Expressive - Henri Matisse - Goldfish

Question 1

Colour

Answer 1

• Contrast between orange fish and green foliage around it, cold and warm colours
• Pink flowers pop out, make cooler colours slightly duller, makes your eye drawn towards the fish

Question 2

Tone

Answer 2

• Lightest tones on the right hand side, suggests late afternoon, casual garden setting
• Lighter tones in leaves at right hand side, creates tone and depth

Question 3

Composition

Answer 3

• Includes many circular shapes, sense of unity
• Bird’s eye view, as if viewer is standing in front, can be seen in ellipse
• Eye drawn to fish tank due to the geometric shape, contrasts, bright

Question 4

Subject matter/imagery

Answer 4

• Still life, set in garden, you can tell this is due to…where…
• Colourful flowers make fish tank stand out, creates happy atmosphere

Question 5

Texture

Answer 5

• Can be seen in leaves, small, loose brush strokes used, different shades of green to show depth, feel smooth

Question 6

Media handling/techniques

Answer 6

• Flowers in top right, paint applied in small brush strokes in order to create more detail
• Oil paint under the table possible applied using a palette knife, doesn’t require much detail