Accumulating Knowledge

Currently I am reading a text book on Seeing & Writing, It compares how writers create a picture with words; and artists convey a complicated idea in a single image. Reading an image, theories of visual organization, determining the narrative of the image, patterns of colour, shape or shadows. It is interesting to know many writers employ the same devices that visual artists use; accounting for all design elements that are within the control of the artist.

I've chosen one of my painting as an example of critical thinking; reading the artwork helps to provide answers. Observation is key.  It is the process of breaking down what you see.

Observe the overall size and shape of the canvas.....

The size is small to add to the feeling of the space; its private, it is for one person to be there, it is a found place in a quiet location

Consider the perspective used in the artwork. Where are you standing; what is the depth of field. Imagine your in front of this image. My intention is to make you feel you are standing across from where the light is shining.  It is the light shining on the trees that have caught your attention.  Your probably across the water.  You can't get closer because of the water. But you can see what you need to from where you stand.  This perspective is consistent with the feeling of the space.

Is there anything only partially within the frame of the image and why? The foliage of the trees are partially within the image. It encloses the image; again giving the feeling of a private spot. The foliage provides protection to the sunlit areas.

Is there obvious distortion in the image? How does this distortion relate to or shape the meaning of the image. The background is distorted.  Trees that are taller to frame the sunlight.  Colours are brighter to draw you into the space, colours are darker to imply shadow and depth, shapes are distorted to imply there is nothing else around; your in a remote area.

The detail is in the fallen log providing a break in the mid ground, and the colours reflected in the water create a rhythm that is playful and joyful.  

The active reader explores how the artist has chosen to present his or her final image, photo or painting, water color or oil, black and white or colour.

I hope this example helps you to read your artwork and accumulate knowledge to be a good visual reader.

Enjoy your process.

Sheila

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Read the words of professional writers on  Canadian Artist artwork  at https://www.aci-iac.ca/my-canada-my-art-history/tassie-cameron-on-jelly-shelf-by-mary-pratt