Introduction
Understanding the ideas incorporated in a work of art may prove to be a rather difficult task. In order for one to be able to understand such a work, he/she should also have an understanding of the ways in which an artist may visually present the ideas he/she has in his/her piece of work. This paper is an in-depth analysis of the ways in which an artist can present ideas in his/her piece of work.
Paintings
Although many people try their hand at painting, finding a qualified painter who is able to pass messages, and present ideas, through his/her paintings are not easy. Most painters do works that can be described as “eye candies”, since the works may be appealing to the eye, but lack massage, and theme.
Most painters present their ideas by using depth. For instance, a painting of two people of the opposite sex may be painted to give an impression of a man and a wife, a father and a daughter, or even two friends walking. This will be done by utilizing depth and distance in the painting (Stiles 97). For example, if the aforementioned painting is intended to give an impression of a man with his wife.
The distance between the two people may be reduced so that their bodies appear to be touching. Depth may also be created by using different shades to ensure that the idea of an intimate distance is conveyed. On the other hand, if a relationship of a father with his daughter is intended, the distance may be slightly increased, but ensuring that even if some parts of their bodies touch, it is not the intimate parts like the groin, or the breasts. The eye contact may also be avoided, with the girls head bowed to show some kind of respect.
This will be a perfect painting for a father and a daughter. Lastly, if the intention is to create an impression of a man with a friend, the distance between the man and the woman should be more than that between him and his daughter, eyes may be locked, but bodily contact should be avoided. From this discussion, distance, depth – created by use of shadings and colors, and bodily details are part of what artists use to present their ideas in their works.
Carvings
Just as ideas can be presented in paintings, it is also possible to present them in carvings. In carvings, ideas are mainly created by use of postures, colors, and texture (Peat 1). For instance, in a case where an artist intends to present an image of a man in depression, he/she may carve him/her in a stooping position with his/her hands on his chins.
Similarly, if the artist wants to create depth in the carving, like to show the space between the legs of a bird, he/she may paint it black, leaving the wood, stone uncarved for stability. Also, to create the impression of hair, the texture of the part of the head covered by the hair can be changed, and painted black.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the ways in which an artist can present his/her ideas in his/her works of art include the use of color to create depth, use of distance which may be for a variety of purposes, use of texture to give details of the structure of his/her work of art, or even use of other means like the posture of the image or carving (Silver 103).
Works Cited
Peat, David. “Art and Science”. 2010 – March 24, 2011, <http://www.fdavidpeat.com/ideas/artsci.htm>
Silver, Adele. The Art Museum as Educator. West Sussex, U.K. John Wiley & Sons Publishing.
Stiles, Kristine. Theories and Documents of Contemporary Art. New York. Barnes & Noble, 1996. Print.