How the Elements of Art are Used

Oil Painting of the Venice Canal

Although this painting isn't a line painting, the use of line is prominent in the foreground. Line is visible in the water and to create highlights on the people and objects cast by the explosion. Shape is more commonly used to describe the subject matter. It emphasizes the stature of the characters as well as the instability of the situation with the curve in the poles.

The painting is comprised of mostly warm colors to express the visual aspects of the explosion, though it is laced with cool colors to describe the time placement of the explosion and smoke.The texture is very organic, displaying the rough texture of the wooden boats and the smoothness of the water. There is a vary large contrast between the lights and shadows of the piece, making the scene more dramatic.

This piece is an impressionist oil painting and is very well balanced. It has visual ques, imaginary arrows pointing in from the left and right sides, towards the center of the piece.

Overall, with the use of the elements of arts, our focus is drawn to the excitement of the middle of the painting,filling us with emotions of danger and urgency towards the explosion.

By: Sierra Baumann, Sydney Evans, Ahnun Brainerd, Ben Weakland