentary colors red and blue. He uses red on the woman to exemplify how she has the power of the two children. Other colors used are calm soothing colors such as brown, moss green and soft white. These colors give the painting a very tranquil feeling. Another characteristic that adds to the calm feeling is the use of the triangle perspective so that the cross is in the center. It is obvious that the focus on the cross gives the people in the painting a feeling of peace. There are a variety of lines in the painting, such as horizontal, wavy, and diagonal. The horizontal lines used to form the sky allow the diagonal and wavy lines take the eye to the center of the trangle. The lines that compose her leg draw the eye towards the baby holding the cross. The rhythm in the picture seems soothing. The people are concentrated on the cross while sitting in an elegant position which appeals comfortable. The architecture is the main focus in the painting The School of Athens which differs extremely from the focus of the Alba Madonna. Since the focus is different, it gives the two paintings two totally different moods and rhythm. The rhythm of the School of Athens is irregular and does not appeal to me.

Poem: (referring to the Alba Madonna)

The Cross is in focus.

The Mother is in control.

The Mother controls the babies' thoughts....

Did she succeed the first time?

The other child in her arms, holding what she belives in....

It is her attempt to bring all of them together as one.

Article No. 55: posted by student 26 on Fri, Feb. 4, 2000, 12:50 Subject: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

I was attracted to the Alba Madonna simply because of the fact that it gave me a very peaceful feeling. The colors used are vibrant yet soft. I love the reds and blues put together. All of the colors used worked very well together. I think that was what attracted me the most. The lines and shapes are very soft, too. The figures aren't outlined in a sharp black, but almost a faded black and there are no sharp-edged shapes giving the painting a peaceful image. The rhythm in the painting is the direction in which the three figures are looking at the cross. Again the rhythm of the paointing gives it other calming and peacful qualities. The School of Athens was also painted with these soft, peaceful qualities and the rhythm in that piece was symmetrical, letting the viewer look at the whole painting and not focus totally on one aspect of it. The third painting by Picasso shows a totally different kind of rhythm. There are randomly placed geometric shapes that, in my opinion, give an uneasy feeling. I like the painting, but the colors aren't that attractive to me and it gives off an angry feeling. The lines and shapes are soft and there is not a sense of peacefulness at all.

Soft, Peace, Calm,

Sitting on the lap of Love.

Reaching, Leaning, Looking,

Under the blue sky above.

Article No. 56: posted by student 30 on Fri, Feb. 4, 2000, 13:24 Subject: color, line,shape, and rhythm

In the Alba Madonna, the mother was colored with red and blue. Whereas the children were bare. The first thing that caught my eye was the red on the mother's undershirt. To me, I guess I saw the mother first because she expresses her love for her children. But then I saw the cross. As if it is a symbol or meaning in the painting. The blue is very noticeable too. There are curved lines and then circles. I think the painting shows feeling. The mother's feeling for her children. I think the rhythm is soft and flowing. For the School of Athens I noticed the blue sky first. It has dull colors,and then the big sky. The people's clothes are colored, but they are so small that none really stand out. There were alot of straight lines and some oval. I think this painting shows the people going crazy, like kaos. It has some order in it. It is dull and the building is very big. The rythm I think is slow because of the colors, but then I think about the kaos and I think kind of choppy so I'm not sure. Picasso's painting was pure messiness. I noticed the bull's head first. There is no color and the pictures are all intertwined together. It makes me feel gloomy. There are alot of lines and it looks like there are alot of random shapes. This one to me really has no order or pattern. I think Picasso had too many feelings to express so he put them all together, like he was stressed out.

The feelings within me are that I am stessed,

depressed and being coherent less and less my feelings are running wild,

so my body is not nicely styled.

I feel like wild animals yearning to be free,

like daulphins in a tank just wanting to swim in the sea.

I can't break out so I'll just make my painting shout the feelings within me.

