Name: Lana Year: 8 Date:

27/10/17

Journey and Landscapes - Considering the factual question through

Art Criticism
Unit of Inquiry Factual question - Which artists have used journey as a source of inspiration?

Directions: Select an artist that we have looked at during this unit and answer the following
questions in complete sentences.

Artist name: Edward Hopper Title of work: House by the railroad

1. Description: What do you see? Describe the work. Identify the medium.

In this artwork, I can see an old Victorian styled house by an old railroad track. You can see that it
is quite empty and abandoned. You can also see that the railway tracks are acting as a barrier for
the house as it is quite close to it. The tracks are also in front of it. You can also see that the house
is isolated as there is no landscapes, buildings or architecture near it, making the mood in the
image lonely and empty. The medium is an oil painting/ oil on canvas.

2. Analysis: Describe the work according to the elements of art. For example, explain the type of
line you see; describe the colour, shape, texture and space.

In this image, the illustrator has used straight horizontal lines/patterns e.g. the railway track. The
illustrator has also used space to emphasise the distance between the viewers and the
Victorian house. This creates a sense of division. You can also see deep shadows on the
Victorian house creating a mood of unhappiness and sadness. The illustrator has also used dull
colours that are not bright which also creates mood. By the shape of the mansion, you can tell
the style (Victorian styled) by the way it is built and designed also the colours that it has been
painted.
3. Interpretation: Tell a short story explaining what you think of the artwork? Why do you think the
artist created the work?

The message/ theme the illustrator is conveying is the isolation of the modern
world/modern life. He portrays modern life as sad and unsentimental. You can see this by
the mood the image expresses. This is also symbolic of how modern progress leaves a
cultivated society behind.
I think that this illustration is centred and based on the house.

I think the artist has created this work based on his feeling and emotions, possibly his past
experiences. I believe he has created this illustration to express his thoughts on this issue.

4. Judgment: Give your opinion of the work. Be sure to include a reason for your judgment.

Before you find the actual meaning behind the image, you would conclude that this image is sad
and depressing because of the colours and use of space. This image represents isolation and has
conveyed this in a unique way which is clever. I personally think that the message the illustrator is
trying to convey is important and relatable to todays society.

5. Add your image into the box provided.

Image of artwork to be pasted here!