Composition VIII - 

Description

The forms of this work are very basic, consisting mostly of lines and arcs. The forms are mininal, though they convey a direction through angle respective to other forms. The circles are mostly bright colors, while the lines are dark with mostly earthy tones in the boxs they form.

Many of the circles are clearly outlined and radiate vibrant colors. The lines are arranged in a varienty of ways, with some parallel and others intersecting or forming a grid. The eye seems drawn towards the large triangle, which contains some of the most complex shapes. All the lines (and single wavy curve) are set at angles that suggest they are directed at the triangle. The piece is balanced, despite the busiest forms being on the right side. 

Response

My most easily described response to this piece is one of satisfaction. The balance and simplicity of the forms is very pleasant to my eye. The colors span a wide spectrum, but still remain part of a coherent family. The complexities of some of the smaller shapes, like the circle in the brown and green triangle, take a few moments of observation to really notice, but they make it apparent that this work is carefully calculated, not just shapes tossed on a canvas. Additionally, none of the colors used are the same. There's many different hues used of each color.

However, this piece doesn't evoke any psychological response in me, nor can I describe its elements as anything other than what they are. I believe this is intended, since the painting is about as nonrepresentational as you can get. Instead of being able to just talk about my response to it, I find myself struggling to define the painting in responsive rather than descriptive ways, which ends up bringing a new level of experience to the painting.