Pictured: Carlos Grasso, Center of Colorspace Room

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Visual Perception of Art

Art is in the eyes of the beholder. Great painters learned their craft through experience, with little knowledge of visual perception. Today we understand why Mona Lisa’s smile seems so elusive, why Matisse’s wild color palette “works”, and why Picasso didn’t need to paint within the lines. Jerry Clifford will discuss visual perception – showing how the eye and brain form visual images. Through classical and modern artwork, we will get a new look at some familiar masterpieces. We will look especially at works by Carlos Grasso from the Gallery’s current Colorspace exhibit. Join us for a fascinating and fun look into the world and science of visual arts.

Jerry Clifford, Ph.D.

Jerry spent over 40 years as a scientist and educator after receiving a PhD in Nuclear Physics at Iowa State University. As an Air Force officer, he taught physics at the Air Force Academy, worked on nuclear weapons programs, studied particle beams for Reagan’s Star Wars, and worked in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Jerry has taught physics and astronomy at CSU Channel Islands from 2004 to today, where he still teaches adult learners in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.