The Two Pieces of Art, Essay Example

The two pieces of art in comparison are James McNeil Whistler, Arrangementin Black No. 5: Lady Meux, 1881 and Thomas Eakins, William Rush and His Model, 1907-08. Both are beautiful oil on canvas paintings displayed at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Both of these pieces of art share a commonality  that they are composed with lovely oil colors on canvas of illuminating browns, reds, greens and yellows which transform the pictures into fine avant garde art masterpieces. The advantages of using oil paintings are that the color lasts longer than water color but the limitations are that the paint takes a very long time to dry to full value. Water miscible oils are much easier to work with than solid oil based paintings. The disadvantage of oil paintings are that the paint sometimes oxidizes if left unattended to and further the majority of paintings that have been reproduced illegally have been oil paintings. On a positive note, the legal reproductions are one of the highest from oil paintings, thus sales are most frequent from oil painting reproductions.

Most of the lines in the paintings suggested above are of vertical nature and are used to elongate the perception of the picture. Vertical lines bring length to a picture and further can be used to create depth.  The colors used in the two paintings are realistic and of cool nature. Lighting is used to shadow the effects of the subjects. The eye is focused on the naked woman through the composition of yellow or neutral yellow colors with the use of visual vertical lines. The eye is also focused on the lady in black in the other painting. The visual essence of vertical lines creates a sense of stability and substance to both paintings. Further the vertical lines with expression of minimal horizontal and curved lines are used to express a bold yet peaceful ambiance to the picture of that historical era. The use of cross lines in the background creates the appearance of a darker value to some areas of the background but staggered area across the painting where lighting is needed.

The use of color in art can be interpreted as a science or scientific methodology. With the use of the two paintings compared there is implication that tinting is used through the background of the painting of William Rush and His Model to give effect to the rest of the painting, especially the nude woman. In Arrangementin Black No. 5: Lady Meux, 1881 the use of color is used in a different manner. The color of pure black is used in the background to bring effect to the force of the lady subject. The contrast of the black and white gain magnificent support through this basic color contrast support. There appears to be no limitation of colors on the palette of the artists with the composition of both paintings. Some artists’ have complained that a limit of 12 colors is of much distaste to them. Mixing of colors helps to produce a cheaper painting than providing tons of colors on the palette of the artist. The selection of mediums to help in drying can aid with the use of oil colors. Keeping the paint wet at all times to blend one wet color into another is the best technique with oil painting. Alla prima painting or painting in layers may be used in lieu of wet color painting technique if the painter has time to complete the painting. It is important to keep the concentration of oil to a minimum if using this technique.

Vertical lines are used in the lady subject however the lines are blended to give a elongated effect with smooth intention to the overall painting. It is also noted that the blending effect is used throughout the entire painting to give the same effect throughout the entire painting. The painting is left with a sheer matte finish to give an avant garde effect to classical fine art.

By following the rule of thirds in the painting Arrangementim Black No. 5: Lady Meux, 1881 the focal point is the lady in black dress. . In the second painting William Rush and His Model, 1907-1908 the focal point is the naked lady whilst painted in pale yellow tones and colors. Art is everything and nothing at all of no definitive matter but is subjectively viewed by the eyes of the beholder. The paintings appear to have no constraints to them with the subjects showing their true expressions. The texture of both paintings are very smooth creating a peaceful and flowing sense of humility.

The lady subjects of both of the paintings create a sense of honor, loyalty and high standing in the society, however also create a full sense of freedom. The mood appears to be very still and comfortable. There are not much variation with the patterns of either painting for they are constant.

I am able to connect with the beauty and sense of peace portrayed by these two paintings. Further I love the sense of honor and class portrayed by these two lovely paintings depicting a certain hierarchy and distinction from those times. The feeling that is triggered whilst viewing these paintings prima facie are ones of excitement and pride to have them displayed in my home. The feelings associated with these paintings further bring a desire to want to live in that era that the paintings were composed.

Western art in its finest form as depicted by these two oil paintings is culturally and politically influence by the times of which the paintings derive and further influenced by the mood of the painters. The art reflects the needs, desires, hopes and aspirations of the society from which the paintings were derived. The women in both paintings are glorified for their physical beauty and their beauty represents the subject of the paintings. It is extremely important for Western culture to continue to be expressed in art because without the expression of art there would be a demise of Western education with relation to the arts. Frontier imagery will continue to influence the arts of the Western world. As new experiences occur in the world the art will change with these new experiences. Western art can be described as icon art of past, present religious, symbolic and art of nature. Each piece of art has a distinct meaning relating to the era of the Western world from which an emotion was derived or an ideal of development was related. Art exhibitions with relation to Western art will continue to share a vivid contribution from many artists because of the vast area of contributions that can be made to the theme of the art.