Initial feeling upon seeing the artwork; gut reaction peace, calm, surrounded by beauty, a transcendent experience.

 

ELEMENTS OF ART (focus the analysis on the details above).

 

Line: organic, flowing, gestural lines subtly define the lilies, the water, and the reflections. The gestural quality of the lines reveals the movement of the artist.
 

Shape: Shapes are organic and subtly defined. They tend to flow into one another.
 

Volume and Mass: There is a suggestion of the depth (volume) of the water; mass (density) is not emphasized; appears extremely light in weight, almost ethereal.
 

Colour: The use of mostly cool and analogous colours (blues and greens) gives a sense of refreshing calm and peace. This is contrasted by the lilies and flower elements, which are warmer in colour. Since cool colours appear to recede and warm colours appear to advance, the effect gives the illusion of the flowers floating on the surface of the water.
 

Light: Light is implied by the reflections in the water and the highlights on the flowers. Depth and shadow are suggested by the use of darker colours on the right edge and corner of the painting.
 

Time and Movement: Time appears to be suspended by the use of cool colours which impart a sense of peace. No time elements are included to give us any information that this is any particular period in history. The circular nature of the rooms suggests a view of time that is cyclical rather than linear, which also gives it a timeless quality. Movement is suggested by the gestural lines; because they are not dramatic (diagonal), but mostly horizontal, a sense of gentle movement of the water is imparted. In addition, the paintings all flow into one another with no beginning and no end, which suggests a sense of the flowing of water.
 

Space: Within the paintings there is sense of depth because of the contrast between the cool, darker colours of the water and the warm, lighter colours of the flowers. The space in which the paintings exist is remarkably effective in conveying a sense of being surrounded by the water and the lilies. This enhances the timeless quality.
 

Texture: Implied texture reflects the fluidity of water and the softness of the flowers; however the texture is subtly suggested and not detailed. This emphasizes the sense of gentle movement of the water.

 

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
 

Repetition, Rhythm and Pattern: There is repetition of the shapes and lines; and a sense of rhythm in their placement.

 

Balance: The use of horizontal lines and the exaggerated horizontal nature of the paintings themselves impart a sense of comfortable balance.

 

Contrast: Contrast is minimal; its main use is in the contrast between the cool colours of the water and the warmer colours of the flowers. This gives a sense of depth in the water.

 

Scale and Proportion: The scale of the actual paintings and the incorporation of the space surrounding them is large enough to surround and overwhelm the viewer so that a simple portrayal of a garden pond gives it a monumental quality. Proportion within the paintings between the flowers and other elements is similar to the proportions found in the physical world.

 

Directional Force: Directional force is used within the paintings by the use of lines and repetition of colours which lead the eye from one painting to another. It is also apparent in the way the paintings are displayed since they flow into one another in a circular space; the viewer is continually drawn from one space in the room to another.

 

Unity and Variety: Unity is suggested by the repetition of colours, lines, and subject matter; and also in the way the paintings exist within the space in the room, using all of the wall space. Variety is created by differences within the individual flowers and subtle shifts in colour throughout the paintings.

 

Emphasis: Individual flowers and groups of flowers are emphasized by the use of slightly more intense and warmer colours in the flowers.

 

What are the most significant compositional elements in this artwork?

I would suggest space, colour, movement, and time.

 

How the compositional elements support the meaning behind the artwork?

They impart a sense of peace, and a timeless, transcendent experience, apart from the outside world. They elevate simple subject matter into something monumental.