Lecture Notes: Barbara Earl Thomas on Art and Painting

Introduction

• Speaker: Barbara Earl Thomas
• Location: Seattle-based artist
• Artistic Disciplines:
  • Painter
  • Writer
  • Sculpture
• Artistic Philosophy:
  • Engages in art forms as they come to mind

Discussion on George de la Tour's Painting

• Subject of Painting:
  • Religious theme
  • Moment in art history

Key Elements Explored

• Light as a Subject:

  • Capturing light and its interaction with the viewer's eye
  • Generates rhythm and quietness in the artwork
  • Light used to create a mysterious ambiance, encouraging imagination

• Composition and Form:

  • Representation of positive and negative space
  • Shapes created by elements of the painting, such as hands around legs
  • Consideration of what remains when a body is removed

Artistic Insights

• Beyond Illustration:
  • Focus on how elements fit together to form a cohesive whole
  • Interdependency of painting elements—removing one part affects the entire composition

Conclusion

• Artistic Mastery:
  • The painting's composition is a lock-together system
  • Mastery involves maintaining integrity and interdependence of all parts