Rachel Smith -Dreamscape Skyline

Rachel Smith

Dreamscape Skyline

Introductory comments

This vibrant, dynamic collage depicts a bustling cityscape with a mix of architectural styles and elements. The use of line, shape, and form creates a strong sense of depth and perspective, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene.

The contrasting colors, ranging from the warm golds and yellows to the cool blues and grays, contribute to a sense of visual harmony and balance. The repetition of geometric shapes in the skyscrapers and the Ferris wheel create a rhythmic pattern that adds movement and energy to the composition.

The inclusion of the sun motif in the upper right corner serves as a focal point, drawing the viewer's attention and creating a sense of dominance within the overall design. This central element, combined with the varied scales and proportions of the buildings, adds a touch of whimsy and playfulness to the scene.

The textural quality of the surface, with its layers of paper and varied colours, adds depth and visual interest, inviting the viewer to explore the details of the work. The overall sense of unity and cohesion in the composition effectively communicates the vibrant and bustling essence of the city depicted.

Rachel Smith

Dreamscape Skyline

Formal Analysis

The composition of this collage depicts a vibrant cityscape, characterized by a dynamic interplay of various visual elements.

The use of line is prevalent throughout the work, with the skyscrapers and other architectural elements showcasing a variety of linear forms, ranging from the geometric and angular to the more organic and curvilinear. These lines create a strong sense of depth and perspective, guiding the viewer's eye into the scene.

The shapes present are primarily rectilinear, with the predominance of rectangular and square forms in the buildings and skyline. However, there are also circular and curved shapes, such as the Ferris wheel, which add a sense of movement and contrast to the overall design.

The forms depicted are largely three-dimensional, with the buildings and structures conveying a strong sense of volume and mass. The varying heights and scales of the structures contribute to a sense of visual hierarchy and emphasis within the composition.

The value and tone of the work are quite diverse, ranging from the deep, saturated blues and greens to the more muted grays and whites. These shifts in value and tone create a sense of contrast and depth, further enhancing the illusion of three-dimensionality.

The color palette of the collage is vibrant and eclectic, with the warm yellows and golds of the sun and the cooler blues and greens of the sky and buildings creating a harmonious yet dynamic interplay. The use of complementary colors, such as blue and orange hues, adds to the overall visual impact.

The textural quality is quite varied, with the layered and collaged elements creating a sense of depth and visual interest. The brushstrokes and varied applications of paint contribute to the overall tactile quality of the work.

The overall spatial arrangement of the collage is quite balanced, with the elements organized in a way that creates a sense of unity and coherence. The repetition of shapes and forms, as well as the rhythmic patterns created by the buildings and architectural elements, contribute to a sense of movement and dynamism within the composition.