Nameprofessorcoursedate: Critical Thinking Sample

CRITICAL ANALYSIS: ART & ARCHITECTUREArtist:Title: Judith Decapitating HolifemesMedium: Oil on CanvasSize: 6’ 6 3/8”* 5 ‘5 ¾”Date: C 1620Page Number: 110 Unit One Fundamentals Principles of art are the ideas that artists use to organize the elements into a work of art (Bal, 188). Designers inculcate these tools to communicate through their work of art. Using these principles, the artist can capture the viewer’s attention and focus on a particular painting, drawing or even a photo. The principles of art are what lie behind every elegant picture, photo or a drawing; they are the basis of any successful professional work. The tools may vary depending on a particular view and the intended theme. An artist uses harmony by inculcating similar elements, and this makes the piece less complicated and easy to understand (Bal, 189). Variety brings excitement to the work of art because it combines color, shapes, and different designs to come up with a unified layout. When an artist uses emphasis, then all the attention is directed towards a particular place in the piece; lines or a particular sequence can facilitate this.
The first picture by Gentileschi In the Gentileschi drawing on Judith Decapitating Holofemes, there is a constant use of contrasting values and different lines to be able to lead the viewer to a particular focal point that is the climax (Dewitte, 143). The focus instance is the victim who Judith and her Maidservant killed using a sword, the artist apparently uses the dark values of the victim's head to draw more focus on the activity. Light use has been excellent with right directional lines that emanate from the two ladies’ and the victim’s bare hands leading it to the victim's head again. There is an explicit use of distinct colors to differentiate the three participating parties. There is a clear red color that helps the viewer see the blood that is trickling from the victim’s head. Gentileschi also uses light to draw focus to the victim’s raised legs that evidently shows the suffering he experienced in the whole process (Dewitte, 147). Unit two; process The artist used different shades and lights to contrast his drawing thus pulling the viewer’s attention from the sidelines onto the main activity that is taking pace. There is an obvious use various color shades bringing out the element of value. The artist further draws the viewer’s interest by using dazzling colors in the form of arms to lead the audience to the victim’s neck that is being cut off. On the victim’s neck, there is a use of very dark shades making it stand out. Unit 3: History and Context. This photo is by Matthias Grunewald depicting Jesus suffering. The picture uses several shades of color (Roncace & Gray, 97). The dark shadow of the Cross can help the viewer focus on Jesus better because he has a lighter shade. The green color shows how much pain Jesus went through during crucifixion. In this picture, one can relate with how Christ suffered. There are thorns piercing his flesh and the blood trickling from his body; it is also clear that he has fractured limbs. Matthias have managed to use directional lines thus drawing the viewers’ attention to the focal point that is the tomb (Roncace & Gray, 103). One is also able to read Mary’s emotions as they are well revealed using different strokes of lines in the picture. Conclusion The two artists have successfully managed to create very eye catching drawings that have run the test of time. Art is a language by itself, it communicates beyond geographical boundaries. When one embraces art, it is such a beautiful thing because one can ultimately express himself through it. When an artist skillfully uses the various principles of art to bring up a piece, it brings out an element of perfection in his work. Art is supposed to express one’s deepest feelings and convey ideas that would otherwise not be possible by merely using written words.
WORKS CITEDBal. M The Artemisia Files: Artemisia Gentileschi For Feminists and Other Thinking People (2006) University of Chicago Press. Print.
Dewitte, . Gateways to Art. an Introduction to the Visual Arts. Farnborough: Thames & Hudson Ltd, (2011). Print.
Roncace. M & Gray. P Teaching The Bible: Practical Strategies For Classroom Instruction (2005) Society of Biblical Lit. Print.