100 days painting — design reflection
Admiring famous painting has always been an important part of my life. The story behind painting itself and the painter gives me a lot of thoughts, which later often turn into my design inspiration. So, I decide to do this little project, one painting at a day, about 2 minutes’ reading. By doing this, I hope I can share some basic background knowledge as well as some color/design techniques about the painting with you. I will also tell you my reflection from this painting in the end (if there is any lol), you are very welcome to share your thoughts if you like.
Day 8 — Gismoda
I felt very guilty for skipping so many days of this project. During the past few days, I was busy traveling to a national park and moving myself to a new apartment. Once I’ve got internet in my new place, I started writing right away.
This poster is literally what made Mucha famous. It was designed to promote the new production which opened on 4 January, 1895, directed and starred by Sarah Bernhardt, the single most influential figure in Mucha’s life as an artist.
Mucha portrayed Bernardt as an exotic Byzantine noblewoman wearing a splendid gown and an orchid headdress with a palm branch in her hand. This costume was worn in the last act, the climax of the play, where she joined the Easter procession. Placing her life-size figure on an arched platform, Mucha rendered the beauty and dignity of her personality onstage rather than representing her realistic features or the story. This poster was a big hit at that time, it is definitely something that Paris citizen would die for.
The collaboration between Mucha and Sarah Bernhardt was mutually beneficial. Mucha’s posters immortalized the ‘divine’ image of the actress, consolidating her iconic status. For her part, Bernhardt was so enamored with Mucha’s work that after 1896 she made use of his designs for all posters advertising her American tours. This promoted Mucha’s work and helped him secure a foothold to explore a new career in the United States after 1904.
Design Reflection:
Use size to attract people attention. Having a consistent personal style is the key for others to identify your work.
Color Palette:
