,The Blue Lamp, JD Fergusson Flashcards
Introduction Sentence
The artist I have studied in JD Fergusson (1874-1961) and the artwork I am discussing is ‘The Blue Lamp’ from 1912
Composition
-Circular composition, seen as your eye is lead around the painting, this is effective as the viewer is encouraged to take in all the elements and details of the painting
-Focal point (the blue lamp), seen as the as the primary colours red and yellow are used to help the blue of the lamp stand out, this is effective as the lamp contrasts with its surroundings helping it stand out
-The artist uses lead in lines, this is seen in the curved line of the table, this is effective because it helps circulate the eye around the objects
Media handling/techniques
-He uses thick layered paint known as impasto, this is seen in the blue lamp and fruit bowl, this is effective as the bold application gives a painterly and expressive feel to the painting
-The artists has used a dry brush technique which is visible in the wallpaper and cloth, this is effective as it helps show the texture of the wallpaper and cloth
-Outlines have been used, this is seen in the blue lamp and the fruit bowl, this is effective as it adds to the cartoony look adding to the expressive look of the painting
Colour
-Harmonious colours are used in the flowers and the wallpaper, this is effective as this creates a subtle warm feeling to the painting as well as tying the whole painting together creating unity
-Contrasting colours are used, seen in the the overall warm tone of the painting contrasting with the cool tone of the blue lamp, this is effective because the warm tones contrasting with the cool blue of the lamp help the lamp stand out
Line
-The artist used solid lines this is seen in the fruit bowl and the lamp, this is effective as the bold heaving outline flattens and stylizes the object
-The artwork uses broken/suggested lines, this is seen in the wallpaper to suggest flowers as well as the flowers in the vase, this is effective as the broken, natural lines are used to create a lighter effect causing the background to recede.
-Contrasting lines seen in the sharp lines in the fruit bowl and lamp, this is effective Bold, sharp outline contrasts with the round ellipse shape of the lamp and fruit bowls
Texture
-Hard/shiny textures (ceramics) are used, this is seen in the ceramic blue vase, this is effective as the blue lamp uses block of unblended brushstrokes this helps it become the focal point of the piece as it is the only shiny ceramic object
-Delicate texture is used, this is seen in the flowers, this is effective as the similar shades of colours used in the flowers helps create a delicate and soft look to the flowers
-Soft texture is used, this is seen in the table cloth, this is effective as Smooth and blended brushstrokes have been used to create the illusion of a satiny smooth table cloth
Shape/Form
-Geometric shapes are used, this is seen in the red box, the blue lamp and crockery, this is effective as the sharper angular, outlines and brushstrokes are used to help contrast against the softer, circular background
-Organic shapes are used, this is seen in the flowers, wallpaper and fruits, this effective as it is aesthetically pleasing due to the repetition of ellipse and organic shapes
-Suggested shapes are used, seen in the wallpaper and background, this is effective as simplified shapes are used to create a 2D flat look to help contrast with the more 3D objects
Pattern
-Irregular Pattern is used and seen in the floral wallpaper in the background, this effective as the flowers in the wallpaper are placed randomly which add to the cartoony and expressive look to the painting
-Decorative pattern is used, this is seen in the wallpaper in the background, this is effective as it adds a decorative, subtle, feminine touch to the mood and atmosphere.
-Loose and suggested pattern is used and seen in the wallpaper, fruit bowl and sugar dish, this is effective as the Surface pattern on the sugar dish and inner pattern on the bowl relate to the floral pattern in the wallpaper, which is loose and exspressive
Scale
-A slightly larger than life size scale is used, this is seen in the paintings dimensions, this is effective as all the objects are painted in proportion to one another to show perspective. This also adds to the realism of the painting
Style
-Expressive style is used, seen in the flower vase and the wallpaper, this is effective as abstract look the flowers have creates a stylised look to the painting
-Painterly style is used, this is seen in the visible brushstrokes e.g. the blue lamp, this is effective as this creates an energetic and abstract feeling to the painting aswell as making the painting stand out with its unique style
-Style similar scottish colourists, seen in the bright bold colours e.g. red box, yellow envelope and blue lamp, this is effective as this creates a colourful, vibrant look to the painting that catches the eye of the viewer
Subject matter/imagery prompts
-Celebration, this is seen in the objects collected on the table top, this suggests a social gathering round the table maybe a birthday due to the red box and yellow envelope
-Front room, various objects that are set out usually in a front room e.g. flowers and fruit bowl, this creates a homely fell adding to the relaxed, comforting feeling to the painting
-Spring time, seen in the mix of pastel pinks, reds as well as blues and yellows, colours often associated with spring, this creates a warm, relaxed and happy atmosphere
Mood and Atmosphere
-Happy atmosphere, seen in the bright warm tones used in the painting, this creates a positive warm mood
-Uplifting, springtime, this is seen in the strong light and dark shades, this is effective as it creates the illusion of a brightly lit interior which creates a cheerful feeling to a painting
-Comforting/homely mood, this is seen in the collection of food and crockery, this creates a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere due to the collection of household items
Influences
-Scottish Colourists, subject matter, this is seen in the traditional still life with objects often used by scottish colourists e.g. vases, the artists references this to showcase the bright and bold colours of the objects
-The fauves, highly pigmented colour, seen in the bold, bright and vibrant colour palette, the artists references this as similar colour palettes are used by other artists with a similar expressive style