Article No. 63: posted by student 17 on Sun, Feb. 6, 2000, 12:34 Subject: Color, Line, Shape, and Rhythm in the Arts

The Alba Madonna has an excellent use of color, line and shape. The painting itself is in a cirle which portrays wholeness and eternity. The use of pink and almost a peachy color draws my attention to the dress and the blue gown that surrounded it, created a sense of strength. The wavy lines in the water, mountains and the sky purposes motion. This gives the painting a relaxed, calm feeling. The cross is a univeral symbol for Christianity and away from that it also represents an equal distance. However, to see a child carrying it around as a toy is very unique and captured my attention. I feel as though the entire painting created a feeling of an everlasting life. The paintings differ in some degree. They are both portraying a sense of a religion,yet one shows peacefulness and the other shows confusions. The School of Athens has people everywhere, and they all seem to be busy. It gives me a less peaceful feeling. The arch in the cathedral also captured my attention. Picasso This painting differs dramatically from the other two. It uses dark brown, green and black as its colors. This painting contains diagnol lines which create tension, energy, and confusion. I also noticed rectangles in this painting which are suppose to exemplify stability. However, I saw no stability unless it was the unpleasant sensation that was stable. This painting portrays distress or suffering. It just seems to be painful to me.

POEM:

Paintings reveal the spoken

without saying a word

they tell us thoughts of others

in hopes of our endeavors

their here for all to see

the wonderful work of the artist

whoever it may be

Rapheal's expresses tranquility

while Picasso likes confusion

I like them both without any dissolution

Article No. 94: posted by student 32 on Thu, Feb. 10, 2000, 22:50 Subject: Picasso

I am a fan of Picasso. I love the coloring. Picasso's paintings come to you. The figures are always visible even when they aren't directly shown. I am not really interested in the dark paintings. They make me think of pain and sorrow. The brightness of the other paintings speak of life. I feel excitement viewing the colorful paintings. Picasso's works are some of the greatest pieces of exhibited art. I consider Picasso an artist because of his use of color and expression brought on by his paintings.

Article No. 95: posted by student 32 on Thu, Feb. 10, 2000, 23:07 Subject: Picasso Poem

Like Father I take my pencil and paper

What do I see

Can I be

A talent like father.

I want to be known

For my expression of beauty

Meant for the eye to see.

I watch him day after day

At his canvas

Producing works of beauty

Later enjoyed by many.

I wonder if one day

I can be like father.

This is written about the picture of Claude.

Article No. 100: posted by student 16 on Tue, Feb. 15, 2000, 10:29 Subject: color, line, shape, texture, and rhythm

As you can see I am trying to catch up my work from when I was home sick and because of my computer problems. Sorry!!!!! Looking at the paintings the viewer can let their mind run free, deciding what each thing means. The colors of the painting were so vibrant with the blue's and red's and the other bright colors that catch your eye. This helps to bring attention to the painting from a distance. The next thing is the way the lines stick out. They form a boldness when you look at it making distinct areas for your eyes to follow. The shapes are what gives it it's own personal touch allowing your mind to run free. This painting is very abstract to the mind. It is unusual in a way but then again it is a person own way of expressoing themselves, although it seems a little crazy.

Article No. 101: posted by student 36 on Tue, Feb. 15, 2000, 14:10 Subject: Color, Line, Shape & Rhythm in the Arts

choose to write about The Alba Madonna by Raphael because the style of the picture is soothing. I really like this one. He used soft primary colors, blue and red. The lines I noticed in the painting were mostly diagonal. All of the eyes are connecting to focus on the cross in the baby's hand. Obviously, there are also straight lines ( the Cross). The rhythm is long, because as I already stated, the poem gives a calm and relaxing feeling. The painting by Picasso is completely different from the Alba Madonna. Picasso uses only black, white and gray in this painting. There are a variety of lines ranging from straight to curved to diagonal. As there are a lot of lines there are a lot of shapes. Because of the colors and multiple lines and shapes the rhythm of this painting is havick. Looking at this picture it is very likly that one may feel distorted.

POEM: (brought about by looking at Picasso's painting)

Poem, Poem what can I say!?

maYbe about this craZZZy day?!

RUN RUN GO GO DO THIS DO THAT------

Just get it all done!!!!!

Article No. 116: posted by student 12 on Mon, Feb. 21, 2000, 18:44 Subject: color, line, and shape

I chose to look at the Madonna. This painting gives a sense of peace and relaxation. The first thing that caught my eye was the red skirt. The color red represents some degree of power, while the color of her dress, blue, gives her a sese of peace. These two colors are complementary on the color wheel. There are diagnol, horizontal, and wavy lines in this painting. Lines were used more in the other painting, but colr was more vibrant in this painting. The other painting coveys a sense of silence or less motion than the Madonna. Poem: Peace and relaxation takes over my soul. My whole body feels complete and whole.

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