Baroque Period

The Baroque is a period of artistic style that focuses on the effective depiction of motion and details. It is as if its goal is to effectively put images and paintings into action by applying techniques and styles that will enhance it as a whole. This period began in Rome, Italy and spread to most parts of Europe. Baroque is a word derived from the Portuguese word, Barraco, meaning "unregularly shaped pearl". It gave birth to most treasured pearls of Western Arts. This Period is basically known and recognized by the presence of 5 elements, namely: Motion, Space, Concept of time, use of light and drama or theatricality. It was a very vivid picture of how eager artists are to produce more realistic and dramatic artworks that would define the western arts. For me, the most striking characteristic of Baroque Art is the way artists tend to give motion and emotions to their piece of art. They really paid attention in putting details that surely did contributed a lot to make their goal a success.

The image above is the portrait entitled "Las Meninas" by Diego Velasquez. For me, this masterpiece is beyond amazing. Ironic, isn't it? The painter is supposed to paint the picture of the princess, yet, he preferred to paint the whole scenario of the princess' preparation. The painter gave us a chance to see the picture as if we are exactly there. Like we are actually part of that special day. I was amazed when I first learned about this and made me salute the artist even more for he really did a very realistic, captivating and stunning masterpiece. Baroque art, as I see it, is relevant to the present expression of art in a way that they both aim to be convincing. There are intricate details and the techniques used are highly anticipated. Even in the presence of modern technology such as photography, modern art still aims to be as realistic as it should be in any way possible.

Baroque art influenced me as a young artist because it opened my eyes into so much more possibilities. Imagine, I learned that moving pictures are not only possible inside Harry Potter's realm, but with imagination, motion can also be applied in paintings and sculptures. Because of the richness of talent, perseverance and dedication of the people of France, it replaced Rome as the center of art in the world. Because of this, the world was more exposed to new and continually growing innovations in the field of arts. It goes to show how blessed we are to be able to do such amazing works. As a student, I think Baroque arts influenced me by convincing me that anything is possible. Things or situations may be harsh sometimes, but there is hope. If we really have the heart to succeed and we have faith that we will, then it is possible. Baroque art opened my mind that hard work really does pay off.

Rebirth

The word Renaissance is a French word meaning new birth, a name given to the movement in Europe. For me, I think this particular era is one of the most influential period in the history of arts. Why? Because it was the rebirth of the classical art. Paintings during this era was full of symbolism. Subject of the artworks were not limited to Christianity, but it revolved around different point of artistry. Different artists have their own special way to convey their creativity. Although the Renaissance saw revolutions in many intellectual pursuits, as wells as social and political upheaval, it is perhaps best known for its artistic developments and contributions of such artists as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who inspires the term "Renaissance Man".

Humanism was the defining intellectual movement of the Renaissance. It was based on the belief that the literary, scientific, and philosophical works of ancient Greece and Rome provided the best guides for learning and living. And humanists believes that the New Testament and early Christian authors offered the best spiritual advice. The life and work of Leonardo da Vinci is highlighted as one of the most important people of the Renaissance period. Leonardo da Vinci was to further perfect the aspects of pictorial art that had preoccupied artists of the Early Renaissance, in a lifetime of studying and recording his observations of the natural world. His adoption of oil paint as his primary media meant that he could depict light and its effects on the landscape and objects more naturally and with greater dramatic effect than anyone had ever done before, as demonstrated in the Mona Lisa.

For me, Renaissance art influenced me because of the styles and techniques that the artists used in their paintings really did have a great atmospheric appeal to these artworks. Their masterpiece serves as an undying piece of inspiration for artists around the globe. The use of light and shadows that definitely created a huge impact on these paintings are highly appreciated by the modern generation  Their artworks are simple, yet it conveys large and meaningful messages to its viewers. Someday, I would want to create my very own masterpiece that would connect to the personal feelings and emotions of its viewers. I want to inspire other artists as well through crafting every single resources I have.

The Renaissance is studded by the names of the artists and architects, with their creations recorded as great historical events. - Arthur Ericson

Christian Art

Christian Art plays a very vital role in my life. Why? Because I am a catholic. A daughter of God. My faith molds me into someone I am right now. Because of my faith, I was able to accomplish tasks beyond my expectations. Early Christian art covers a lot of history about Christianity. Before, Christians are slaughtered and murdered because of what they believe. But in spite of this, in spite of being hated and hunted down, they still found courage and strength in prayers. They hid underground through chambers called the cubicula. These were small chapels where early Christians worshiped and prayed for their dead. There are certain artworks that can be seen in Catacombs such as the Good Shepherd in the catacomb of Saints in Rome. Good thing Constantine abolished the rule of forbidding the Christians to live. The Christians adopted the Roman Architecture in building churches and basilicas.

