,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 it helps gives us a clue to the organic form of the blue lamp
-The artists has used a dry brush technique, this si when there is barely any paint on the brush creating a scratchy look which is visible in the wallpaper and cloth, this is effective as it helps show the smooth, satiny texture of the cloth and the lifted, rough texture of the wallpaper
-Outlines have been used, this is seen in the blue lamp and the fruit bowl, this is effective as it helps define the objects as the main elements of the piece as the dark outline contrasts with the softer colours.
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
-Tints are used, this is seen in the pink/red in the table cloth and fruit bowl. This is effective as it ties all the elements together as well as creating a sense of light by added definition to the lightly colours objects.
Line
-The artist used solid heavy lines this is seen in the fruit bowl and the lamp, this is effective as the bold heaving outline flattens and stylizes the object creating a 2D feel
-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.
-Repeated Curved lines seen in the fruit bowl, lamp and the curve of the table this is effective as the curved lines create a soft feel to the painting as well as creating unity with the repetition of the lines.
Texture
-Hard/shiny textures (ceramics) are created by clear brushstrokes with prominent highlights and shadows, this is seen in the ceramic blue vase, this is effective as the blue lamp uses block of not blended brushstrokes this helps show the shiny rigid texture of the blue lamp.
-Delicate texture are created by the use of the detailed brush, this is seen in the white flowers and the rose at the front of the piece, this is effective as the blended detailed texture creates 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 this encourages the viewer to look around the painting for the longer and admire all the details in the whole 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
-The elements in the painting are proportion to one another. This is seen as the size of each objects are to one another are the same as real life. This if effective as it adds realism even when the objects are highly stylised.
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, romantic atmosphere, seen in the bright warm tones used in the painting and the roses, flowers, vase and cards, this creates a positive warm mood and the objects help symbolize love.
-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 Colorists who were a group of fellow post-impressionists Scottish artists known for their bold colours and brushwork, subject matter, this is seen in the bold, vivid colours used such as the red/pink in the flowers and through the bold outlines in the elements. This is effective as it helps catch the attention of the viewer and intrigues them by all the vibrant colours.
-Travel as Ferguson spent a lot of time going back and forth between London and Paris. Whilst he was in France he was influenced by the light, sunnier warmer climate. This is seen in the hard tonal contrasts seen in the tablecloth and the bold highlights/shadows given to the objects on the table. This is effective as it shows the contrast in light and helps brighten the atmosphere of the painting.
