Formal Art Analysis

Formal Art Analysis Hailey Niemi The Starry Night that was done in 1889 is an oil on canvas painting. This is a very famous work of art and a very complex, beautiful piece. In terms of lines this painting is quite uninhibited. The painter was thinking outside the box so to speak. The lines used in The Starry Night are all over and all around in swirls and other patterns.

I think the art portrays that the artist views the world as a very whimsical place with endless possibilities. This might show that the artist’s personality is fun, spontaneous and creative.

The painting done by Vincent Van Gogh called particular pattern. the method of producing art is also different where as Van Gogh often paints the lines by hand, Sol Lewitt usually sells only the instructions on how to create the works of art in museums and such. The personality that I would think the artist may have is somewhat of a perfectionist type with math as a favorite subject. The formal qualities involved in Diego Velasquez’s Las Meninas consist of space, color and light along with many others.

Here Velasquez utilizes space to place the infantana princess at the focal center of the painting. He used many spacing techniques to add intrigue and story line to his piece. This painting has been interpreted many different ways and has also been a great influence on European art. The background of the painting appears to reflect a painting taking place within a painting. Velasquez used three major focus points in this picture, the mirrored images, the half length and the self portrait.

Through the combination of these formal qualities the artist created the effect of intrigue and mystery that has endured many years.

The amazing effect was accomplished with the use of multiple planes of form and meaning. Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks is widely known for its depiction of the emotional isolation and emptiness of the average American. This piece is also known for its simplistic nature. The color and light are used to create an emotional feeling of loneliness and despair. It is a powerful alent to be able to evoke emotion with art. The painting shows that even when surrounded by many others, we can still feel isolated and alone.

The bright artificial looking light coming from inside the diner, contrasting with the empty darkness just outside on the lonely street corner helps to achieve the lonely effect. The pale, institutional looking walls of the small diner, the high profile shadows used and the sad seclusion of one man seated alone all contribute to the overall desired effect in this painting.