Van Gogh

a setting sun

1.

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a. There is a shadowy figure in the foreground.

b. A twisty, single tree is standing beside the figure.

c. The vanishing point appears to be on the far left of the painting

d. A type of road continues to the vanishing point.

e. There is a type of dwelling in the background

f. Mellow shades of yellow, orange, brown, red and green are used.

2. How is the painting put together?

Lines- Everything from straight and unmoving lines, to curvy and slightly irregular lines are used. Most of the lines are implied, resulting from multiple contrasting colors. The outline of the sun could be classified as a psychic line, meaning it results from a distortion of the surrounding sky. The horizon is the longest horizontal line and the outline of the tree is the longest vertical line. Otherwise, most of the other lines are short-dashed segments of color.

Color- The different hues include, yellow, yellow-green, red-orange, brown, and blue. Most of the colors are primaries, like yellow. Yellow shares half the stage with the darkened greens, blues, and reds, underneath the horizon. This painting is noticeably divide in half with the use of these contrasting colors. However, as they do contrast, the colors are still within the same realm of intensity and so they are a harmonious match in that sense. I think with these colors the painting has a soothing feel. The dark color is used to emphasize the figures presence and to bring in mind the question of who exactly the figure is and what their intentions are.

Shapes-The most obvious shape is the huge circular sun, but the elongated rectangles of the fields in the background also put the painting together.

Space- The space is definitively non-two dimensional. It has extreme depth and appears as if the viewer could walk all the way to the horizon. The vanishing point also aids in bringing about depth. Because the figure appears to be emerging from the vanishing point it gives the sense that the viewer could also enter into the scene and walk down the distant road.

Lighting- Because the figure and the back of the tree are shrouded in darkness, the viewer is directly facing the light source. The light contributes to the mood by giving life and warmth to the scene.

Space- The painting is evenly spaced. The dark figure and tree balance the painting laterally and the brilliant sky and toned down earth balance the painting vertically.

The mood of the painting is soothing. This mood is achieved through the easy-going, harmonious colors, simplistic shapes, intense lighting, and a sense of symmetry.