Peter Phillips, Lion versus Eagle, Oil and collage on canvas, 1962, h: 82.68 x w: 59.06 in
Rosalyn Drexler, The Defender, Acrylic and paer collage on canvas, 1963, 40" X 50"

Derek Boshier, The Dinner Party, Arcylic on paper, 2007, 46" X 72"

Sercan Sahin, Glass Dreams, Mixed, prints on paper, 1996, 22" X 30"

Peter Max, Songs of the Beatles, 1995, 30" x 20"

1. Explain what it is you like about these 5 artworks (elements/common threads).
These 5 prominent artworks consist of great color combinations and include depth details. Moreover, the balance texture of color and the expertise quality painting techniques are just eye catching.

2. What is it that these elements are expressing?There are numerous interesting elements that these 5 artworks are expressing. Firstly, the artwork by Peter Max expresses a great deal of content. Just by looking at the audience gains a sensation of joyfulness and comfort (more here). Although the second piece does not include various colors as the rest, it expresses an emotion of satisfaction and clam. The print of the little paper boat gives a sense of calm and relaxation, while on the other hand, the two faces show no expression, but an expression of calmness. The third piece, which is probably my favorite, is really interesting. The combination of animal heads with a human bodies and just the random fishbowl as a head, expresses an element of cooperation. Although each character is different in various ways, all the character shows no expression of anger or judgment. The characters seem to be comfortable with each other and what enjoy each other company. The first and the second piece seem to share the same quality of elements. Both pieces expresses a sense of defense and patriotism but at the same time the bright background color illustrates a content feeling. It makes the artwork comfortable to look at as an audience and easy to approach.

3. How could you take some of these strategies and apply them to your own work -- either in terms of media, formal qualities, and/or theme?
As seen in my pervious artworks, I have tried to fill my background with bright colors to express a feeling of calmness. However, some strategies I could apply to my own work would be the balance of the color and the texture of color I apply on my artwork. I have found it difficult to find the right colors to fill my background but this has definitely given me a better understanding. Moreover, in terms media or theme this art pieces has widen my ideas on what I could possibly illustrate on my future work. I thought have painting all my artwork but seeing the prints has definitely changed my mind.

Part 3: Artist In-Depth
3. Choose one artist and research what has influenced his or her work. If the artist is alive and has a website you should look at what they've written about their work. If the artist is not contemporary, then research what others have written about this artist.
From the five artists, Peter Max was definitely the most interesting. He’s work is eye catching, bright and colorful. In his website he quoted “When I approach a canvas, the only thing I anticipate is being… surprised!” which is exactly what he illustrates in his art pieces. Peter’s was influenced by his mother was a fashion designer. She left Peter at home with many art supplies such as watercolors, ink, pencils, crayons etc, which got Peter interested. Peter’s mother always told him “Choose any balcony and medium, make a big mess and we’ll clean up after you” with constant encouragement from his family Peter continued to produce art. Later in his life while Peter was visiting Mt. Camel Observatory, he was fascinated with astronomy and his parents instantly enrolled him into evening classes. Peter then began studying astronomy and art concurrently, which is why we still see many astronomy theme conveyed in his artworks. During the 1960s, Peter began studying in Manhattan under his teacher Frank Reilly who was a realistic painter. Peter quoted “Reilly was a great technician, he was scientist of light and shadow…” he was influenced by Reilly and spent weekends taking classes at 8am and 8pm. Peter influenced by Reilly also quoted “It gave me the gift of observation”.