Tell me what you think about this picture...?

Question

i just need to look at the formal elements, e.g. subject matter, composition, foreground, background, mid ground, color, line, tone, texture, form.

if anyone could just give me some starting points for me to go from that would be a great help...

Thank you. x

http://theheftysection.typepad.com/the_hefty_section/images/2007/07/23/cbotte2.jpg

Answer 1

Great picture, however, your shadow is wrong.

Answer 2

The composition is slightly pyramidical based on the figure's stance, and has a zig-zag direction to it.  The image is backlit, painted in watercolor would be my guess based on the handling of the coat and the hair.   The painting is near-monochromatic, done in shades of orange/sienna, with dark neutral accents.  The artist has used warm tones in the foreground to advance the subject, and muted, grayed tones to recede the distance.   With most of the shadows being in the mid-tones, the artist has drawn attention to the figure which is in near silhouette.  

The artist seems to have isolated the subject giving the piece a feeling of either apprehension or power.  The entire mood is one of anticipation.  

There appears to be rather strong light in the painting, but the artist seems to have backed of the deep shadows that would normally have created, and instead substituted a haziness, rendering a feeling of  a hot, hazy summer day.

It is a nicely painted story (whatever that story is)  . . . however there is something in the pillars of the railing that seems out of perspective, just ever so slightly.

If I were rating this as if it were in a juried art show I would give it:

18/20 for skill/technique

25/30 for subject

18/20 for creativity and design

10/10 for story/interest

18/20 for composition and overall impression

I think elizabeth s mistook the reflection in the window for a shadow.

Answer 3

I'm sorry I'm no good with texture and c**p but i just had to say

THAT'S AMAZING!!!!

Answer 4

you painted this? wowww you have talent :] its beautiful

Answer 5

This picture is not by the person who asked the question; it's Young Man at His Window by Gustav Caillebotte (French Realist/Impressionist artist).

Answer 6

great picture.ur a gifted artist