Final Weeks and Final Crits

By Ian Factor (MFA 2014)

It's the final week for many students, the 2nd year's final crits are this coming weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and many of us are working around the clock getting our work together for the end of the year presentations, first and second years alike. Though some classes will be held after this weekend, most of the work needs to be done in the next 10 days or so.


Students working on large paintings in room 201.

Before I get into the photos, here's a brief quote from Robert Henri, the great American painter and teacher, one of the founders of the Ashcan School and the author of The Art Spirit, one of the most important books about art and living the life of an artist ever written. He's always a good source of insight and perspective, especially at times when the artist's emotional mind is at battle with the rational mind ... which is so often.

This is for all the students at the Academy and specifically the second year students getting ready for your FINAL CRITS this weekend. Kick ass!

"If you want to know how to do a thing you must first have a complete desire to do that thing. Then go to kindred spirits—others who have wanted to do that thing—and study their ways and means, learn from their successes and failures and add your quota. Thus you may acquire from the experience of the race. And with this technical knowledge you may go forward, expressing through the play of forms the music that is in you and which is very personal to you."

--ROBERT HENRI

My studio during the MFA open studios.

Sleep and exercise are taking the back seat as I see the impossible task ahead of getting all my pieces done in this limited time. It's strangely like the final push before a solo show, but also much different in so many ways. Different pressure and different expectations. Trying to let go of any expectations at all, it's still difficult, and every day is an emotional roller coaster. I'll just do the best I can, knowing that most of my pieces will have to be "finished" this summer.

More progress on my history painting, "Seppuku", 80" x 96."
In Progress detail of main figure, "Seppuku."

People's nerves are running thin, and the intensity is as dense as the morning fog over the lake in Maine that I'm longing to be relaxing at right now. But even with the stress, there is still a smile and a friendly, helpful and enlightening conversation to share with a fellow student going through similar experiences. The community here at the Academy is beyond special and unique.   
Tatiana Ortiz Rubio with her newest painting.

It's interesting that in the midst of all this stress, anxiety and self doubt, I had a bit of a breakthrough in my drawing, which has been an ongoing challenge this year. Once the semester is over, I'll be posting more explicit details on some of the learning and realizations I've had this semester...I'll need some time away from school to digest and process it all before I try to put it to words. In the meantime, here are a few more pics of new work and scenes at the school ... hope to see you soon!

Graphite sketch for my drawing class with Harvey Citron.
Anatomy homework
More anatomy homework

Underpainting for a new piece on the movement topic.


Charcoal sketch for the new movement series.

Maria Teicher on the other side of the camera!

Maria at work


Sam Detch self portrait

Sam Detch head study
Roberto Osti teaching anatomical drawing with his great in-class demo work.

Wade Schuman with his color charts...
and my samurai sword...
No pressure!


Jessica Benjamin in front of her history painting.

Chris Law with his history painting.
 
Martin Saar with his horse Ecorche.

Ian Factor (MFA 2014) has been blogging here throughout the academic year about his first year at the Academy and moving to New York City. Check the label "First Year Experience" or "Ian Factor" for more posts about his first year at the Academy.

Artist Portraits: Tatiana Ortiz-Rubio (Class of 2013)


Tatiana Ortiz-Rubio, Class of 2013
Studio location: 4th Floor

Growth Spurts and New Directions

By Madeleine Hines (MFA 2014)

It's interesting to see how artists change and develop over the course of their careers. I asked some of my classmates to share how--in their view--their work has progressed now that they have one year under their belt at the New York Academy of Art.

"Since coming to the school, my work has become more conceptually driven. My interest in figure/space relationships has developed to the point of becoming as relevant to the subject matter as the mind/body relationship, which has always been such a central point of focus in my paintings."

BEFORE THE ACADEMY

AT THE ACADEMY





































"For me my work has not drastically changed in subject matter but on a technical level, the school has really whipped me into shape."

BEFORE THE ACADEMY

AT THE ACADEMY


Steve Vollo
"New York has changed my work because my work deals with my life. The place where I lived is gradually starting to feel more and more insignificant. I have gone from painting monumental images of my experiences to making work that deals with past experience with both indifference and empathy."

BEFORE THE ACADEMY

AT THE ACADEMY


"Being at the Academy has been such an enriching experience. Not only have the excellent instructors in each class been a big help for me, but also being surrounded by a group of amazing artists that advise me in each critic as well as my talented classmates who share their knowledge with me when I need it."

BEFORE THE ACADEMY


AT THE ACADEMY


"From day one, this Academy has change the way I perceive and handle paint. I thought I understood the intricacies of the material, but the NYAA has embedded within me a deeper understanding of the true meaning of a painting. I now understand what truly separates painting from all other artistic mediums."
BEFORE THE ACADEMY

AT THE ACADEMY

Madeleine Hines is blogging throughout the academic year about her first year at the Academy and moving to New York City. Check the label "First Year Experience" or "Madeleine Hines" for more posts about his first year at the Academy.

Artist Portraits: Jess LaRotunda (Class of 2013)


Jess LaRotunda, Class of 2013
Studio location: 3rd Floor