Art Gallery Visit 2

Step 1: The Exhibition

Questions about the exhibit:

1. What is the title of the exhibit?

In the Deep Woods

2. What is the theme of the exhibition?

Sketches of various objects found in nature

Step 2: The Gallery

Questions about the physical space:

1. What type of lighting is used?

The lighting is focused on each painting.  There are 10  items in total. 

2. What colors are used on the walls?

The items are on a cream colored wall.  No other colors are used.  I suspect this is because of its simplistic colors used within the sketches. 

3. What materials are used in the interior artchitecture of the space?

There is only a leather couch. 

4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space?

The sketches are on a semi-circle.  Which invites the viewers to walk around the walkway to each painting.  Also, if a person is sitting on the couch, then they are able to see a wide view of the sketches and they can be seen as a whole. 

Step 3: The Artwork

Questions about the artwork:

1. How are the artworks organized?

They are organized in a horizontal line, as mentioned above, this invites the viewer to walk through the exhibit to see all of the pieces. 

2. How are the artrworks similar?

The pieces have similar content which refers to the title.  Also the medium that is used are the same for every artwork. 

3. How are the artworks different?

Each sketch depicts a different item or subject. 

4. How are the artworks framed?

The artwork is framed with a wooden frame. 

5. How are the artworks identified and labeled?

A few of the pieces have their own plaque which identifies them with a title; however, the majority of the sketches are not lableled. 

6. What is the proximity of the artwork to each other?

They are side by side, perhaps a foot away.  Others are stacked by two. 

Art Criticism: Describing, Analyzing, and Interpreting Artwork

Artist: Charles Burchfeild

Title of work: Insanity

Media:___pencil on paper___________________________________________________________________

Date:__1917___________________________________________________________________________

Size: 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches_________________________________________________________________

Source of picture (URL):Burchfeild Penny Center_______________________________

 Description – Describe what you see.  (subject matter)?

I see what looks like a basic outline of a butterfly. 

Formal analysis – (form)  What principles and elements were used and how are they used?

The use of pattern and balance was used s is seen with the symmetrical form that the butterfly is in.  Although the artists does not define this as a butterfly, the form is similar to the form of a butterfly.  Whether this was to be the intention or not is unknown to me.  The depiction uses pencil, thus the gradient used is very minimal.  The only texture or movement that is seen is the space between the wings, maybe portraying that it is fluttering.  There is an emphasis on the two oval shaped dots near the center of the butterfly. 

Bracketing - Is there anything in or about this work that reminds you of anything else? Do you see any symbols, metaphors, or allegories?  (iconography)

At first, this does not seem to hav any allegorical significance.  On upon further thought this may be a symbol for rebirth or renewal. 

Interpretation - (content)  What do you think the artist was trying to say?

With the words INSANITY written below the butterfly, the artists could be trying to say that though this simple creature is common, what is goes through is complex.  Perhaps that something so simple could be beautiful in its simplicity is perplexing to him. 

Art Criticism: Describing, Analyzing, and Interpreting Artwork

Title of work: Clattering Crows in Spring Woods__________________________________

Media:____________pencil, conte crayon, and ink on paper_______________________________________________________________

Date:________1950_____________________________________________________________________

Size: 10 1/2 x 8 1/8 in. ______________________________________________________

Source of picture (URL): Burchfeild Penny Center_____________________________________________________

 Be receptive -

 Description – Describe what you see.  (subject matter)?

This depicts a forest. There are several crows and broken trees .  There is also a small creek. 

Formal analysis – (form)  What principles and elements were used and how are they used?

The use of simple short strokes of the ink create a sense of rich texture to the picture.  The color that the pencil createsallows for several values to depict different shades within the forest.  The artist uses realistic approaches when it comes to perspective.  There is a balance to the trees and crows in this drawing.  Through the amount of  objects, there is still a sense of organization.  However, the crows are emphasized.

Bracketing - Is there anything in or about this work that reminds you of anything else? Do you see any symbols, metaphors, or allegories?  (iconography)

I do not see any allegorical themes.  The forest and its broken trees may reinforce the idea of renewal and abundance.  The word spring reminds me to look for signs of winter and summer at the same time. 

Interpretation - (content)  What do you think the artist was trying to say?

The only animals that are seen are the crows and for some reason this may be an important animal for the artists.  The depiction may be a review of what he was thinking at the time of creation. 

Art Criticism: Describing, Analyzing, and Interpreting Artwork

 Title of work: ___N/A___________________________________________________

Media:___N/A____________________________________________

Date:__N/A______________________________________________________

Size:__N/A______________________________________________________

Source of picture (URL): Burchfeild Penny Center______________________________

Description – Describe what you see.  (subject matter)?

I do not see any object that is immediately recognizable.  I see swirls and what may look like waves.  There are also small hearts and perhaps some clouds.  

Formal analysis – (form)  What principles and elements were used and how are they used?

The element of lines is imperative for this picture.  Because this is a simple drawing, there is not a huge source of color or organization.  The values that are used may enable the viewer to discern objects like the clouds and waves.  Also there is perceived texture to the drawing that allows the picture to have movement. 

Bracketing - Is there anything in or about this work that reminds you of anything else? Do you see any symbols, metaphors, or allegories?  (iconography) I do not see any symbols or allegorical themes. 

Interpretation - (content)  What do you think the artist was trying to say?

I honestly have no idea what the artists was trying to say.  Since most of his artwork in this exhibit were found in the woods, it may depict the randomness that nature has. 







I thought the Gallery visit was educational.  I looked around Burchfeild and never having been there before, I didn't realize how large it was.  There was also a lot of artwork that was furniture.  They were also setting up for a gallery viewing I think because there was food and bottles of wine strewn about.