art prepared question Flashcards
working methods – large
the large scale allows her to vary how she applies the paint creating contrast an added tone and texture by using large and small brush strokes
working methods – technology
she uses technology like photoshop to experiment with colour, this can be seen in the saturated colours creating an artificial look
working methods – grid
the painting is complicated she uses a grid to plan out her composition which allows her to accurately scale up her drawing so she can accurately keep the proportion of the figures
technique - line
the diagonal line of the table divides the painting in two, the bottom is crowded creating a lively feeling where as the top is quieter and allows the couple to be the focal point
technique - brushstrokes
the visible brushstrokes swirl across the painting in different directions creating a feeling of chaos and movement
technique - viewpoints
the painting has multiple viewpoints which creates a feeling of unease
materials – paint thickness
she has used oil paints thinly in some areas to make it look like water colour, other areas the paint is thicker creating an opaque rough texture, this makes the clothes look realistic
materials - stylised
the paint is applied to help create stylised features – large brushstrokes create distorted scary features, especially around the eyes
materials – chaos
the visible brushstrokes swirl across the painting in different directions creating a feeling of chaos and movement
scale – large people
the two people in the centre are larger than the others making them feel more important and adding to the feeling of distortion
scale – table
the table is oversized splitting the composition in two, this gives the food and wine importance as a celebration
scale – small people
the people are smaller at the front and squashed in around the table creating a distorted perspective, this adds to the claustrophobic feeling
subject matter – final meal
the subject matter is looking at a celebration, a final meal, the main subjects are the two figures
subject matter – food
the subject of food is a main element of the painting, the fish is a key focal point of the table and links in with the fishing village of footdee which can be seen in the background, this emphasises the importance of fishing to the community
subject matter – memory
cairns has painted herself and the painting, it is based on a memory of people she knew from her childhood. she is crouched down at the table watching quietly not wanting to be noticed
style – expressionism
cairns work is in the style of contemporary scottish expressionism, this can be seen in her use of expressive brush marks and the emotion portrayed in her work
style – narrative
the strong narrative style is evident in her use of memory and characters from her life, this style allows her to tell a story to the viewer
style – exaggerated
the painting is not realistic, cairns uses stylisation to create more emotion, this can be seen in the exaggerated expressions
colour – sickly
the main colours are blue, turquoise, green and greys. these colours create a sickly uneasy feeling that leads back to the theme of fishing and the sea
colour – ghostly
some characters are painted paler with grey and yellow tones, this gives them a ghostly appearance. these colours conveys sickness and drunkenness
colour – celebration
the strong use of reds and oranges in small areas of the painting remind us that this is supposed to be a celebration
mood and atmosphere – disturbing
the food and drinks at the table suggest a celebration however the painting has a disturbing feeling due to the strange ghostly and sickly looking characters
mood and atmosphere – unhappy
the predominant colours of blue and green in the painting create an unhappy atmosphere, this is further emphasised by the sad expressions on most of the faces
mood and atmosphere – loving and sad
the two main figures add to the uncomfortable atmosphere, he is looking lovingly at her but she looks sad and unhappy as if she does not want to be there
