Comparative Study

Parker Matel
This comparative study will focus on analyzing four separate artworks: Composition VII,
Yellow-Red-Blue, Time, and Longing by Wassily Kandinsky and local artist Rosie Hartmann.
They share many characteristics such as their use of color to convey mood and feelings in
their works and their abstract painting style to evoke feelings, thoughts, and emotions while
observing their work. Though their styles are somewhat similar, their themes are very
different. Kandinsky's works were produced in the early twentieth century until his death in
1944. The focus of his theme was to visually express music through abstract painting.
Hartmann is a modern artist with a focus on using her abstract paintings to compliment her
photography.
Wassily Kandinsky
Wassily Kandinsky is a Russian abstract expressionist painter who worked in the
early to mid twentieth century. He has been considered the pioneer of modern
abstract art. As a child he had a strong connection to sound and color which
influenced his art even throughout his professional art career. Many of his works
reflect his experimentation with the relationship between color and form to convey
feelings that are universal to all members of the audience. He chose to use an
abstract style of painting in order to avoid using symbols or subject matters that
some observers might not understand. Through abstraction he was able to paint
without any physical or cultural confinements to connect to all people.

The theme of many of his works focus on the connection between sound and
visual art. He believed that he could paint a picture of music through the use of
color, form, and space. He painted with the goal of having the viewer experience
the music in mind. He wanted everyone to experience the same emotions and
feelings when they look at his work similar to how music can create a universal
feeling amongst the listeners. With this in mind, the success of his work heavily
relied on the responses of the public to the art.

The Art Contributor. “Wassily Kandinsky”. The Art Story Modern Art Insight. October 10, 2017 http://www.theartstory.org/artist-kandinsky-wassily.htm
Formal qualities of Composition VII
Color
Kandinsky uses many contrasting
warm and cool colors scattered
throughout the piece. These
contrasts bring the focus to certain
forms in this work such as the
organic dark blue form just off
center
Form
Organic forms are used within the
work in order to keep the emotions
universally relatable. Although they
are all organic and have no
detailed symbols, there are some
shapes that resemble known
objects such as the lines that
resemble a string instrument and
the symbol similar to the “flat”
symbol in music. (♭)
Kandinsky, Wassily. “Composition VII” Kandinsky. October 10, 2017 http://www.wassilykandinsky.net/work-36.php
Pattern/Repetition
There is a repetition and pattern of
color throughout the piece between
the three primary colors. This
repetition causes a chaotic
movement throughout the piece
while the pattern resembles the
structure of music.
Composition
The majority of the composition is
focused in the center of the piece.
Everything merges in the center
creating a conflict between the
colors and forms within.
Composition VII by Wassily Kandinsky
Interpretive Analysis of Composition VII

Composition VII is an attempt by Kandinsky to communicate

sound visually. It is similar to a musical composition through
the repetition and pattern of shapes and hues throughout the
piece. By using the organic shapes and colors, Kandinsky is
able to cause certain feelings, such as excitement in the
chaotic center, to be provoked in the observer. By avoiding
cultural and traditional music confinements, he is able to
break language and communication barriers that would
normally change the outcome of what the observer
experiences. The one point perspective style of the painting
creates a depth that can almost make the viewer feel slightly
overwhelmed much like how music can feel when there are
multiple sounds coming together. The depth and contrast Composition VII by Wassily Kandinski
also exemplifies the flow and movement of musical
compositions.

Kandinsky, Wassily. “Composition VII” Kandinsky. October 10, 2017 http://www.wassilykandinsky.net/work-36.php

