The National Gallery

1. Critique the logo

Is this just a typeface? After viewing the collection, would you propose a different typeface or a symbol?

When I see the logo for the National Gallery it really does just seem like a type face. It is simple sans serif black font that really doesn't make much of an impression. Despite its lack of originality, the typeface does fit in with the older, distinguished collection in the museum. If they are going to go with this simple font then I think it would have been better to make National larger then Gallery in this stacking format. Considering this is the national museum that seems like a much more important quality to emphasize. Not only is the museum located in such an amazing, historically important square but it also houses some of the most famous paintings and artists. It is unfortunate that they don't take advantage of these qualities when designing the logo.

2. Van Gogh

In your opinion, do the van Gogh paintings live up to their position in art history? Feel free to discuss: line quality, gestural brushwork, color, mood, subject matter, etc. You may also feel free to compare and contrast two van Gogh paintings (to elaborate on your level of engagement).

I wasn't sure how I would feel about van Gogh's paintings, when I initially saw them I wasn't all that impressed to be honest. They had wonderful color but I saw similar beauty in Monet's paintings and others. But the more I observed the more I began to understand and enjoy his work. The colors in sunflowers was really beautiful and the texture on the flowers was really interesting and unique. I really liked that they had all this paintings together so the viewers are able to compare his changing styles as he is influenced by Impressionism and post-impressionism.

This change, especially in the brushstrokes and overall look was evident when we looked at Sunflowers compared to A Wheatfield with Cypresses. The brushstrokes and images are a lot more fluid then in Sunflowers which tended to be more exact and pinpointed, focused on the exaggerated texture.

3. Object of Desire

What object from the collection would be suitable for your future home? Describe the characteristics that make this both a desirable work of art –and suitable for your future penthouse, cottage, log cabin, trailer… Please provide artist name and title.

My object of desire is a painting called La Ferte by Richard Parkes Bonington (1825). It is a sketch done of the Picardy Coast in France and painted by Bonington who did a lot of work on coast scenes. I love that this was painted on the spot. It makes it even more interesting how spontaneous it was and it really feels like the painting captured a moment. Looking at it iI feel serene and calm. I can almost smell the salty air, feel the breeze and the sand under my toes. The painting is well balanced with the boats on both sides and the similar coloring of the clouds and the water create a soothing harmony.

4. Gallery / Display

The National Gallery has the brightest palette of wall color thus far from our museum visits. Do these colors enhance or interfere from the displays? Do you prefer the minimal palette of the Tate Modern in comparison?

I personally prefer the white washed wall and minimalist style of the Tate Modern and other museums we have visited. Although I did enjoy the ornate frames that many of the pieces were held in. I thought they really maintained and enhanced the beauty and often gold colors of the paintings. On that note although I did not like the bright colors of the walls they did, on occasion, bring out the colors in the paintings. For example most of the paintings hanging in the purple room had accents of purple in them and colors which go along well with purple such as deep greens. Overall, and especially for the simpler paintings or ones of scenery white walls would have been a better choice and allowed more appreciation and less distraction.

5. Exploitation / Merchandising?

Does the use of objects from the collection to create merchandise such as handbags, umbrellas, and t-shirts diminish the original work of art? Are certain forms of merchandising more acceptable –and if so what are those forms –postcards and posters?

I don't think using objects from the collection to create merchandise diminishes the art. Being able to buy a print of the paintings or even seeing it on a shirt makes the art more accessible for everyone. Seeing them on postcards and posters is no different then looking it up on the internet, which is available to almost everyone.People should be able to enjoy art without being in the museum and it even brings awareness to the artists and painting that people might not even know exist. Plus, like a play or a movie nothing takes away from the unique experience of seeing the object or going to the play in person. You can see artwork on an umbrella but you have to go to the museum to actually get the full effect. I did not personally like the little dolls of the artists, I thought that could be a little disrespectful and overall just creepy. I think posters and postcards can be a better way of recreating the art because it shows it fully which maintains the characteristics and integrity of original piece of art.

6. Object of appreciation

Provide a short description of your favorite object from the collections? Please provide label information such as name, date, origin, etc. Why would you return to this object for greater contemplation?

My object of appreciation is The Virgin and Child with St Anne and St John the Baptist by Leonardo da Vinci created around 1499-1500. It was created with charcoal, and black and white chalk on a few pieces of paper all glued together. It is believed that is it a cartoon for a painting. I didn't understand this idea but its interesting because as much as I walk around and admire the art work I don't always reflect on how it was drawn in the first place. I did not realize there was such detailed sketching before hand. I love looking at leonardo da Vinci's work, especially his drawings on human anatomy. This seemed similar because it is a sketch. I think I even like his sketches more then his paintings because of the shading, and softness of the drawing.