SECTION 1 —EXPRESSIVE ART STUDIES— 30 marks Image for Question 1

Attempt either Question 1 or Question 2.

Read your selected question and the notes on the image carefully.

Question 1

With reference to the image above:

(a) describe the artist’s use of media and colour in this work;

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(b) explain how the artist’s combined use of media and colour contributes to the Frosty Morning, Trow Mill (1936) by Anneoverall mood and atmosphere of this work. Redpath. Oil on Plywood (81.93 x 91.4cm)

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READ THE QUESTION CAREFULLY! What exactly is it asking you?

(a) Is asking you to describe how the artists uses media and colour in this work and to what effect

MEDIA 3 MARKS (at least 3 comments)COLOUR 3 MARKS (at least 3 comments)

(b) Is asking you to comment on the combined success of media and colour and how these two make it effective/interesting/successful. How does each add to the mood or look of the painting?What is your opinion of each?

MOOD AND ATMOSPHERE 2 MARKS (at least 2 comments)OPINION/SUCCESSFULL OVERALL? 2 MARKS (at least 2 comments)

SAMPLE RESPONSE

(a) This piece shows confidence in the application of media and colour while still creating a delicate and calming finish. The artist has applied the paint relatively thickly, perhaps with a palette knife to create interesting texture. Energy and movement is created, particularly in the foreground through dashes of paint and sweeping diagonal marks to create the impression of a blustery autumn morning. These marks also draw the eye, assisted by the outlining of the path, towards the mill, helping to add a sense of depth to the piece. More controlled mark making defines the trees which help to frame this collection of buildings. A smoother application of paint completes the walls of the cottages however this is still thickly applied to give a sense of age and character. The hills beyond

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the mill are smoother still with a thinner and more even application of paint; helping to add depth to the piece by contrasting the fore and mid-ground.

The contrasting colours used in the painting help set the scene as an autumnal morning. Burnt orange, scarlet and peach captures the ‘turning’ leaves. These colours are used throughout the piece; in the path, fields and roofs as well as the mountains beyond to create warmth and draw the eye around the canvas. These are, in turn, contrasted by the cool blues to depict the frost lying on the ground, and the greys and lilacs used in the buildings. Highlights of yellow imply the sunshine appearing to warm the land. This also functions to draw the eye to the focal point, the mill itself.

(b) The combination of media and colour create a calming and nostalgic feel to the painting. The rough texture implies the crisp autumn leaves and cool wind of a ‘Frosty Morning’ while the burnt colour and tints of yellow add warmth, contrasting the cool blues and creating more of a tranquil mood. The nostalgia comes from the almost sepia toned effect, making the scene appear like an old photograph. The painting verges on abstract in places due to the focus on mark-making, particularly in the foreground which adds a great deal of interest, in my opinion, to the piece. While the scene could have easily been nothing more than ‘quaint’, drama is created by the confident and bold application of paint. I think that this painting is highly successful because, while on first glance it appears quite traditional, the work is much more of an artist’s personal impression; where the mood and atmosphere created is more important than a realistic depiction. I believe this holds the interest of the viewer drawing the eye into what is a many layered and emotive piece.

This example contains all of the points I can think of that you could cover in your answer. You should try to cover as many points as possible.

Each statement or observation includes how I think it affects the mood or look of the painting and the possible reason the artist has done this. Each is worth one mark.

Remember! We need to know your ideas and opinions, not just what you can see.

Think WHY? – why has the artist done this? why do I like or not like this?

I.Armour