Comparing and Contrasting Picasso and Escher essays

Comparing and Contrasting Picasso and Escher essays All modern artists are the same, right? Wrong. The two artists I will be discussing, Pablo Picasso and M.C. Escher, though they have some similarities, are also very different. Though they are from the same general era, the tone of their artwork, their drawing styles, and some of the types of media they used. Both artists have similarities, though their differences are more numerous. Both artists are from the modern art period, meaning their art was done in the last century or so. Their art is also abstract, at least in the very general sense of the word. Hidden meanings also seem to abound in each artists' works. Then there is the first major difference, which is the tone of the pieces. Pablo Picasso's work is often very emotional. When you look at a Picasso, you often get the impression of what the artist was feeling at the time that the art was created. In his paintings, he often uses different colors (both hot and cool) to express emotions. The tone of Escher's works, however, is somewhat different. His are very mathematical. They feature, for instance, tessellations, optical illusions, and impossible figures. M.C. Escher also seems to like to draw houses, having many pieces of artwork featuring houses of all dimensions and shapes. Even though Escher's works are mathematical, he manages to keep them interesting. Top halves of houses turn into a network of upside down staircases and rooms, and in one particular tessellation a lizard is crawling its way out of the pattern. Though their styles are both generally abstract, there are many aspects of their styles that are not the same. Picasso's style, for instance, is very imprecise. The bodies of the people or objects he paints (or sculpts) are generally out of proportion - without detracting from the general sense of balance in the piece. Some, however, don't so much seem balanced, more like...rightfully unbalanced, if you catch my meaning. Also another observation is that Pica...

How to Play the Taxi Cab Improv Game

How to Play the Taxi Cab Improv Game The Taxi Cab improv game can be played with three to six performers. Its a fun icebreaker game for parties or you can use it as a classroom activity for theater, drama, or improv classes. It is suitable for all ages and can be played by children or sharp-witted members of improv groups. No matter what the level, it is fun to watch and fun to perform. How To Play the Taxi Cab Game Select one performer as the taxi cab driver and two or more performers as passengers.Set up one chair for the taxi-cab driver and several chairs for the passenger seats.One performer plays the role of the cab driver. He/she starts the scene by pantomiming driving. Feel free to develop a funny, quirky cab driver character. After a few moments of driving, the performer spots a customer.The passenger hops into the back of the cab. Now, heres where the game begins. The second performer playing the role of the passenger should have a distinct personality. This should be assigned before the start of the game and known to the other performers.The gimmick is that the cab driver adopts the personality traits of his customer. When a new performer (a new passenger) enters the scene, the cab driver and the other passengers emulate the new personality/behavior. The passengers explain to the driver where they are going and what they plan to do.After the passengers have interacted with one another, the cab driver will start to drop off his/her customers. When a passenger is dropped off and exits the scene, everyone switches personality again, until  eventually, the cab driver character is alone again and back to the original personality. A director or teacher may want to use a timer to cue when the next passenger will enter or exit the cab to keep the game flowing. This can be varied. If the performers are on a roll, the director can let it continue longer. If they arent doing well with a  character, the director can cue the next passenger swap to keep the game lively. Passenger Personalities The personalities can be prepared in advance by the director or teacher or they can be taken as audience suggestions before the beginning of the game. A secretive British agent.A snobby opera singer.A hyper 4-year-old.A friendly, overly talkative old woman. For advanced improv groups, each performer may come up with their own passenger personality and not reveal it until they enter the cab. This presents more of a challenge for the others to emulate it. Another wrinkle is to take audience suggestions during the game. For the best flow, it can be good to assign audience members to call out a passenger personality rather than have several people competing with suggestions. Dramatic Skills Used in the Taxi Cab Improv Game This activity develops a performers emulation ability. How well can the actor mimic the style of another performer? How quickly can an actor change his or her character? What ranges of emotions can the actors express? Teachers and directors should encourage their cast to try as many new personalities and emotions as possible. Have fun with the game and dont forget to give the cabbie a decent tip.