Melody of the Night by Leonid Afremov
I think there's some paintings that have the ability to cause you to just enjoy looking at it. This is the case with Melody of the Night; I was just intrigued by it. As I looked at the painting longer, I knew that one of the reasons why I liked it immediately was the use of color. I also could tell that the figures within the painting had a story. In addition, I liked the style of painting it was because it gave off a certain mood that was relaxing to me. These are all the elements of an ideal piece of art to me.
My ideal piece of art has to be visually pleasing. In addition, I like when the painting uses contrasting colors and dramatic strokes because I think it creates a calming effect. I think the mood the painting gives off is important; if its bright and bold with colors like red and orange, that can seem a little stressing to me. I prefer softer and pastel like shades of color, or cool colors. My "ideal" piece of art acts as a relaxer and not as a stresser.
In this painting, the street lights contrast the blue sky, and it creates something that, to me, is visually appealing. The lights also are interesting to me because they light up the trees that are around them, which perhaps is like "shining the light on nature" to show natures importance. Also, water is often used as a symbol of peace and relaxation, and I think when you look at the water you feel relaxed. The water is smooth water without any waves so it just feels peaceful. In addition, the use of color was a draw factor to me because almost every color was used, even if it was just in a small way.
Lastly, I find that my ideal works of art allow the viewer to create a back story that matches the painting, this way they can connect with the painting more. For example, this painting has two people walking together. When someone views this painting, in their head they could create a life story for these figures. In addition, I like when art has meaning, but that meaning can come from emotions that are evoked from viewing the painting. Whether you find a piece to be "ideal" or not, the message and meaning that you can take from these paintings are what gives them their true value.
Lastly, I find that my ideal works of art allow the viewer to create a back story that matches the painting, this way they can connect with the painting more. For example, this painting has two people walking together. When someone views this painting, in their head they could create a life story for these figures. In addition, I like when art has meaning, but that meaning can come from emotions that are evoked from viewing the painting. Whether you find a piece to be "ideal" or not, the message and meaning that you can take from these paintings are what gives them their true value.
I love this painting as well! I agree with you that the use of colors is what draws me to the painting. I love how you described your ideal piece of art as visually pleasing. No one wants to look a painting that they don't find nice to look at! I love when a painting as a story to tell just as you had said. Every person depicts are differently. What is your favorite thing to paint?
ReplyDeleteI agree, the painting is happy. My post was about black and white photos and how color is often distracting, but the use of color in this painting works really well. The vibrant colors create almost all of the mood in this piece. I really like the artist's style. Do you think he was physically there while he painted, or do you think the imagine came from his mind? And if he was there while he painted it, do you think this is how he sees the world - in lively shades of blue, yellow, red, green?
ReplyDeleteI've never seen this work of art before, but I am so happy I have now! It's stunning, and the use of colors, like you said, is awesome. I like that you think ideal works of art in your opinion should be visually pleasing. A lot of people think that art should always have a secret meaning or depiction to it, which sometimes isn't always the case. Is there a specific painting style you favor over others?
ReplyDeleteI enjoy this painting and the use of colors. I agree that ideal artwork should be beautiful, but I think there is also beauty in artwork that isn't as visually pleasing. I think a piece of artwork should have meaning as well. I think the painting sparks creativity and is intense.
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