The Daily Painting: April 2012

(click to enlarge)

James Abbott McNeill Whistler

(American, 1834-1903)

Nocturne in Blue and Silver: the Lagoon, Venice, 1880

Oil on canvas

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?

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Nocturne in Blue and Silver: the Lagoon, Venice