It was amazing to know how carefully planned Cathedrals are. There are parts of it that have a specific function. A church, in the other hand, is a building in which the public sacrifice of the Mass takes place. It is headed by the Priest. Here in the Philippines, there are Churches like the one above, the Binondo Church that are considered a heritage and historical in our history. They played an important role during the times of war because it is here in these churches where people his themselves and their families to avoid the shoot outs. These churches are still highly anticipated in our country, perhaps because most of us are Christians. These Churches signifies the strength of the people in times of disastrous events that we experienced in the past.

Nothing beats the strength prayer gives. It is our way to communicate with our savior. Christian art depicts how rich Christianity is. There are artworks lent to represent how people value their religion. Christian art affects my style in making art by inspiring me to offer everything I do to our God. Without Him, I would be nothing, well, we would be nothing. Given this unique talent in art makes me so thankful. That is why I'll make sure to develop it further so that I can share it to others across the country and across the world. It was great to actually know how artists devote themselves to their beliefs. Their creativity was evident in spectacular churches, basilicas and catacombs.

Time Travel

The Ancient Art is probably one of the greatest treasures in history. By these artworks, we were able to visualize and fancy how rich their culture is. It doesn't only depict the natural creativity of men, but it also depicts their lives before. The things they do to survive, how they hunt, how they organize a government and how they learn to be more civilized men after some time were shown in their cave paintings and sculptures. They were the ones who pioneered art. Because of them, art was given importance and value. Prehistoric Art showed us how brilliantly gifted people are. As early as the stone age, people from the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic age were able to paint on walls and carve figures of animals, humans and gods and goddesses. They even originated architecture through the construction of the Stonehenge located in the United Kingdom. Different races of men have their own beliefs and customs. Egyptians believe in reincarnation or afterlife. That is why they built tombs and pyramids for their pharaohs in belief that they will go back to life. Today, the great pyramids of Egypt are exceptionally adored by different people across the globe. Come to think of it, the Egyptians were able to engineer perfectly shaped pyramids  in the absence of modern technology. Sumerians had their own system of writing called cuneiform. Architecture was nourished through the construction of different temples and palaces. Ancient Art basically is a creative way of portraying the history of people because they used art to represent their traditions, beliefs and their everyday life.

The Classical Art revolved around humans because Greeks believe that the human beings were the center of the universe. During this time, the people discovered geometry or the use of shapes in representing the subjects of their artworks. They used art to draw the daily life of the people during that era. In Dipylon vases, a burial procession was painted. They used these Dipylon Vases as mark or tombstones for the dead. Greek Pottery also showed us that during that time, women were into pottery, basketry and weaving. Jars were built in a delicate manner to ensure its quality and then these jars were painted with scenarios of their daily lives. Architecture was enhanced. They were the ones who developed an architectural format which was used as the basis in building temples. In fact, there are three styles of orders namely the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian Order. These styles can be seen in their temples just like the temple of Athena in Parthenon. The classical period aimed to narrate the victory of the Greeks over the Persians at Salamis. The Sculptures show movements as seen in the Diskolobos sculpture. It is as if the sculptures really move. In this era, what I admire most is the development of architecture. The temples were perfectly built in recognition of the Greek Gods and Goddesses. I dream to step into those temples one day. I want to personally see how magnificent classical art is. 

Knowing such facts about Ancient and Classical art made me want to go back in time. These works of art are far beyond amazing. Because of these, history was made. It clearly showed people how impossible things can happen through art. Doing realistic art is difficult. It needs to have a lot of details for it to look more realistic to the viewers. That is why I admire these two eras for they showed an exceptional style that helped us figure out how they lived back in their time.  It showed how far we can achieve if we pursue and work hard for something. This facts only show us that art is limitless. It is everywhere. We can be artists in our own ways. Doing artworks inspired by these eras will be challenging. It'll be difficult. But if we really want to, we can. They did and so are we. If we really have the passion, then we can be great artists just like them. These eras influenced and convinced me that art has a more broader meaning than just stoke of colorful lines. These periods were the foundation of the creativity and innovation. These artworks truly are priceless treasures of time.