Family Day this month focuses on art that is bold and vivid. People often use these two words to describe art. But what do they mean?
Bold:
- a person, action or idea showing an ability to take risks; confident and brave.
- a color or design having a strong or vivid appearance.
Vivid:
- producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind.
- a color that is intensely deep or bright.
Jack Youngerman, “Star II,” 1970. Acrylic on canvas. Private collection.
Jack Youngerman is an American artist who was born in St. Louis in 1926. His clean edges and bright colors explode on the canvas. When you look at “Star II” what do you notice? Does it remind you of anything? It is an example of abstract art. That means it does not try to show scenes or objects from the world. It shows something totally new.
Beverly Pepper (American, 1922 – 2020), “Ascension,” 2008. Cor-ten steel, 2nd in an edition of 3. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; Museum purchase with funds provided by Don and Susan Myers and the W. Newton Morris Charitable Foundation. GMOA 2010.292.
Beverly Pepper never thought of herself as a “female sculptor.” She just considered herself a sculptor. She said, “perhaps because I’m not in the art scene I don’t know I’m not supposed to be doing this!” When Pepper was making art in the 1950s it was rare for women to be recognized as important artists. On top of that, sculpture was traditionally made by men. Pepper ignored these expectations. She made massive, metal sculptures well into old age and was an important artist who influenced many people. Do you think her sculpture “Ascension” looks bold? Was her choice to be a sculptor bold? Why or why not? What is one bold thing you have done recently?
Kevin E. Cole (American, b. 1960), “Seeking Blessing I,” 2011. Mixed media on wood. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; Museum purchase with funds provided by Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson. GMOA 2020.13.
When Kevin Cole turned 18, he didn’t care about voting. His grandfather told him that African Americans had died for the right to vote. After that he registered to vote. He also began to create art inspired by Black Americans. His art is often about their struggle for equal rights as U.S. citizens. Now Cole is an art professor and mixed-media artist. His art features vivid colors and shapes that stand out.
Now it is your turn to create something bold and vivid using bright colors and cut-out shapes.
You’ll need the following supplies included in the art kit (or found at home *):
- bright colored paper
- black or white cardstock
- gluestick
- adhesive magnet
- scissors*
To make your bold and vivid magnet collage:
- Begin by looking at the different shapes and colors that Cole uses in his art.
- Choose colors and cut out shapes inspired by his work.
- When you have plenty of shapes, start gluing them to your cardstock.
- Keep adding shapes until you have a work of art that includes plenty of bold shapes and vivid colors.
- Attach the magnet to the back and hang on your fridge.
TIP: Once you have your shapes cut out, shift them around to experiment with where you want them before you glue them down.
We’d love your feedback! Please take a few minutes to complete a survey about this program.
Family Day art kits are sponsored by Lucy and Buddy Allen and the Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art.
