Surrealscape

"Surrealscape" offers the viewer a visually rich psychic space filled with interesting enigmatic forms and in evocative postures. According to the artist's self-assessment, the piece is successful. And I generally agree.

The artist's brushstrokes are generally consistent and serve to unify the piece, i.e. we see the subject matter without being distracted by the brushstrokes. This piece also demonstrates the artist's skill for selecting the appropriate level of detail for each element of the picture. Thus we see some forms clearly articulated while others are merely suggested.

The artist uses a wide range of hues, saturation and tone while maintaining color harmony. Transitions of color in the background are particularly well handled with muted tones separation high-key areas.

The main elements of the picture are set on two major vertical axes, one for each of the large figures and each set in about 1/4 of the canvas width thus leaving the center of the picture barren. Areas of interest are crowded along the left and right side of the canvas. Because the smaller figures move and face away from the center, the lack of interest in the center is accentuated. The viewed attention leaps from one side of the painting to the other without hardly a glace at the middle.

Overall, the artist presents us with an evocative depiction of a mental landscape filled with plenty of open symbols on which the viewer can project their own narrative.

*For the record, I find it difficult to rate paintings according to the star system of deviantArt, so take that with a grain of salt.