Yellow - Red - Blue Formal Qualities
Color
The majority of this piece consists of the primary colors and
some secondary colors where the primaries blend. The use
of color almost divides the piece in half.
Shape
The use of geometric shapes gives the piece a sense of
unity. The shapes are used to create the two focal points, the
rectangular door and the dark mass of shapes to the right.
Line
There is a contrast in his use of line. Both geometric line and
organic lines are used in the piece as seen in the circular
and straight lines scattered throughout the piece and the
thick dark line protruding from the collision of shapes.
Balance
There is an even balance in the piece. The asymmetrical
balance of the piece almost allows the piece to be divided
into two sections. The right has a heavy focus on the
colliding red and blue figures while the left is focused on the
Yellow- Red- Blue by Wassily Kandinski
illuminated yellow rectangle that resembles a door.
Kandinsky, Wassily. “Yellow - Red - Blue” Totally History October 10, 2017 http://totallyhistory.com/yellow-red-blue
Yellow - Red - Blue Interpretive Analysis
Yellow- Red- Blue by Wassily Kandinski
Kandinsky, Wassily. “Yellow - Red - Blue” Totally History October 10, 2017 http://totallyhistory.com/yellow-red-blue
This piece has two major focal points, the dark cluster of
shapes and the bright rectangular doorway. Kandinsky
produced this piece in 1925 while in Germany. Post World
War I, the German people were struggling due to the
sanctions placed upon them. The dark cluster of shapes and
the bright yellow doorway could be a representation of the
mood of Germany at the time and seeing a glimmer of hope
in the darkness. The piece’s right side is colliding which
could represent disaster or conflict while the yellow rectangle
with open space represents the solution to the disaster. The
whole piece produces the feeling of hope when even though
there is some sort of conflict occurring.
Rosie Hartmann

Rosie Hartmann is a lifelong photographer from Milwaukee that

decided to try her hand in abstract painting. Her focus for her
photography and later mixed media works was to capture a single
moment by preserving it in art. She has worked closely with the
Alzheimer’s Association which influenced the theme of her work to
revolve around memory and preserving memories. Photography
was her primary medium until 2011. She had felt as though her
photography wasn’t quite enough and that something was missing
so she began using acrylic and watercolor paint in order to stronger
capture the emotions and feelings she had experienced when
capturing the photograph. Through digital manipulation of her
photographs and abstract painting, Rosie Hartmann is able to
convey both the physical image and the emotions and feelings
behind her experiences.

Hartmann, Rosie. “Rosie Hartmann”. ROSIEHARTMANN. October 10, 2017 http://www.rosiehartmann.com/

 Time Formal Qualities
Balance
This piece is asymmetrical with the balance being between
the painted clock and the photograph of the girl. There are 3
main focuses in this piece; fading girl, clock, time. They are
a representation of alzheimer's and memory loss
Color
The colors in “Time” are very washed out or faded. The low
intensity adds to the aging or weathering effect of the
painting. The lighter background also increases the focus on
rtm ann
the 3 main points. i e Ha
by Ros
Texture Time
The background looks as though it is burning or weathering.
The texture is crinkled and falling apart which creates a
depth with layers.
Space
The layers of the image create a sense of depth in the work.
It gives some implied space between the focal points. The
clock is clearly in focus making it the foreground. The fading
image of the girl is the middle ground while the time behind
the torn out part of the image is the background.
Hartmann, Rosie. “Rosie Hartmann”. ROSIEHARTMANN. October 10, 2017 http://www.rosiehartmann.com/
Time Interpretive Analysis

Rosie Hartmann’s Time is focused on suffering

deterioration of memory. The subject matter in the
work represent the passing of time through the large
clock in the foreground and the time placed in the
background. The theme is further demonstrated
through the deteriorating texture and the fading
image of the girl. The texture is falling apart as
though the memory will soon be forgotten and the
image is fading away. The photos in Rosie
Hartmann’s works are the physical record of the past
incorporating specific moments. The manipulation
and fading of the image further supports the theme
of memory loss due to alzheimer’s and loss of
Time by Rosie Hartmann
specifics as time decays the details.

