LOREN FRIESEN GALLERY

GRANDMAS PICKING FLOWERS: the artist's view

 

A solid, visual structure (composition) supports a cascade of small, sprinkled shapes in a loose X-pattern–white flowers from top-left flow downward to the right–and white flowers, red flowers and patterns on a white kimono flow downward from the top-right to the left. As well, there are randomly scattered patterns of leaves, fabric and small stones everywhere.

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This is supported by the two figures of the grandmas standing side by side–two solid, vertical pillars holding up the whole picture. This basic composition may sound predictable, but it is greatly enlivened by the interesting negative shape that runs down the middle between the two grandmas. Not only that, the background also creates interesting negative shapes on either side of the grandmas. All these negative shapes are created by carefully placing the grandmas in relation to each other and in relation to the edges of the picture. The edges of pictures, if handled well, can do visual magic!

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The grandmas' clothing, each divided into three parts, create a horizontal movement that breaks up the vertical predictability of the two standing figures. The white aprons, jackets and skirts are across from each other. But the brown jacket on the top-left resonates diagonally with the mauve skirt on the lower-right. And the grandmas' faces and feet are lined up left to right. These shapes counteract the verticals.

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As someone who visited my studio many years ago said: A solid structure can support many details.

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Rich colors and strong contrast between sunshine and shadow contribute significantly to the visual and emotional impact of the picture.

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The slight curve in which the grandmas' feet are arranged mirrors the curved edge of the large, flat stone at the bottom. This stone's curved shape exerts a subtle, upward force that elevates the grandmas visually and psychologically. The stone is also cut off by the bottom of the picture as though resting just inside the field of vision of the viewer. It suggests that you are in the space of the picture.

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What seems to be the relationship between these two women is very interesting to me. But those feelings tend to be more subjective* and personal to each viewer. So I will leave those thoughts to you. That is in contrast to the things I am describing about the composition, which are much more objective** because you can verify them with your own eyes. They are describable because they are really there.

 

Learning to see what is really there adds immeasurably to the enjoyment (and the making!) of art. Of course I'm fallible and can misjudge what I see. But this is my attempt to describe things that are actually there. In other words, art is not as subjective as many people assume!