Emotion and Art

COLOR THEORY Color in Art Color as Emotion A knowledge of color theory helps us to express our feelings in an artwork. The language of color has even entered our vocabulary to help us describe our emotions. http://www.artyfactory.com/color_theory/color_theory_3.htm

EMOTIONALISM An aesthetic and critical theory of art which places emphasis on the expressive qualities. According to this theory, the most important thing about a work of art is the vivid communication of moods, feelings, and ideas.

Vincent Van Gogh Van Gogh’s painting has two distinct styles pre 1886 when his paintings used the dark earthy colours and tones of traditional Dutch art 'Sunflowers' still life,he uses warm colors to create a feeling of hope and cheerfulness

post 1886 when his work adopted the vibrant hues of Impressionism. Starry Night (oil on canvas, 1889) The Museum of Modern Art, New YorkVan

The Tragedy 1903 Pablo Picasso Picasso's conscious use of color theory is found in paintings from his 'blue period'. He chooses cool colors to evoke the chill of sadness and despair in 'The Tragedy', a typical subject from his work at this time. The Tragedy 1903 Pablo Picasso

The Pool of London 1906 André Derain Derain uses the conflict between warm and cool colors to express the noise and activity of this busy dockyard. He creates the illusion of depth in the painting by using stronger tones in the foreground which gradually become weaker towards the background The Pool of London 1906 André Derain

Rainbox 2005 John MacTaggart This work celebrates the joy of color as the subject matter of the picture. MacTaggart uses a mixture of transparent and reflective color effects ranging across the spectrum to create an abstract image of jewel-like radiance. Rainbox 2005 John MacTaggart

Edvard Munch: The Modern Life of the Soul February 19–May 8, 2006 http://www.moma.org/visit_moma/audio/flash.html?folder=2006/spec_exhib/Munch/files