Relationship theme

Description: A couple is standing under an umbrella, appearing to be taking cover from rain. The street lamps are giving the impression that this painting is set in the evening. The colors are mostly warm, especially around the lamps, but there are some cool colors which appears to be where the metaphorical light would end and it is dark. 

Analyze: Afremov uses color to show warmth through warm and coldness through the darker colors. He uses form to keep the people similar in size and uses mostly geometric shapes. The picture seems to be wet. He uses contrast to show lightness and darkness. Everything seems to be still, no movement is used in this piece. This painting is very unified through the couple under the umbrella, more than one lamp post, and the reflection of the couple on the moist ground. It comes together even though there are different brush strokes.

Interpret: When looking at this painting, the viewers eye goes straight to the couple because there are lighter and brighter colors surrounding the couple. Since the viewers eyes are directed to the couple, I think it represents the love they have for each other. The closeness of their bodies, and their arms wrapped around each other shows that they are comfortable with each other, therefore showing the strength of love. 

Judge: This painting combines reality, love, and art. It shows an everyday thing such as standing under an umbrella, but it shows that protection being shared with another. I think the artist showed a strong statement of love through colors, lines, and shapes. I believe this is a well developed painting.

Artist: Leonid Afremov

Title: Rainy Kiss

Date: 07/03/2011

Medium: painting - oil on canvas

Provenance: Boca Raton, Fl

Source: http://fineartamerica.com/featured/1-rainy-kiss-leonid-afremov.html