Hartmann, Rosie. “Rosie Hartmann”. ROSIEHARTMANN. October 10, 2017 http://www.rosiehartmann.com/

Longing Formal Qualities
Line
Line is used in the background painting. Dripping
dark lines of paint create horizontal lines across
the piece. The dripping creates a spooky sense of
misery.
Shape
Organic shapes are created by the overlaid
photograph. The designs within the structure itself
contrast with the dripping straight lines.
Color
There is a strong contrast between the red
background and the dark line and photograph. The
reds represent anger are pain while the dark hues
represent the negative or hard times one can be in
when they are longing or waiting for something to
happen. With these combines emotions there is
unity throughout the work.
Repetition
The dripping of black lines is very uniform as they Longing by Rosie Hartmann
are in the same direction. This is very different
from the overlaid image as the photograph has
nearly sporadically moving line design.
Hartmann, Rosie. “Rosie Hartmann”. ROSIEHARTMANN. October 10, 2017 http://www.rosiehartmann.com/
Longing Interpretive Analysis

Longing is attempting to portray the negative

feelings that come with waiting for something good
to happen. The reds represent the anger or pain of
waiting for too long while the dark dripping and
sporadically moving lines represent the sadness
and depression that often goes with longing. The
highlights in the photograph have a strong contrast
from the rest of the work. It is much brighter and
more vibrant in order for it to be the hope. Longing
for something involves having hope that it will
happen. It is a distraction from all the negative
feelings, but it is also the main cause of the pain
and emotions felt.
Longing by Rosie Hartmann

Hartmann, Rosie. “Rosie Hartmann”. ROSIEHARTMANN. October 10, 2017 http://www.rosiehartmann.com/

 Comparisons and Connections (Cultural Context)
Composition VII
Kandinsky painted this work
in the early twentieth
century much earlier than
Hartmann’s works. This
work had a large focus on
musical qualities through
more abstract symbolism
similar to the symbols of
Hartmann.
Yellow - Red - Blue Time
This work also was created Hartmann created this work
much earlier than with the mind of a mother
Hartmann’s works but much like how Kandinsky
shares the symbolism with created his through the
the other works. This perspective of a composer.
painting too is far more Her symbolism within the
abstract with only a few work is much more distinct
recognizable symbols. making it less universally
understandable or relatable.
Longing
This work too uses much
abstraction like Kandinsky's
works. There are no
physically recognizable
objects or subjects within
the work making observer
focus more on the
metaphorical qualities.
Comparisons and Connections (Cultural Context)
The context of all of these pieces are very different
with there being nearly a century between the two
artists work periods. Although the gap in time is
quite large, the theme of portraying universal
emotion is shared between the artists and their
works. Both attempted to use abstract art in order to
convey feelings such as pain, hope, and interest.

Wassily Kandinsky’s paintings focused on producing

a universal understanding amongst his audience.
He did this by avoiding the use of cultural or
traditional symbols in his communication.

Hartmann’s works are more focused on memories

and their associated emotions. She wanted to
capture the totality of a photograph by combining
her painting and photography.
Comparisons and Connections (formal qualities and
Composition VII Yellow - Red - Blue
- Strong use of - Two different color
numerous hues schemes and values
provides a holistic - Creates two different
image and story images that come
much like a musical together to create a
composition cohesive picture
- Many flowing and - Created via both
organic forms creates organic and
images of a melody geometric shapes in
dark and light, cold
and warm colors
respectively.
significance)
Time Longing
- The dull colors and a - This piece is full of
fading gradient abstraction which
throughout the piece forces the observer
provides feeling of to think about the use
aging of color and design
- This aging and fading - The red and dark
adds to the overall dripping hues
theme of memories provokes negative
and how they change emotions while the
and are lost over very little light colors
time. are a small taste of
positivity or hope
Comparisons and Connections (formal qualities and
significance)
Both Rosie Hartmann and Wassily Kandinsky have
a strong use of color which is essential for their
conveying of emotion. Although Kandinsky tends to
use very vibrant hues and Hartmann more dull
hues, they use the color to depict emotions and
feelings that the observer is able to relate to.

Kandinsky uses much more forms and shapes in

order to communicate to the audience such as his
combination of organic and geometric shapes come
together to create unity in the intended emotions he
wished to portray.

