Realist Art - Andrew Wyeth

Andrew Wyeth

      Andrew Wyeth is arguably the most celebrated American realist painter. Born in 1917, the youngest of five children and son of noted artist and illustrator N.C. Wyeth's 1948 painting "Christina's World" has become an American icon; transforming a simple rural setting and a young woman into an evocative drama of longing and isolation. He has depicted paupers and Presidents, family and friends, neighbors and landscapes. The Helga series may be Andrew Wyeth's greatest achievement.

The famous "Christina's World"

"The Master Bedroom"

"Helga's Picture"

"Stop" (2008)

Elements of Design

1.  Texture  -  primary techniques : egg tempera, dry brush, generally glossy

2.   Form  -  two-dimensional

3.   Space  -  clean backgrounds to focus on subjects

4.  Line  -  implied lines, the viewer's eye follows the shapes/colours and forms along a path, but the lines may not be continuous or physically connected.

5.  Shape  -  organic and natural-looking

6. Colour  -  primarily muted colours in different hues(browns and greys) with the usage of spare watercolours.

7.  Value  -  shading technique, using light and shadow to illuminate the canvas

Principles of Design

1.  Movement  -  focuses on the subject as the focal point of the painting, gradation of colours are dynamic, which adds interest and movement to the painting.

2.  Emphasis  -  focuses on the subject to evoke the subject's emotions

3.  Unity  -  all the elements come together as he captured the sentiments of his subjects, hence an overall high sense of unity

4.  Harmony  -  same techniques(egg tempera, drybrush) are being utilised for all his paintings, therefore creating a sense of harmony

5.  Variety  -  variety in contrast, intensity of colours and different subjects

6.  Balance  -  shapes are symmetrical

7.  Contrast  -  shading technique creates contrast 

8.  Proportion  -  true to its original form 

9.  Pattern/ Rhythm  -  patterns are overall consistent, creating rhythm and movement, eg; paintings of grass show movements. 

Sources:

http://www.artchive.com/artchive/W/wyeth.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/4272396/Andrew-Wyeth.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2009/jan/20/andrew-wyeth-america-george-bush

http://www.artknowledgenews.com/andrew-wyeth-remembrance.html