Elements And Principles Of Art In The Self-Portrait By Janet Mcclintock

Art is not just about the appearance, but is also about the fine details that are hidden within the painting. Aristotle stated, “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance” ("Art Quotes"). What makes art significant is the observer who is looking at the painting. An artist can paint a painting to mean something, while the audience thinks it is something else. Using elements and principles in art help the audience towards what the artist is trying to communicate. In visiting the Northville Art House, there were many paintings from local artist on display, but one stood out. The paint is called Self-Portrait by Janet McClintock. The Self-Portrait painting got the attention with appearance …show more content…
There is even balanced with both sides on color, lines and shapes. The focal point of the turtle and egg are directly centered in the painting. So, if the paint was spilt down in the middle both sides will have half of the focal point. The elements and principles used make the painting unified. Everything that was painted makes sense and placed proportionally. The arteries and veins are proportionally placed around the egg to supply nutrients and growth. The egg is placed over the passageway illustrate independent life. The turtle that represents fertility is over the egg. The lines, color and shape give the feeling of fertility and …show more content…
Color of a painting gives an emotional effect to the audience. In the painting Self-Portrait uses both primary and secondary colors with the combination of color harmonies. Primary colors like blue, yellows, and reds. The color blue gives the feeling of freedom, calmness and intellectual. While, yellow color produces an emotional strength, confidence and creativity feelings. Secondary colors of orange and yellow-green were used to give the effect of warmth and security. Complementary harmonies are noted with the blue sky and the orange outline of the tree. The complementary harmony gives the appearance of more intense colors. Inside the womb like structure have the colors yellow, yellow-orange and orange; which are analagous harmony. The painter uses value, shades of light and dark, to help with emphasis on the turtle and egg. The lighter value is surrounded by darker value which helps the eyes travel to the focal point. The yellow arrow, which is the lightest value, is surrounded by black color and oranges. The turtle stands out because of the dark value of reds and black. (“Psychological Properties of