Example Analysis

Title- Still Life Ingredients
Artist- Patrick Caulfield
Date- 1976

This painting is done in landscape format, and is 71x71 cm large. It is painted on canvas, most likely in acrylics, a technique that Caulfield favored.
It would likely have a smooth, flat surface quilty, as if it had a rough texture the smooth block colour of the paint would be disturbed.
There are several bright primary colours in this piece, that are contrasted with the far lighter colours present in the background, mid-ground, and lower right hand side foreground. There is no lettering in the piece.

The bright, warm colours of the piece make it rather uplifting, and the piece feels calm. However, the blue plant that overshadows the painting could be interperated to have a somewhat sinister feel, as it appears to entwine with and smother the other objects in the compostion. The fact that the blue plant is ornately painted, and the other objects are simplistic, also adds to this feeling.

To me, this piece relflects the overlooked aspects of life. People tend not to notice the everyday things, like the food we eat, or simple pottery we cook with. I feel that with this piece, the artist is trying to convey the message of seeing what is around you, of not overlooking the simple things in life that so often are pushed to one side, and not appreciated as the intigral parts of life that they are. 
As well as this, it is important to consider that this piece was created during a time when new artistic syles and ideals were in effect. The artist here is clearly keeping up to date with the modern style and changing world.

I feel that this piece carrys great significance and value. Its message is one that is as potent today as when it was created, and it also documents the changing attitudes of the public towards art, and how art affected everyday life.




Go or return to:
-Art Analysis
-Art Department
-EPC Departmental Staff
-Elfpack College