Art Critique

In class, we were asked to take an original piece of art and revise it using the basic elements and principles. I chose to revise ‘J Cap’ by Henry Lewis. It is a black and white profile portrait of a soldier in the rain, done in watercolor and gouache. The stark contrast of the blacks, whites, and variations in between add a distinct mood to the overall picture. I decided that it would be different to do mostly black and white with a few red and blue accents. I also lifted some of the shadows so I could add some more details to the face and helmet. In the original, there is more of the back of the helmet shown. I wanted more attention on the face and its features, so I altered the cut-off line on the back of the head.

Description & Analysis

The piece includes the focal piece of a soldier’s face, a metal helmet, and hair that is flowing in the breeze. The helmet contains many features: there is some sort of trumpet on the top, a child’s hand with a cross on its wrist, an angel’s wing, scroll work in several places, and an inscription on the back half of the helmet. The top of the face includes many different value changes, the eye has some highlights that contour the shape of the eye as well as display the white of the eye. Because you can see more of the eye whites, it is apparent that the subject has his eye turned towards the viewer. The brim of the helmet shadows the forehead and nose bridge varying from very dark black to a lighter gray. On the side of the helmet there is a curved row of white circles that progressively get smaller from left to right surrounding the scrollwork. The tones in this picture were mostly well developed but could most definitely have been better. It is evident that less time was spent on the lower and less detailed half of the face.

Interpretation

Based on the direction of the eye, the stubble on the face, the hand on the helmet, and the cross on the wrist of the hand, I would conclude that the soldier is not of a realm in any of our history. Originally, I thought maybe he was a Roman soldier, but due to the fact that the details are much too beautifully done, I would say it is more of a variation of a Greek or Roman god. I would also say that the soldier had not started out with such a bleak outlook, but it was gained out of necessity and that he was good at his job, but did not enjoy it. I take from the stubble that he was in the heat of a battle and appearance was the least of his concern. Because only some of his hair is in ringlets, he was probably sweaty and mangy. I would assume that the back of his hair had not met any sort of comb in a few weeks and that the front of his hair was really sweaty. He looks almost boyish through his hard exterior, there just seems to be a sort of curiosity in the eye that is directed at the viewer.

Judgment

This piece of art is successful on the basis that the elements and principles are well developed and there is a specific mood that is captured by details that come together without you realizing they are forming a story in your mind. Though some of the values and some details could have been worked on a little bit more, the over all effect is quite pleasing to the art aesthetic.