The Aspects of Color/Paint (Homework #4)-Amy Wynia

1.)

Bellator, Christiane Vleugels, oil on canvas, 120 x 170 cm, 2013

Done Well:

-The use of shadows with a dark palette of blues/blacks really accentuates the muscle tone of the model used. 

- The background has a nice contrast with the body giving the image a nice sense of space and dimension placing the model before us.

Improvement Suggestions:

- I think that even though the shadows bring out the muscle tone well in the image, that maybe they can be toned down a little to not be as harsh against the highlights of his body.

-It could be the angle of how the model is set up, but the left hand almost looks a little disproportionate to the body.

 

 To Float, Nancy Bossert, oil on Belgium linen, 26"x 36", unknown year

 

Done Well:

-The transparency of the colors with the use of a light palette in oranges, yellows, blues, really narrates the body as it's submerged in water.

- I really love the use of warm colors of reds, oranges, etc. to define the weight and detail in her upper body. 

Improvement Suggestions:

- I feel as if we lose a sense of the feet.  Even though she's submerged in water, I feel as if they start to get lost in the painting. 

- The hues can contrast a little more in order so the body and background don't blend together so much.  One doesn't want to completely lose the body figure in the water by the use of a very similar palette through the whole piece.

Justin, Bryan Drury, oil on wood, 12" x 12", 2010

Done Well:

-The use of shadow and blending really enhances his jawline, neckline, and facial expression making this piece come forward to be very realistic. 

- The highlight under his eye across his cheek bone is my favorite part of this piece with the use of reds and yellows because it creates a sense of warmth and possible rage or determination in the narration.

Improvement Suggestions:

-The use of a very close color palette from his hair to the background really bothers me.  I feel to create contrast so he doesn't almost blend to the background is by using a red tinted background rather than brown.

- Considering it seems as if there's a light source that is shining towards him, there could be a lightly casted shadow placed behind him.

2.)

 Albuquerque, New Mexico Painting

 -This piece is located at 7615 Chico Apartments NE, a little bit North of Central.  I wasn't able to find out the details of who the artist is/ how long it'll be up/or the medium but, it really caught my eye as I was driving around.  This painting is a great piece incorporating a really bright color palette which draws the viewer in and the narrative makes one to question things.  In all honestly, I think the narrative is what moves me the most as I believe it's stating something about the day of the dead and how in New Mexico many go out and celebrate it.  I'm a huge Halloween fan so this piece seemed to move me in that sense.  You can't really tell too well in the picture but the use of shading/value scale is well used in the details of the faces and sweaters to give it dimension.