Absolutely Fine Art

Arts Explorer #3: Fine Art Critique

 

Tom Thomson (1877-1917), Canadian artist, Group of Seven

The Art Gallery of Ontario has always been an interesting place to see and learn. I have been to the AGO many times and have noticed some of the same paintings and sculptures which have caught my attention each time. These particular eye catching paintings are those of the Group of Seven. Specifically the Canadian artist Tom Thomson has always been one of my favourite artists as his paintings are very intriguing and visually appealing. In high school I had taken an art course in which I observed various paintings by Tom Thomson and was instructed to sketch a replica of one of his paintings. I had chosen to sketch the painting labelled, “The West Wind”. After sketching it, I had asked my teacher if I could paint over it to try and capture the exact colour and mood of the painting. After doing so, my painting was posted on the bulletin board for everyone to see. That felt really good!

 


Tom Thomson- "The West Wind", 1917

 

Tom Thomson's painting has incorporated many vibrant colours which are used in a unique way to bring about texture in his artwork. Texture can be defined as "the surface quality" (Schirrmacher & Fox.144. 2009) which is seen in any type of atwork. Tom Thomson uses his paint brush to add various textures to his painting, especially in the water and clouds, which give off a smooth feeling. The instrinsic detail within this painting allows the viewer to imagine just how the water, clouds, rocks and leaves would feel to the touch. 

This particular painting has always fascinated me due to the uniqueness of the colours Tom Thomson has used. The water and sky are very detailed in that every wave and movement can be seen. The colour of the tree and the angle at which it is bending shows the severity of the wind, but yet a sense of peace. The warm colour tones gives off a summer-like feeling with a warm gust of wind blowing past. When first seeing this painting, I had noticed the tree leaves as well as the base on which the tree is sitting on. The rocks under the tree also seem to have some leaves on, which I think represent the change in season from summer to fall. Tom Thomson’s painting of “The West Wind” is very interesting in an awkward way. The positioning of the tree and the vibrant, yet warm colours used to highlight the sky and water, show the motion of the weather which is what makes this painting come alive.   



Schirrmacher, R & Fox J.E. (2009). Art & Creative Development for Young Children. Delmar: Cengage Learning.