Gouache

The artwork is made by Jacob Lawrence in 1971 and was called Study for the Munich Olympic Games Poster. As i was researching the meaning of gouache i found an interesting fact about gouache on Wikepedia. "Gouache differs from watercolor in that the particles are larger, the ratio of pigment to water is much higher, and an additional, inert, white pigment such as chalk is also present. This makes gouache heavier and more opaque, with greater reflective qualities." And this type a material can make an image really pop at you if used properly. Lawrence in a lot of his work liked to depict history primarily African American history and the struggles they endured. Lawrence is one of the best known 20th-century African-American painters. To Lawrence, the most important characteristic was that his paints be water-based, which allowed him to work in his fast, direct manner.

Oil Paint

This art work was created by Jackson Pollock in 1953 and was called Blue Poles (det.). The qualities that make this specific piece unique is the colors used. They all seem to go together in a way that its not too over the top or blinding to the viewer. You have to add just the right amount of each color and also picking the right colors. Because i think anyone can throw paint on a canvas. But it takes a special artist to get the right amount to make it a masterpiece. Pollock was first introduced to this type of paint in 1936 at an experimental workshop in New York. This way of creating art defied convention. One influence on Pollock was the work of the artist Janet Sobel. The had similar types of theories on this type of work. And felt like he could relate to another artist, that was intrigued by this type of work. (Some of this coming from Wikepedia)

Water Color

Th art work was created by Emil Nolde between 1923 and 24' and was titled Ripe Hawthorns. The main quality in the piece is the water color and it it very prominent. With water color i feel like its a natural feeling, because colors easily fade when showing depth in the picture. And i feel because its partly water from the earth it gives it more of a real feeling, that people will notice especially when creating a natural work of art. Most people see paint as man made substance unless, but water color is straight to the point where even a novice would know.  I found some information about this artist on http://www.emil-nolde.com/, and learned many things. " A series of portrait studies marked the artists discovery of the watercolour. Nolde's first attempts in 1909 at painting in this technique on non-absorbent paper, leaving large areas of the paper uncovered and dispensing with contours, were quite revolutionary". He was an advocate of Nazi's in his era and was highly respected. But Adolf Hitler didn't like the as he called it modern art. Then proceeded in showing it at the degenerate art exhibit. And was told never to create anymore even for his personal joy, but he did and they were later called The Unpainted Pictures.

Etching

This art work is created by Rembrandt van Rijn and was made in c. 1654. This is titled Entombment; state I. This artists specialty is called etching which is the medium in this artwork as well as acid and wax used in his etchings. What this means is, its an intaglio printmaking process in which a metal plate coated with wax is drawn upon with a sharp tool down to the plate and then placed in acid bath. The acid eats into the plate where the lines have been drawn, the wax is removed, and then the plate is inked and printed. This coming from the glossary of the World Of Art book. He used this technique from 1626 to 1660, I believe in his work is if closely looked at a lot of his work is of sad faces and darker colors. Which I believe is in direct relationship of his personal tragedies and financial hard ships.

Collage

This piece of art is created by Jess in1983 and was titled A Gap in the Meal. The quality that makes this interesting artwork special is the collage factor. He inserted different backgrounds leaving only the original people in the last supper as far as the table goes most of that its over lapped too. He in his early years decided to separate from his family, that being the reason why he refers to himself as just Jess. He was also homo-sexual. Which might have been part of the reason why he does collages. I believe he had a pretty good life , but there where parts where it was a struggle being gay and obviously home problems enough to drop his last name and being discharged from the army. So he probably wanted too remember the good parts and forget the rough by doing a collage on his life. And from that I believe he was inspired by this form of art and he never looked back.

Wood Engraving

This work is created by Albrecht Durer in 1511 and is called Print. Adoration of the Magi.The medium in the painting is his ability to engrave artwork into wood. The concept from which this artist got his acquired skill was in Michael Wolgemut’s workshop .He learned and gained knowledge of it and his passion only grew from there. The context comes from his two trips to Italy during the winter of 1494-95, and from 1505-07. He there was influenced by the styling and design used by the Italian Renaissance. A  lot of his work was inspired by Italian artists. His large body of woodcuts, engravings and paintings manifests the confluence in northern Europe of the Gothic style with the humanist culture of Italy.

(some info came from artstor information section of this artwork)
(http://www.durerart.com/Woodcuts/).