The Daily Painting: The Family

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

The Family

(click to enlarge)

John Dickson Batten

(English, 1860-1932)

The Family, 1886

Oil on canvas

I labeled this as a problem picture because It think it's rather mysterious. The mother looks so concerned, and you can only barely see the father's face . . . Anyway, love the jewel tones.

2 comments:

The Other KatieMay 11, 2010 at 1:54 PM
Methinks the baby is sick. :( It's a beautiful painting, though. Love the colors.
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Tales of WhimsyNovember 21, 2010 at 7:46 AM
What a tender pose!
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Questions to ask about a painting

What is the subject of the painting? Does the title add to your understanding of the painting?

What's the main color scheme? Why do you think the artist chose these colors? How do they make you feel?

Where do you look first? What do your eyes follow around the painting? What seems most important in this painting?

Is the painting organized, or jumbled? Chaotic or peaceful?

Consider what it all might mean: What does the painting tell you? What is the artist trying to say about the subject matter? What feeling does the painting evoke? How did the painter achieve this effect?