University of Florida, Holbrook Does a Mural, part 1 by Studio easels

University of Florida, Holbrook Does a Mural, part 1

Posted in Studio easels @ April 23, 2008

http://web.uflib.ufl.edu/spec/archome/mic53.htmProduction number 53Production title: Holbrook Does a MuralProduction date: 1953Color / no soundTotal running time: 00:29:00Derived from 16 mm film.Available in VHS, DVD, DVCAM and mini-DV.There is no production information concerning this film. However, it was probably produced by the University of Florida. This film might be the draft version and outtakes of the final version of the film. A script for the final version exists indicating that there was to be sound with the film as well as a list of credits.The film documents the creation of the mural "A history of learning in Florida" by artist Hollis Holbrook. The mural appears in the Research Room of the Dept. of Special Collections at the George A. Smathers Libraries. Preliminary drawings and sketches are shown as well as the medium of paint (egg tempera) used. The scaffolding and actual painting of the mural on the north wall in what was then the Humanities Room in Library East are shown.Contents0:00 Blank at first with test pattern numbers appearing0:21 A hand is shown tilting a jar and pouring a small amount out onto what is a glass surface viewed from below. A brush then moves dry powder paint into the liquid medium and mixes the colors.0:47 The main UF campus and the large parking lot is shown0:59 Interior of Library East1:11 Hollis Holbrook is shown in his studio seated before an easel and then smoking a cigarette1:27 Holbrook is shown seated at a round table with bookcases behind him. Stanley West comes in carrying some books and he sits at the table. West opens one of the books and shows it to Holbrook.1:58 View of trees and Spanish moss. The camera pans down the trees and focuses on the lake. A man (probably Holbrook) walks away from the lake shore where he had been standing.2:21 Holbrook shown at the table again looking at the books. A view from above shows him sketching on a drawing pad. He marks sections in each book with slips of paper and then closes them. The pictures in the books include flowers, people, and biblical scenes.3:00 Holbrook is shown sketching again and then he looks up toward the ceiling3:45 One of the large fluorescent ceiling lights is shown, the tall windows in the Humanities Room, and the scaffolding erected on the north wall above the glass entry doors.4:07 Holbrook is seen by the lake and then an anhinga and the lake.4:51 Holbrook walks up to his studio and enters. 5:19 He draws on some paper and then smokes5:41 Different sketches are shown6:31 Holbrook shown smoking again and then he begins to draw6:44 Holbrook paints on a small canvas7:00 The method of egg tempera preparation is shown from the breaking and separating of the egg white and the egg yolk to the mixing of the yolk and then the addition of dry pigment. He is shown painting using this medium. He scrapes away the mixture, adds more liquid yolk and dry pigment and continues painting.9:43 Different small draft paintings are shown including one which resembles the final version of the mural.

Author: UFlibraries
Keywords: uf gators florida university holbrook special collections library libraries east main george smathers
Added: February 13, 2008