Horse in Water

Describe

-color white dominates the painting
-horse galloping in the ocean
-stormy
-clear, smooth brushstrokes
-implied lines
-color scheme of mostly blues, browns, and whites
-organic, complex shapes/forms
- creation of dynamic movement due to the horse's angle

-completely simple with one focus: movement of the horse
-horse movement diagonal, much like the waves behind it
-asymmetrical
-white spray on left balances horse on right
-waves in background hold piece together and tether the horse to all other parts of the painting
-waves also bring the eye to move around the picture
-grey sky acts as negative background
-white waters contrast shaded form of horse

Analyze

Interpret

Powerful and moving, the piece is able to exert a sense of freedom and pure spirit. The strong, rippling muscles and dancing ocean spray can't help but draw onlookers in, captivating them. Although the background looks dreary, it almost seems like there is a spotlight focused on the horse, illuminating and emphasizing it. Perfectly captured in motion, the artist crafted the beast in excellent detail, with power in its movement and passion in its eyes.

Lesley Harrison
21st Century