Component 2 - Responding

Respond to the artistic ‘substance’. Describe the use of formal elements (Formal elements are described in detail - reference – see p. 157 Text). Discuss the use of line, colour, shape (form, mass and volume if necessary), texture, value (tone, shade, intensity and tint - if necessary) and also balance. Comment on ‘technique’.

Include descriptions of emotional responses to the artwork. Raise new questions about the piece. The questions may be varied and with a broad focus about the nature of art, the process of interpretation or of creativity in general. Issues related to teaching are mentioned (For the final submission, collaborate to include ‘alternative’ interpretations of meaning that other members, other than the artist, may have about the piece and a variety of questions raised by individuals).

Min  - 300 words

'A Floral Arrangement' critiqued by Anita Smyth

Line

The vase is drawn with smooth curved lines allowing the viewers’ gaze to move in smooth transition up to the curved floral outlines of two Liliums. These two flowers form a central focal point of the arrangement, where the eye is drawn towards the mix of straight and curved lines of the flowers structure. At the centre, lilac Chrysanthemums grab the viewer’s attention to reveal more Chrysanthemums located to the right of the picture amongst a flourish of long elongated lines of additional Liliums buds and foliage.

Colour

Predominantly this pastel drawing comprises of two types of flowers; namely the pale pink Liliums displaying their bright red anthers and the lilac chrysanthemums with yellow centres. These flowers contrast against a background of light and dark green foliage. Pink and red are at the red end of the colour spectrum, so these colours are considered warm colours and are distinctive against the cool, secondary colours of green and lilac.

Shape (3D, form, mass, volume)

The artist attempts to simulate a three dimensional perspective through this two dimensional drawing. To give an illusion of depth, this artist has coloured the light green foliage, along the front rim of the vase, with short and fuzzy strokes of profusive colour to infer that the foliage is close. The pale pink Liliums are drawn larger to appear as a central focal point whilst the Liliums buds and Chrysanthemums are arranged behind the central point to appear farther away in the background.

Texture

The curved and round outlines of the flowers and foliage allows the viewer to experience a soft and smooth visual feel as the eye transitions upwards towards the focal point of the Liliums. The deep green foliage around the rim of the vase although, is coloured with a rather heavier emphasis, visually impling that this foliage has a rougher surface texture.

Value (tone, tint, shade)

Intensity of colour within the hues of green and pink accentuate the lighter and darker shades of these colours; creating an overall sense of harmony.

Balance

Unity and balance has been created in this floral arrangement through the repetition of line, colour and form. The flowers and foliage are arranged in a tight mass grouping that is a compact repetition of pink and green hues.

Rhythm

Rhythm is easily expressed through the use of repetition of shape, colour and form. Above the vase rim, there is a flow of visual movement towards the pale pink Lilliums is due to the smooth round and curved lines of the floral arrangement. Below the vase rim, the flow of visual movement is down to reveal the flower and foliage stems contained within the opaque glass vase. Once the flow of movement encounters the long, hard, straight diagonal lines of the flower and foliage stems converging at the base of the vase, interruption and confusion of rhythm occurs. Attempts to obscure this realistic view of the opaque vase with a smudging technique prevents the viewer experiencing the beauty of composition as a whole.  

Proportion, scale

This pastel composition is proportionate in shape, symmetry and colour; however the vase is slightly accentuated in width and height and seems to  draw the viewers attention to the mechanics of flower arranging rather than the bouquet.

Contrast, emphasis

The main focal point or emphasis of the floral arrangement has been created with the artist’s central placement of the two pale plink Liliums. The Liliums draw the viewers attention to a contrast in shape, size and colour against the lilac Chrysanthemums and the green foliage. The star pattern of the Liliums command viewers attention.

The shape of the foliage also adds contrast to the arrangement. Some of the foliage is expressed as the soft and dark green slender leaves, whilst other foliage suggests the more rounded shapes of fern. Deeper hues in the light and dark green foliage also add contrast and draws attention to the floral palette.

Pattern

Patterns occurring in this artwork are demonstrated through the repetition of the flowers, foliage and colour. An unusual pattern in this design, however, also includes the repetition of lines finishing at a point. There is a pattern of pointed lines formed by the star shape Lilium petals and the pointed lines of the green pointed flower sheaves of the Lilium buds; which encourages visual flow to ascend up towards the highest points of the Lilium buds in the background. If one focuses attention on these most distant flower buds tips, seen from this perspective; the arrangement actually appears taller than first perceived. Interestingly, the eye can also be cast downward from the tips of the Lilium buds towards the converging points of the flower and foliage stems within the opaque vase and once again observe the distinct pattern of pointed lines.

 © Anita Smyth, 2013