Component 2 - Responding

Criteria - 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

'Seasons' critiqued by Kelly Hansen

Colour

The art piece that I am reviewing demonstrates a number of elements including colour, texture and value. The artist has used a different colour scheme according to the individual seasons.

For instance, in the spring section the artist has chosen to use cool colours such as different shades of greens and blues. This to me promotes a sense of fresh flowers and a nice warm spring day. In the case of the summer section the artist has also chosen cool colours such as yellow, green and blue. This colour scheme suggest a bright hot sunny day and as the artist has shown some grey colour within one of the clouds, it suggests storm activity developing.

As for the autumn the section in this art piece, the artist has used warm colours. These colours indicate to me that the temperature is dropping and the energy is changing to a sleepier feel and a sense of being in a warm bed. In regards to the winter section, the artist has used a mixer of blues greys and some white. This clearly displays snow and dark clouds. This gives me a sense of being around a fire place and rugged up in a blanket.

Texture

The artist in this case has used a number of different textures throughout the art piece such as rough, smooth, and matte. This has promoted a 2D effect within the art piece.

For example, the artist has chosen a smooth area for the ponds as it represents the still water and distinguishes the water from the ground area. The artist also uses a smooth surface for the winter trees as it has lost of its leaves and looks completely bare. In the case of autumn and the leaves on the trees, the artist has decided on a rough texture to create a sense of brittle old leaves that are dying. This is again the case for the plant life in and around the ponds. The artist uses a matte texture in the background which allows the viewer to understand what things they want to stand out and what they want to be seen.

Value (tone, shades and tints)

I can see that the artist has chosen to use value in the art piece by using high and mid key shades of light. The art piece demonstrates value in each of the season which gives the piece height and width and allows for a sense of a 2D appearance. This technique also allows the audience to detect the different objects that has been placed in the art piece.  

© Kelly Hansen, 2013