The final test of a painting, theirs, mine, any other, is:
does the painter's emotions come across?
- Franz Kline
For many years, I have been fascinated by modern art. Although it is astonishing how earlier artists were able to depict humans and nature realistically and naturally, I always loved how modern artists expressed their opinion in the most abstract or unrealistic ways. Prior to my trip to the St. Louis Art Museum, I was planning on comparing Andy Warhol’s Most Wanted Men, no. 12. Frank B and Chuck Close’s Keith. However, those pieces have been removed a week before my visit due to reconstructions at the museum. Because of this, I decided on two other modern artists and their works that were unknown to me up to this point: Franz Kline’s Bethlehem from 1959-60 and Mark Rothko’s Red, Orange, Orange on Red from 1962. Although both paintings are abstract and may seem a lot alike in the first place, they are different when looking at them closer and comparing the composition and kind of work that was put into them. I will focus on the contrasting mood that is conveyed by Bethlehem and Red, Orange, Orange on Red and how this is achieved.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Franz Kline's Bethlehem
3. Mark Rothko's Red, Orange, Orange on Red
4. Comparison of the Works
5. Analysis of Mood
Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this paper is to analyze and compare two abstract paintings, Franz Kline's Bethlehem and Mark Rothko's Red, Orange, Orange on Red, focusing on how their unique compositions, brushwork, and color palettes convey contrasting emotional moods to the viewer.
- Comparative analysis of abstract painting techniques from the 1960s.
- Evaluation of the impact of color theory and brushwork on viewer perception.
- Examination of the use of space and framing in modern art.
- Exploration of how abstract forms influence emotional and psychological responses.
Excerpt from the Book
Comparison of the Works
Using the same medium (oil on canvas) and being from the same time (ca.1960-modern/abstract art), Kline’s Bethlehem and Rothko’s Red, Orange, Orange on Red pose two good examples for comparison. However, they are different in many ways, although they share similarities. The biggest apparent difference is the colors used in the paintings. Bethlehem is painted in black and white and there are no “real” colors applied. Red, Orange, Orange on Red uses varieties of red and orange. It appears as if Rothko used four different levels of color in his painting. Furthermore, Red, Orange, Orange on Red has a strong vertical focus, while Bethlehem has a vertical and horizontal line (similar to a cross) and a strong focus on the upper right corner.
The lines in Kline’s painting are very thick and mostly strong, but in some parts the background is still coming through. In Rothko’s painting, the lines are hard to be seen. It looks more like blocks of color. Only the edges of the rectangular blocks of color look fuzzy and blurry. Bethlehem shows obvious brushwork, letting the viewer assume that Kline used a very thick brush. It seems like the lines have been applied in very long strokes from one side of the painting to another. The brushwork in Red, Orange, Orange on Red is less obvious. It is not clear if Rothko used long or short strokes or which size the brush was. However, it appears as if he used a thinner brush than Kline.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: The author presents the core motivation for the research, shifting from intended subjects to the selection of Franz Kline and Mark Rothko to explore emotional expression in abstract art.
Franz Kline's Bethlehem: This chapter details the background of the artist and provides a formal analysis of the specific oil-on-canvas painting, focusing on the use of black and white strokes.
Mark Rothko's Red, Orange, Orange on Red: This section examines the artist's background and analyzes the composition and color field techniques used in his 1962 work.
Comparison of the Works: The author identifies the physical and technical differences between the two paintings, specifically noting brushwork, framing, and the application of color.
Analysis of Mood: The final section synthesizes the formal elements to conclude how each painting generates a distinct, contrasting emotional mood in the observer.
Keywords
Modern Art, Abstract Painting, Franz Kline, Mark Rothko, Bethlehem, Red Orange Orange on Red, Color Theory, Brushwork, Oil on Canvas, Artistic Composition, Emotional Expression, St. Louis Art Museum, 1960s Art, Visual Perception, Ambiguity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
This paper focuses on comparing two specific abstract works of art, Bethlehem by Franz Kline and Red, Orange, Orange on Red by Mark Rothko, to understand how they convey different emotional moods.
What are the central themes explored in the text?
The central themes include the influence of color palettes, the impact of brushwork techniques, the significance of composition, and the psychological effect of abstract art on the viewer.
What is the primary research goal?
The primary goal is to examine how two abstract paintings from the same era and medium achieve different levels of emotional engagement through their specific formal characteristics.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The paper employs a formalist comparative analysis, systematically observing the visual elements of the paintings to draw conclusions about their atmospheric and emotional intent.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the biographical context of the artists, detailed descriptions of the artworks, a comparative analysis of their physical traits (brushwork, framing), and a discussion on the psychological impact of their color choices.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Abstract Painting, Franz Kline, Mark Rothko, Color Theory, Composition, and Emotional Expression.
Why did the author specifically choose these two paintings for comparison?
The author chose them because they represent the same style and medium of the 1960s, yet provide a stark contrast in their visual execution and the resulting emotional tone they communicate to the observer.
How does the author interpret the color contrast in the works?
The author interprets the black and white in Kline’s work as creating an ambiguous or potentially negative/innocent tension, whereas the warm red and orange tones in Rothko’s work are seen as fostering a positive, arousing atmosphere.
How does the presence or absence of a frame affect the perception of these works?
The author notes that Kline’s frame serves to separate the painting from the wall, while the lack of a frame in Rothko’s work is a stylistic choice intended to enhance the "bold expression" and create a direct transition to the viewing environment.
- Quote paper
- Romina Müller (Author), 2011, Two Abstract Works of Art and Their Conveying of Contrasting Mood, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/175163
