Letter to an Artist

Letter to an Artist

50 Points possible

I really do not like to read research papers. Most of the time, they are not terribly engaging and simply spout information out to the reader. For example: Vincent van Gogh was born in..., he died in ..., he did this..., he did that... However, I do think that research is an important aspect to a class such as this; it provides a great opportunity to analyze and artist, their artistic style, and their life.

Therefore, I give you the Letter to an Artist project. This will be a two-page typed paper written in the form of a letter to an artist, living or dead. You should cite several examples of the artist's work and provide your interpretations, the interpretations of others (critics, etc.), your impressions and your likes/dislikes about the artist’s work. All of the information should be written as if it were directed towards the artist. For example, no one would want to read a letter like this:

Dr. Mr. van Gogh,

I read that you were born in...., and that you died in..., blah, blah, blah.

Here's a much better way:

Dr. Mr. van Gogh,

I have been an admirer of your work for some time. Ever since the first time that I saw your masterpiece The Starry Night, I have been captivated by your thickly applied brushstrokes, your vivid use of color, and your own unique take on the concept of realism. (and so on...)

The second version shows obvious research into the artist and his work, but it does not simply repeat "facts." It analyzes the artist's work