Observation
Observation is one of the corner stones of fine art. Observation usually involves literally recreating real life images the artist is witnessing.
There are many concepts within the subject of observation.
Still life – creating a snapshot of subjects that do not move. This does not necessarily mean an accurate drawing or painting of the subject matter however; still life can simply be the subject for an idea. Vincent Van Gogh’s famous ‘sunflowers’ series were imagined and based around the colour yellow. As a Dutch native the colour yellow signified happiness, and as the series progressed and naturally the sunflower subjects began to wilt and die the sunflowers signified death and decay, an early example of impressionism – the exploration of themes and symbols in art. Click here.
Artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci explored accurate watercolours and oil paintings of fruit, intended as a true representation of the still life moving away from the iconography and symbolic nature of the religious themes surrounding typical renaissance art. Click here.
The national gallery is a good place to start for anybody looking to focus on observation or still life. If you are unable to visit, the website offers a good array of pieces and descriptions.
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