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An Analysis Of The Waterfall By Thomas Moran

Decent Essays

Art is a way to express a state of mind, to express a story, or to express a critical situation, it can be a way to communicate with sociality. However, two pieces at the Wichita Art Museum exemplify density of interactions through movement, proportion, rhythm, unity, and variety. “The Waterfall” by Thomas Moran and “View on the upper Missouri” by John Frederick Kensett develop these elements of design and elements of form to describe the relationship between two themes. Although they have several things in common, such as color that brings balance, rhythm and the similarities that each has that give a positive and passive view to the audience. Thomas Moran was born February 12, 1837 in Bolton, United Kingdom. At the age of sixteen, …show more content…

In addition to color, balance and significance being important principles incorporated in this work, line also plays a huge role to establish the connection they have. However, these lines are not visual on the paintings. Moran uses wavy or curved lines have a more natural, gentle, flowing effect. For “ View on the upper Missouri” Kensett utilizes colors warmer than Moran’s painting, though the proportions of his subjects are not as large as those in “Waterfall”. His color choice also brings balance to this piece. The orange, red, yellow and combinations of blue, green and light purple the warm and cool colors. These elements and principals emphasize important areas of the painting for viewers. On the other hand, one of the key differences between these pieces is their interaction with the spectators or lack thereof. Moran’s landscape is a more aggressive mood and more adventuresome. The colors give you the feeling of that nature is the strongest and powerful on another world has the control. However, Kensett’s landscape is more relaxing; it creates a mood or evokes memories of a far off, distant place and it can even make you smile or relieve your stress. It gives you the feeling that you have the control. Perhaps if Moran’s landscapes would have a sun it would change the perspective of the viewer or if he would paint an animal it would give a touch emotion. Or if Kensett wouldn’t paint the sky so calm the viewers wouldn’t feel so relaxed and peaceful.

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