Task 2 : Visual Analysis & Ideation
17 /02/25 - 07/03/25 ( Week 3- Week 5)
- In this task, I have to assess and analyze the artwork i have selected in Task 1 based on Visual analysis lecture notes.
- Propose three improvement ideas, each described in 30-50 words, and explain these three ideas based on design principles.
Visual analysis is a method of understanding design, primarily focusing on visual elements and design principles. In a strict sense, it is the description and explanation of visual structure. Its purpose is not only to understand the structure but also to identify the designer's choices and analyze how the design conveys ideas, content, or meaning. Mastering visual analysis skills can enhance critical thinking.
1. Observation
- Carefully observe and identify the visual elements of the design, then describe them in your own words.
- Do not read any information about the design beforehand.
- Look, think, and express what you notice using clear and effective language.
- Think about your observations and try to make statements about the work based on your evidence.
- Consider how the visual elements work together to form design principles that complete the artwork and impact the viewer.
Combine your observations, descriptions, and analysis with factual information about the design, the designer (if relevant), and historical context from reliable sources.
This artwork includes the sky, river, plants, and houses, creating a balanced composition. The first thing I noticed was the different colors in the sky, especially the orange, yellow, and red, which stand out. The painting is divided into two parts: the sky and the river. The sky has warm sunset colors that contrast with the dark blue, while the river reflects the sky’s colors, making the water look soft and connected to the rest of the scene. The plants along the riverbank are painted with rough brushstrokes, showing the energy of nature. The houses and bridge blend into the background, making everything look peaceful and complete. There is no text and image in this painting, but the colors and light create a calm and quiet feeling, showing the passing of time. This is how I understand the painting based on my observations. （ 143 word）
In 1869, Claude Monet captured the Seine River at Bougival at sunset in ' The seine at Bougival in the Evening'. As a leader of Impressionism, he was good at showing the changing light and the beauty of nature. He focused on the feeling of light instead of detailed drawing.
Impressionist art uses clear and unblended brushstrokes to show movement and spontaneity. Wide compositions highlight light changes and short moments. The Impressionist movement started in the 1860s in France. Artists used quick brushstrokes and bright colors to capture natural light and create a momentary feeling.
For me, this painting gives a feeling of peace and harmony. The golden sunset reflecting on the water shows time passing and reminds us to cherish short but precious moments. The warm colors and soft reflections create a calm and poetic scene, showing Impressionism’s love for nature and Monet’s special way of expressing light and emotion. (151 words)
4. Ideation
- IDEA 1: Enhance the flow and depth of the sky
The sky in this painting is well done in terms of color gradient, light contrast, and cloud layering, making it feel more spacious. But if you look closely, the brushstrokes seem a bit stiff. The clouds could be softer to add more flow and depth, making the sky look more natural and the whole painting more balanced. Blurring the distant clouds would enhance the sense of depth, making the scene feel more lively and dynamic.
Rationale
Softening the cloud brushstrokes can make the sky look more natural and dynamic, avoiding stiff brushwork and a flat appearance. It allows the viewer's eye to flow with the painting. Enhancing the transition between clouds and blurring distant clouds can increase the painting’s depth, creating a stronger sense of immersion and harmony, making it more engaging for the viewer.
Source of inspiration
The sky uses soft and flowing brushstrokes, creating a strong sense of movement and depth. Turner’s painting technique makes the clouds feel alive and ever-changing, while the blurred effect enhances the sense of vastness and immersion.
Sketch:
- IDEA 2: Adjust the focal point of the composition
While rough brushstrokes can enhance the natural texture of the trees and add depth to the foliage, overly dense or heavy strokes may disrupt the balance of the composition. I suggest reducing the visual weight of the trees on the right or adding some elements in the lower left corner.
Rationale
Reducing the visual weight on the right can prevent the composition from feeling too heavy or cluttered. Adding elements (boat) to the lower left corner helps balance the scene, guiding the viewer’s eye more naturally and making the overall composition more harmonious and visually engaging.
Source of Inspiration
Reason
Golden Autumn demonstrates how to maintain balance even with dense trees. While the trees on the left are visually heavy, the open space and river on the right create visual flow, guiding the viewer’s eye. This preserves balance and harmony, enhances depth and movement, and reduces the visual weight on one side.
Sketch:
- IDEA 3: Enhance the details of the water surface and reflections
Add ripple details to the water surface, such as applying slight blur effects or distortion to the reflections, making them more closely resemble the natural reflection of a real water surface.
Rationale:
Adding ripples to the water surface can prevent the reflections from appearing too still and lifeless. By enhancing the flow of the water, refining reflection details, or applying a slight blur effect, the scene becomes more dynamic, looks more natural, and gains a greater sense of realism.
Source of Inspiration
.jpg)
This painting showcases excellent use of light and reflection. The soft brushstrokes and delicate tonal variations make the water surface display both clear reflections and a subtle blur, creating a natural flow of light and shadow.
I would love to see you explore idea #2
ReplyDelete