gallery visit.

As an additional blog post from my previous post "looking is not seeing", here is a short read of the three artwork which stood out the most for me from the National Galleries in Edinburgh.

A Sea-piece with a Dutch Merchant Ship and a Swedish Flute

by Willem van de Velde, the Elder Dutch

medium: pen and brush on panel

This painting was one that stood out the most to me due to the fine detailing throughout the whole canvas. The painting was kept to black and white to focus on the detail on the construction of the ships and as a viewer this drew me to look at every part closely. Each line is brushed on precisely which interpreted well what is going on in the painting and worked well together to give an aesthetically pleasing aura.

Flower Still Life with Bird's Nest

by Jan van Huysum

medium: oil on copper

My attention was taken by this painting because of it's interesting composition. I like how the artist had incorporated different seasonal flowers into one concept and used light to enhance the difference between them. The dark background of the painting also makes the colours more vibrant which was another factor that drew my attention. I had also took interest as the appearance of the painting gives a realistic feel which, again, makes you want to look at every detail closely. Overall the painting was composed well together to tie in the artist's concept.

An Allegory (Fàbula)

by El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos)

medium: oil on canvas

My last pick was this painting, I was instantly drawn to this artwork due to the mysterious concept behind the painting. I stood in front of the painting for several minutes trying to work out why the figures were composed together in one painting, which in my opinion makes the artwork successful as it gets the audience curious. I also personally like the style of the painting with the intense use of light and shadows to really make the figures stand out. Additionally, with the minimal use of colour also makes the painting stand out.

From the audiences view this painting requires thinking to understand what is happening and therefore engages you fully into it.

Final Thoughts

After visiting the gallery, it was very hard to pick only three but I selected the three above due to the different styles and concepts delivered in every painting.

I recommend visiting the National Galleries as there are many artworks up for show.

- Joanna

Site: National Galleries, Edinburgh