Painting Critique

Emily Burke

Mr. Bomboy

HACC Humanities

17 December 2015

Painting Critique

            Narrative paintings are those that tell a story through the images and the way that the artist carefully constructed the piece of artwork. Paintings from the Renaissance and Post- Impressionism eras (1500 to 1900) are no exception to this, they still tell a story. Through the use of the elements and principles of design, analyzation of each painting, interpretation of the work, and through critical viewpoints the viewer is able to grasp what the artist is trying to tell. In Beethoven Composing the “Pastoral” by a Brook, there is a story to tell through the different techniques that the artist used.

            The elements and principles of design are very important, without them certain traits would missing and it would be harder for the artist to convey their thoughts. Elements such as line, shape, color, texture, value, form, and space are all used in this piece. Lines are seen in the outfit of the man sitting by the brook. Shapes, both geometric and organic are in the leaves, rocks, trees, and clouds. Colors were chosen very carefully for this piece, light sky, dark water, vibrant green trees and plants are all used to help focus on the man. Blue and white in the man’s outfit it is very eye catching when compared to its surrounding green colors. Texture in this piece brings it to life not only in the leaves on the trees as they are very realistic but also in the water as the ripples are able to be seen. Value in this work is used in differing between the foreground and the background of the scene as well as space, which can be seen where the mountains and houses are seen in the background. Form shows the space that the trees and this person takes up along the brook where he is writing. These devices add a whole new level to this work all while showing the power and importance that the man in the painting holds.

Principles such as the contrast between the colors green and blue can be seen, as well as rhythm and movement. Rhythm and movement can be found in the sky where the clouds are but more so in the water that is in the brook. The viewer is able to tell that the water is moving and is not just a body of still water. The focal point of this work is the man who is sitting alongside of the brook writing in his notepad. He is important, as he is very well dressed in a nice coat, shoes, pants, and shirt. Repetition is found in the trees and bushes all around the man. Unity is shown, the viewer can see that this man who seems to be a leader is taking a break from his normal everyday task to go to the water and think. He does not look out of place or just randomly thrown into a this painting but as if this is a spot where he visits frequently when he needs some down time to himself. Through the use of the elements and principles of design, the author is able to give certain feels and visuals for the viewer to look at and feel. They are also used to enhance the work that the artist has done, creating certain traits that are special to this piece of work. The movement of water and the vibrancy of the nature that surround the man give a peaceful and calm feeling.

Every person will have his or her own interpretation of what he or she thinks that the artist of this piece of artwork is trying to say. For me, I think that the artist was trying to accomplish the feeling of taking a relaxing break by a brook where the scenery and water calms a person and shows where a person is able to go and think about important decisions and tasks. I think that the aim that the artist was going for was to show how this man was taking some time to think outside and write down his thoughts on his notebook. More than just being a simple, common man, this man in the painting shows class and honor. He is very well dressed and has a proper posture although he has one leg bent and his right arm resting on a tree beside him. This man looks relaxed and in deep thought, he looks as if he is writing something important all while brainstorming new thoughts and ideas. There is also a sense of isolation in this painting. The man in this work is not close to the town, he is further away from the place where the people are. The essence of location is important for this man as he is contemplating his role in society and what he brings to the people.

It’s always impressive when an artist completes a piece of work. Even more than just completing a magnificent piece of artwork, the artist is showing a little bit of who he or she is as well as thoughts that he or she portrays. More importantly, the artist is telling a story and giving facts about a certain event or person. It’s important that when looking at a piece of work, the viewer looks at the different elements and principles of design used, interpreted the meaning of the painting, and try to take away what the artist intended from this piece.

Works Cited 

"Ludwig Van Beethoven Pictures." Ludwig Van Beethoven Pictures. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2015.