Artwork Self-Assessment; Part 2: Critical Analysis

So I've decided to critically analyze the piece that I liked most; my book.  In order to analyze my piece of art, I kind of have to step back from it and pretend I am seeing it for the first time.  It is really hard to analyze your own work, as you see hours of dedication, and people seeing it for the first time will only see the final outcome.  You see the paint strokes, and the perfect colors you mixed, and the trails and errors, you see the improvement, and the progression from a plain white canvas to your own painting, something you created, that would not be there if you didn't paint it.  But, people seeing it for the first time only see the final product, and it is rather difficult to separate yourself from that connection you feel to your art.

This is the piece I am analyzing.  I looked at the Grade 12 curriculum for visual arts to make sure that I am asking myself relevant an meaningful questions about my art. Critical analysis is basically broken down into 5 sections; initial reaction, analysis and interpretation, consideration of cultural context, expression of aesthetic judgment, and ongoing reflection. 

 Initial Reaction

What is your first impression of this work?

When I look at this artwork, I see that it is almost split into two separate sections, a close up of a day sky, with a silhouette of trees, and a far away shot of a night sky, with a silhouette of a mountain.  I can see that there are many purple tones in this artwork, it is the main color of the night sky, and a color of the clouds in the day sky, "Purple is the color of good judgment. It is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment. It is said if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind. Purple is a good color to use in meditation. Purple has been used to symbolize magic and mystery, as well as royalty." I found this interesting, because this painting appears kind of mysterious to me, I think that there is a deeper meaning that what is just seen on the surface.  

I think that this artwork is pretty, but it seems to lack depth, it looks very much like it is painted on the surface, it doesn't really bring the viewer in, it looks more 2 dimensional to me. The black of the trees and mountains almost looks too shiny, I feel that they should be a more matte color of black, or have some sort of reflection on them from the color in the sky, or moon. 

What does this work bring to mind?

This artwork defiantly brings peace to my mind.  The trees are standing perfectly still, the clouds do not look storm like.  This painting reminds me of a peaceful day.  The colors of the clouds look warm, pinks and purples usually remind me of August or September, this painting brings me back to warm August days.

Although I feel like this painting could have a deeper meaning, to look at it without analyzing it I would not think of anything past the surface.

 

What emotions does this work evoke?

This work evokes calmness, mystery, and maybe a little sadness, or fear.  There is nothing really going on, it looks kind of lonely.  It makes me feel relaxed, but a little frightened at the same time, like something might pop out of the dark woods.  Or like the loneliness of the painting is what I'm most afraid of.
  

What questions do you have?

What is the point of the day fading into the night?  I know that it could mean something different to anyone, but what was the intended purpose?  Why does the day sky have no sun, but the night sky has a moon?  Why are there clouds in both parts of the painting?  Is the artist trying to hide something?  Where is this painting taking place?

What connections can you make between this work and your own experience or

other art forms?

Since I painted this, it's a little hard to answer.  This artwork is less professional than other art pieces I've seen, but the idea is interesting.  I think that this could be better, if the artist had more experience. It doesn't look bad, just a bit phonier than I'm used to seeing.  Looks like something I would see in a children's book. I haven't really seen any art like this before though.
 

Analysis and Interpretation

What elements, and principles of the art form are used in this work?

Line is used in an interesting way in this painting, it is not typical straight or curved lines.  Lines were used to draw the tree line, and the mountain line.  The lines used in this painting are defiantly an important asset as they created the whole silhouette which was a focal point in this art piece.

Color was also used in this to display depth, and emotion.  The colors chosen give the painting a melon collie, peaceful kind of feel.  This feeling the observer gets makes the painting so successful in my opinion.

Value and shape were also used in this picture.  Value was used to add definition to the clouds, and shape was used to define the silhouette and the moon.

What do you think is the theme or subject of the work? 

I think that the theme of this art piece is alienation,freedom, and discovery.  Depending on who was to viewing this piece, and what was going on in there lives, they may think that this painting has a different theme. For me, right now at this time in my life, I think that the theme of this painting is freedom. Looking at the sky always gives me a sense of freedom.

Why do you think the composer, choreographer, playwright, media artist, or visual artist created this work?

I think whoever created this work wanted to get a message across.  I think that they may have had something to say, and wanted people to connect with them.  I think that they hid the real meaning of what this piece was all about within the picture, and only certain people could uncover it.  

What do you feel is the artist’s view of the world?

I think that the artist sees the world as a place that can be discovered.  I think that they fell like each day is passing by too quick (as seen by the night and day comparison) and I think that they want to explore what the world has to offer.  Both images look like they are probably from Canada, because of the trees and the mountain outline.  It seems like every day is passing by and the artist is still in the same place, eager to get out and see the sunsets of new places.
 

How does this view match or contrast with your own view of the world?

You know I am actually the artist so I guess my last question was probably a little biased.

Consideration of Cultural Context

What social, political, and historical events may have influenced the artist in this work?

P.S. guys it was a song that influenced me. But it was a really good song so I'm pretty happy that that was my motivation with this painting.

What events in the artist’s life may have affected the creation of the work?

Okay so I'm gonna answer this one too then I'll get back to the 'third' person talk, I know it's not really third person but I don't know what else to call it.  It wasn't really an event in my life that affected the creation of this art, it was more that I listened to the song 'A Dustland Fairytale' for 4 years of high school, and when I was tasked with creating an artwork for a poem, this was the first one that popped up in my head.

Expression of Aesthetic Judgement
 

How effectively does the artist select and combine elements to achieve an intended

effect in this work?

Actually scratch that, no more 'third' person, I can answer the rest of the questions.

I know that this piece was based on a song, but I don't think someone viewing it for the first time would assume that.  I do however this that the piece gives off emotions similar to those felt while listening to the song, and that was kind of the goal here, so I feel like I've achieved that.

What doesn’t work, and why?
 

I feel like the only thing that doesn't work it that there isn't quite enough depth to make this piece look real.  I think that the colors, and the concept works, and the painting does look a little better in person, but it's just not sure eye catching.

In what ways does the artist evoke joy, sadness, or other emotions in this work?

Emotion is evoked in a subtle way in this piece, it could mean something different to anyone, this piece is all about perception.  

Ongoing Reflection

In what ways do you feel your work is successful?

I feel like the message I was trying to send was successful, I based this art piece on a poem, but it was not solely about a poem.  I really do love the color scheme, and the idea behind it.  It was super close to the idea I had originally had in my head, and I love that it does represent a song that is super important to me. 

I feel like this art piece it pretty original.  I used paintbrushes, toothbrushes, sponges, and my own fingers when painting this piece, to technique wise it's pretty diverse! I really like it, but like everything, there are some things I would do to improve it.

In what ways would you change the work to improve it?

Basically, I did what I could with the skills I have.  To improve this piece, I would want to watch some YouTube videos on making landscape painting look more realistic, and practise a lot, or take lessons. 

I really did try hard, but that was the extent of my artistic skills for now. I would love to be able to develop them further, as I've seen how far I've come in the part 4 years, but that will take time.  I would defiantly take on a piece like this again once I learn to make my paintings look more realistic, and at that point I'm sure I'll come up with something else I want to improve about it.

How did your work affect the audience?

I'm not really sure how my work affected the audience! I haven't shown anyone this piece yet.  I really hope that they take what was intended by it, I think it would be more meaningful after reading my blog write up on this piece, what do you guys think of it!?