My Critique-Marc Chagall

Description: In this painting by Marc Chagall, I see the colors, yellow, red, blue, white, and green. The dominant colors of this painting, that stand out are yellow, red, and blue. White and green serve as accent colors. The color yellow signifies happiness, like a "smiley face". Red means fire, passion, love, and/or desire. Blue is a calming color, that could signify loyalty and trust. Even though the white and green are accent colors in this painting, they still have meaning. White signifies purity and green signifies growth and fertility. The objects in this painting are a blue dancing couple, a red bird, yellow and white daisies, a red and yellow tablecloth, a bowl of fruit, and in the background, a night time window. I believe the artist uses color in a very symbolic manner.

Analysis: The different Elements of Art and Principles of Design that stand out in this painting are Color, Contrast, Variety, Texture, and Proportion. First of all, the artist catches the attention of the audience by the use of variety in color. The colors, red and blue, "pop" from the overall yellow background. Once the audience is hooked, the contrast in texture keeps the the attention of the audience. The soft, feathery texture of the flowers contrasts with the more hard, rigid lines of the floor and the table cloth. This keeps the eyes of the audience moving from one object to the next. Proportion also plays a big role in this artwork. The size of the red bird and the bouquet of flowers are quite large in comparison to the dancing couple, almost overpowering the entire artwork. Even though this painting has a realistic setting, the difference in proportion, unrealistic use of color, and the lack of detail gives the audience the idea that the painting is not an actual event, but that the artist is reminiscing or dreaming.

Interpretation: I think the artist's use of color and proportion, used in the painting, symbolizes this couple's overabundant joy and love for one another. Yellow exhibits joy and happiness the couple share. Along with red, which signifies their love, passion, and desire for one another. The couple being colored blue and being so closely intertwined, signifies trust and loyalty they have with each other. White of the flowers symbolize the purity of the union of the couple, and green, meaning growth and fertility. The flowers and fruit also symbolizes growth, and possibly fertility the couple desired. You can not help but feel the passion and love that this "blue couple" share. I believe the artist wanted to portray a beautiful, flourishing romantic relationship. He obviously was very passionate about the couple in this painting

Judgement: This style of painting is not my favorite. I would tend to lean more towards a painting that has more subtle colors and maybe a little more realistic feeling. The bright colors definitely got my attention and peaked my curiosity. I do appreciate the artist's passion he has exhibited with the artwork. I always enjoy a love story!