Research Point 3.2.2.1: Moods and Atmosphere in Portraits

For this research point, I was asked to research portraits which held moods and atmosphere within them, I decided to find one traditional piece and a couple of more contemporary pieces. Having looked at those suggested in my manual, I decided to focus on more fitting pieces which appealed to me much stronger.

• 

• 

• 

• 

I did not realise whilst looking for pieces and collating them that I had gathered four which are all rather similar in the techniques used, not to mention the fact the subjects are all female. I am unsure why this is the case, however, I do regard the female form as much more appealing from an art perspective; their lines are smoother and there is much more fluidity and delicate nature than is found in the male form. I do think I would still have chosen these pieces had the subject been male due to their overall colour palettes and expressions contained.

It is clear that Fig. 1. is rather different from the other pieces with its dark background, however, the detail and technique used is actually rather similar to that in the other pieces. The subject looking backwards over her shoulder is such a strong pose, but the expression on her face is so delicate and fragile whilst also being rather neutral. I think this is rather excellent in itself. Vermeer has caught the micro-expression being created as well as the overall expression beautifully.

I think Fig. 2. and Fig. 4. are rather similar in respect of their colour palette and application of the paint. However, the expressions portrayed are rather different; Fig. 2. seems rather overly-confident and disgusted almost, whereas the subject in Fig. 4. seems to show someone in a much sadder context and staring into space as though trying to find answers. Again, this artist has successfully created both an exterior neutral expression and also a micro-expression at the same time. This is something to consider – perhaps I do not have to create immediately obvious expressions including drastic movements of the facial features to get the message across. I am also rather drawn to the hues found in Fig. 4. as whilst the subject is undeniably aesthetically pleasing to the eye, the application of the paint and the hues used are rather ‘ugly’ when considered in smaller portions. The redder shades and purple around the eyes creates a sense of swelling as though from crying and also the shadows under her eyes – neither of which are classed as ‘beautiful’. Also, the blue and greener hues could seem rather out of place against the redder hues of the flesh in the surrounding areas, however, I feel they work really well in creating different areas of shadow and depth.

Fig. 3. is on another level for me and the background story of a daughter’s love for her mother with a disease which is eating away at her cognitive abilities etc is instantly apparent within the piece. The mother’s face is illuminated and the darkness moving away to the right of the piece is evidence of the disease. Again, the use of colours has been done beautifully in creating depth and narrative within the piece. There is evidence of tears running from the mother’s eyes, however the life in the eyes is still very much apparent and the wan smile telling of someone who is putting on a brave face for their loved ones whilst battling demons internally. This piece is utterly beautiful and the message is instantly apparent and beautiful.

List of Illustrations

Fig. .1 Vermeer, J. (1665) Girl with a Pearl Earring [Unknown] At: https://www.pooky.com/2016/03/11/chiaroscuro-interiors-how-artists-use-light-to-create-dramatic-atmospheres (Accessed on 30 May 2020)

Fig. 2. Bryzhak, D. (Unknown) Emotion [Oil on canvas] At: https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Emotion/1021921/6233873/view (Accessed on 30 May 2020)

Fig. 3. Stainer, L. (2016) Preserving Mum [Painting] At: https://www.livvyportraits.com/single-post/2016/05/10/Preserving-Mum (Accessed on 30 May 2020)

Fig. 4. Castana, T. (c. 2020) Darina Portrait [Painting] At: https://tituscastanza.com/collections/portrait-commissions (Accessed on 30 May 2020)

Bibliography

Livvy Stainer. (2016) ‘Preserving Mum’ [Online] At: https://www.livvyportraits.com/single-post/2016/05/10/Preserving-Mum (Accessed on 30 May 2020)

Pooky Lighting Ltd. (2016) ‘Chiaroscuro Interiors – How artists use light to create dramatic atmospheres’ [Online] At: https://www.pooky.com/2016/03/11/chiaroscuro-interiors-how-artists-use-light-to-create-dramatic-atmospheres (Accessed on 30 May 2020)

Titus Castanza Art. (2020) ‘Portrait Commissions’ [Online] At: https://tituscastanza.com/collections/portrait-commissions (Accessed on 30 May 2020)