John Ogilvie - Expressive Points

Question 1

Points on composition and arrangement

Answer 1

• its a simple composition with John ogilvie in the centre with a simple yet atmospheric background
• ogilvie is the focal point this is clear by his central, frontal position and the fact that he is also making eye contact with the viewer.
• the use of lighter tones on his face, contrasting with the dark clothing and background drawing attention to the face. His sorrowful expression and tearful eyes also engage the viewer.

Question 2

Media handling / techniques

Answer 2

-This painting has been completed using oil paint on canvas
-Howson starts his paintings by covering the canvas with a warm brown colour, then uses a rag to start creating the highlights which then turn into the figures.
-Howson carefully blanks his paints to create a highly finished, smooth pieces of art, which gives his figures a caricature like appearance. The clothing in this piece has also been highly blended, whereas he has used a dabbing technique in the beak ground with more brushstrokes being visible.

Question 3

Points on colour

Answer 3

• range of earth low key ochre, browns black and even emphasises the modesty of Ogilvie
• Howson uses a restrictive range of warm browns and blacks with hints of golden yellow/ orange creating a somber atmosphere
• the use of light browns on st. John ogilvie and the harmonising golden colour of the clouds in the background help to draw attention to the central figure due to the contrast created against the darker colours .

Question 4

Points on line.

Answer 4

-Howson uses an outlining technique to create definition in certain parts for example, separation is created between the fingers through the use of a black outline.
-Howson use of line is very precise, giving a neat, highly finished outcome. Whilst meany of the folds in the clothing appears linear, it has been carefully blended giving it a soft finish.

Question 5

Points on tone

Answer 5

-Dark tone used throughout helps to draw the eye into the centre of the painting, where lighter tones have been used on Ogilvie’s face and shoulders.
- the tone is dramatic with great contrast achieve between light and dark; there are few mid tones.
- careful placement of light, medium and dark tones on the face shows great expression, e.g the light dabs of paint used on Ogilvie’s lower eyelids, depicting tears.
- dark tones help to convey the mood and atmosphere.

Question 6

Points on texture

Answer 6

-The surface texture of the painting looks to be smooth due to the highly blended technique Howson used with the paint
-texture if the clothing is incredibly detailed showing every fold and drape in the fabric.
-clouds in the background have a fluffy texture due to Howson using a dabbing technique to create them.
-some areas show a dry brush approach, such as on Ogilvie’s clothing. Helping to communicate how basic his robe is.

Question 7

Points on shape and form.

Answer 7

-Curved natural shapes used throughout image contrast with more angular shapes used on his draped belt and hands together in prayer.
-circular shapes created by the clouds in the background.
-three dimensional form has been created on Ogilvie though dramatic shadows and highlights and dreadful blending .
- the form of ogilvie depicts him as being slender; he is particularly gaunt in his face and neck, perhaps as a result of suffering whilst being imprisoned.
- great tonal contrast throughout the painting created the overall impression of form 3D

Question 8

Points on pattern

Answer 8

No obvious pattern but there are repeated stripes in the folds of his clothing drawing the eye towards them

Question 9

Points on scale

Answer 9

• Ogilvie has been painted at eye level making this piece more intimate.
• this is a very large piece of work at 8 feet tall meaning that ogilvie is painted much larger then life.
• ogilvie has Been placed against an atmospheric background. Dreamlike, feathering golden clouds. The dark tone around them helps to create distance which almost makes the sky look like it disappears into infinity with no horizon, like he has already gone to heaven.

Question 10

Mood and atmosphere points

Answer 10

• Howson uses expression to create a sorrowful mood and atmosphere. This can be seen in the tearful eyes of ogilvie communicating that ogilvie is relizing that this is his last moments on earth
• there is an otherworldly atmosphere. Seen in the rolling clouds that are yellow orange convoying that something terrible is going to happen
• there is a prayerful mood shown through the pose where his hands are in prayer showing that his faith is still strong.

Question 11

Points of subject matter

Answer 11

• the subject matter is hanging of ogilvie for practicing mass seen by the noose around his neck
• its also religions seen in the pose where his hands are clasped in prayer even in his last moments convaing faith
  -the subject matter is shown through the placement and scale and placement of Ogilvie he is alone congaing that the narrative centres on him.