Details of the Painting:

Alley by the Lake is an acrylic painting by Leonid Afremov. The original art work was made entirely of natural oil paint on a 100% pure cotton canvas measuring 24"x36" x 3/4". It was first painted in 2007 by the artist using only a palette-knife (as opposed to a brush) and was estimated to be $1,150 in value. The artwork was sold on April 17, 2009 for $2,235 and is no longer available on the market.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Critical Thinking

"Interpreting art is like interpreting a story" - Anonymous

Critical Thinking Skills Applied Here:
Interpretation: an explanation or way of explaining the meaning of something
Analysis: the process of breaking a complex topic into smaller parts to gain a better understanding 
Inference: a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

My Thinking Process:
1. Look at "Alley by the Lake" like it's a story. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. 
2. Divide it into five parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement to gain a better understanding (ANALYSIS)
3. Look at each part and ask: "What's happening? What does this mean?" (INTERPRETATION)
4. Based on those interpretations, make a conclusion about what's happening behind the scenes. "What are some alternatives we haven't explored?" (INFERENCE)

Exposition:
A male and female are strolling down a path. The ground is wet and the couple is sharing an umbrella, indicating that it is raining. It is most likely autumn because the leaves on the trees are yellow and orange. There is also a calm, blue lake to the right of the painting, which may symbolize peace.

Rising Action:
The two individuals have set out on a journey to a unknown location. One could assume that their destination isn't far away, otherwise the couple would have taken a cab (their clothing does not indicate an inability to pay for one). They also appear to be in no hurry. Instead, they are taking their time, enjoying the beauty of nature and the magic of the night.

Climax:
The climax of this painting is the connection between the two individuals. They are walking together in the night, something utterly romantic in itself, holding themselves together under an umbrella in which they share. It is assumed that the two individuals are lovers.

Falling Action:
The two individuals are approaching their destination. The path and the lake disappear into the background of the painting, indicating that their journey is coming to an end.

Denouement:
We can assume that the two individuals are headed towards something pleasant. Based on their romantic dress (the woman's stilettos, the man's clothes) and the time of day, they may be coming from dinner. Their next destination is most likely a continuation of the evening. The colors of the trees and the lights shining down on them indicate that it will be a delightful, magical night. They are happy to spend more time together. Love is in the air!

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