Cinthya Flores
09/25/12
ART 180: Essay #2

The different types of mediums that artist chose to work with can help them express the overall meaning of the work. The type of substance that is added to a painting can provide more expression to the piece. Depending on what the artist decides to use the type of material can be more captivating and unique. For example, I chose an artist who does encaustic paintings. I was mainly interested with this type of medium because encaustics is said to be sometimes harmful to the artist. Encaustic painting can be harmful because artists are using melted wax and heat to transfer onto paper. Although, the artists run the risk of being burned; encaustic painting has its advantages as well. An advantage has to do with the way the wax will not harm the paper over time. The use of the hot wax also gives the painting texture on the surface.

The artist I decided to focus on is Jasper Johns. He was born in Georgia on May 15, 1930 and is still alive at the age of 80. His most current award does not have to do with art, but Johns was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He is thought as a 20th century encaustic painter. Johns was drafted in the Korean War in 1952. His experience in the war might have influenced his United States patriotism because his most famous work is the American flag, titled “Flag”, in encaustic and oil. The war might have also shaped his views on America. Perhaps, as a view, I am misunderstanding what he was