Section 1 - (composition and media handling) Flashcards
Red deck
Composition - Triangle window
De Lempicka has painted the car window in a triangular structure which frames the face. The triangular layout leads the viewer’s eye to the portrait making it the focal point.
Composition - Split into 2 halves
De Lempicka’s composition is split into two halves between the more simple shapes of the car and the complexity of the scarf which draws the viewer’s eye to the complexity of the upper half of the painting
Composition - Focal point, intense stare
The focal point is the portrait in the top right corner because the subject is looking intensely and directly at the viewer which naturally draws the viewer’s eye to her.
Composition - Cropped composition
De Lempicka has cropped the composition which increases the intensity for the viewer by creating the effect that the viewer is very close to the portrait and Bugatti, almost within the composition.
Media Handling - oil paint makes realism
De Lempicka uses the oil paint to create a realistic and smooth finish by layering up the paint layer by layer. This is especially seen in the clean lines of her face and the car’s bonnet and sides.
Media Handling - Brushstroke curvature
The brushstrokes of De Lempicka’s portrait follow the curvature of the objects in the painting to create a 3D effect. This is seen in places such as the car and hand on the steering wheel which are flat but give a three dimensional illusion.
Media Handling - Detailed facial features
De Lempicka has used a finer brush on the facial features. The more controlled application of paint increases the level of detail on the face helping to make it the focal point.
Media Handling - Oil paint glaze
De Lempicka used oil paint with a glaze. The glazing technique has given the paint a glossy effect which helps to recreate the metallic quality of the car.
