A thesis project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Fine Arts in Art.

The work in my terminal project exhibition reflects ideas that have been constant in my previous to my two-year M.F.A. studio experience. My last two years have been spent developing these ideas, as well as discarding and exploring others. I have grouped my work by medium rather than by specific pieces. I find it impossible to consider a single work out of context of the larger series. Evan an unsuccessful work has its place illuminating the direction of the entire production. I have tried to use drawing, lithography, and painting with a concern for thier intrinsic properties. All the work has a common formal vocabulary, so I will try not to repeat similiar problems or solutions that reoccur among different media.

The thesis discusses six sculptures completed during the period of study from October of 1973 to May of 1975 and presented at the White Gallery, April 28, 1975-May 13, 1975

This work is concerned with volume as presented in a painting. The investigation begins with a painting of drawn geometric shapes. Each successive painting problem explores additional facets of variations from this basic problem. There is a total of six painting problems. The general intent of these problems is to investigate the following in regard to volume of experience: color contrast in hue, value, intensity, proportion and complement pattern variations the color phenomenon of simultaneous contrast The medium is acrylic polymer emulsion applied with brush on stretch canvas.

This writing covers the process of lighting stylized and realistic scenes in different moods in Unreal Engine. Lighting can be used to express a mood in an environment, which can aid storytelling in films and games. Lighting in Unreal consists of positioning directional lights, sky lights, spot lights, point lights, and rect lights, as well as various fog effects that help create the ambiance of the scene. This project utilizes free Epic Games Pack content to show the lighting process for different moods in several environments. The use of lights and colors are an important part of designing a game environment which conveys moods and allows for playability.

This thesis is written as a supporting paper for a Master of Fine Arts graduate exhibition of color photographs. The work in the exhibition represents the concentrated study in the graduate program in photography at East Tennessee State University. The paper begins with an introduction to my ideas about the media. Then it discusses my motivation and methods. The following chapter concerns the influence of contemporary photographers whose work and philosopy play a crucial role in my understanding of photography. The paper concludes with a discussion of four photographs that represent the Master of Fine Arts graduate exhibition. I scrutinize each photograph for both artistic and technical aspects and also provide my thoughts on my photography.

Rembrandt's influence on the medium of printmaking can only be explained through his methodology in the production of his images. Experimentation is the key word to describe his evolution in style as he mastered the skills necessary to achieve his desired result. This paper will focus on this experimental attitude towards the medium and the subsequent inspiration it gave to me and other artists. Also included is a technical and stylistic comparison of various etchings by Rembrandt and my six prints that serve as a visual illustration and personal interpretation of the artist's method. My research consisted of the consultation of many texts that aided in my supportive argument and eventual conclusion that Rembrandt created his place in history as an avant-garde in printmaking through his willingness to experiment with various methods in the production of his images.

This thesis examines the nature of the way body language and movement is perceived in the context of abstracted sculptures. The way these abstracted sculptures become creatures and the evolution thereof. It also explores the ways that concepts are altered in response to different media, evolving yet further.

This thesis paper supports the Master of Fine Arts exhibition at the Tipton Gallery, East Tennessee State University, from January 28th through February 8th, 2013. The exhibit is comprised of two hundred fifty-three porcelain objects and lines created with naturally colored porcelain slips used as paint. SURFACE presents my exploration of the natural world; the experiences and memories created during this process compelled this exhibition. Topics discussed are the influences, concepts, techniques, and methods used to create the work. Included are process images, detail images, and images of selected works from the exhibition.

The purpose of this study was to examine certain characteristics of representative examples of visual art fostered by the Mormon Church and to arrive at an estimate of the aesthetic values of these works by a comparative analysis with aesthetic values stressed in the literature.Representative examples of Mormon art were examined to determine their primary purposes and themes. Each work considered was classified according to the following primary categories developed in a preliminary survey: (1) History Glorification, (2) Depiction of Moral Models, (3) Scriptural Teaching, and (4) Aesthetic Purpose.The representative examples were analyzed for their stylistic qualities to determine the types represented and were classified according to the following primary categories: (1) Realism, (2) Illusionism, (3) Idealism, (4) Popular Romanticism, and (5) Stylization.An estimate was made of the aesthetic value of these works by measuring the above findings against such points of judgment as were cited by critics in the art literature.