Hartmann much more focused on the use of texture

in her works to convey memories and their
emotions. The dripping and weathering textures
help to further develop the understanding of the
work much like what shape and form did for
Kandinsky.
Introduction to Car Ride
Introduction
I created a piece named Car Ride
with a focused inspiration on Rosie
Hartmann’s style and goal of
capturing a moment and emotion.
This moment specifically was during
a car ride home from school with my
brother. I attempted to capture the
enjoyment and happiness from within
the moment.
The photo represents the conflict are
the physical actions from the memory
which was a goofy face produced by
my brother while the painted
background is a representation of the
emotions and more positive emotions
that the action evoked. This work
allows the observer to understand
the situation on both a physical and
emotional level.
Qualities
Depth- brings equal focus towards
the action (foreground) and the
emotion (Background)
Color- use of primary colors that
blend into one another and left
vibrant in order to represent more
positive emotions with vivid image or
memory
Balance- asymmetrical balance also
brings equal focus towards the
background the foreground with the
grey image left center and heavy
white streaks right and right center
Comparison Both my piece and the work of
Hartmann share the process of
photographing and then using
painting and layering the
Color is a key concept images. This creates a
shared by my work and complex duality in works by
Hartmann’s. It is the using multiple media to obtain
element of the works the goal of the artworks. It
which communicates the incorporates a physical image
emotion which is half the along with an abstract painting.
goal of the pieces.
Although the goal is
similar the palettes are
different in the
brightness of hues. This Balance within the works is a large focus
has a strong effect on as well. Balance determines what the
the emotions, mood, and focus of the works are. Hartmann’s work
tone of the works. My to the upper right has a large focus on
work is much brighter in the clock with the left side being heavy
order to convey a more much like my piece to the left.
energetic positive tone.
 Introduction to Family Zodiac
Introduction
I created this work called Family
Zodiac as a representation of
my family. It symbolizes the
members of my family without
words but rather with Chinese
Zodiac specific symbols. My
parents were born the year of
the rat, my brother the year of
the monkey, my sister the tiger,
and I the dragon.
I had a strong focus on
symbolism in order to portray
my family which the works
within this study had a large
influence on.
Qualities
Color/Contrast- the colors that
fill the outline of each creature
create a personality while the
contrast shows that each is
different and none are an exact
copy
Shape- The entire work is 5
shapes representing different
people
Symbols- The symbols may not
be universal but the majority of
people know animals making
the message somewhat
widespread
Comparison Contrast and Unity-
There is contrast through
the separation of warm
and cool colors through
both works although they
blend in and throughout
kandinsky’s work. The
pieces both incorporate
Symbolism- both warm and cool
The symbolism among creating a sense of
our works is quite completeness and unity
relevant. Kandinsky’s
use is much more
abstract in order to be
more universally
understood whereas
mine are more specific Texture- texture
with specific meaning plays a significant
behind them. This is role in both works. In
one difference as my both it creates more
work is less up for distinction between
interpretation. subjects and
focuses. Though
Kandinsky’s use is
more abstract it is
still a similar stylistic
use.
Influences and Impacts
Through Kandinsky and Hartmann’s works and this comparative study I’ve been able
to analyze how my works and art as a whole have been influenced. I’ve learned how
symbolism can communicate like a language. Like in Kandinsky’s works, symbolism
works to create a message that everyone can relate too no matter their background.
This is strongly done through the use of color and form. Abstraction also plays a large
role in this level of communication which I will continue to incorporate within my
future works. Abstraction allows for a universal understanding and allows for multiple
perspectives to receive the same ideas. This is something that language often cannot
do. Hartmann has taught me to both look at the physical aspects of works, but also to
look at the emotions of the work. Emotions conveyed through color and abstraction
can provide just enough context for an image for a consensus to be made about the
works.

Through focusing on both direct inspiration and indirect influences of these works on
my art, I have learnt to appreciate more than just the aesthetic value of works. Works
such as Kandinsky’s that may look complicated almost like trying to understand
gibberish are actually a complex level of symbolism. I can use this in the future to
incorporate subliminal messages within even realistic works. They both force the
observer to take more time to understand the work but also push the observers
towards one united understanding.