REEF

Artist: Barbara McDonald

Art form: Painting
Genre: Abstract, sea and beach
Painted: 2014
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
50.0cm wide x 41.0cm high
(19.7" wide x 16.1" high)
Artist's comments:
"An abstract painting inspired by the reef.
Turquoise water is washed with white coral
strands and tiny reef shells and creatures."

1. Describe your first thoughts of the work. What do you notice, what does it seem to
communicate to you? Don’t think too much at this point, just capture your initial thoughts
and interpretations. You can write in key words or dot points or in more detail if you
wish.
 Looks like an Indigenous artwork through the use of dots within the painting.
 The blue hues provide a sense of calm and relaxation, connecting the artwork to
real-life experiences.
 With no focal point the audience’s eyes wonder, scanning the entire piece.

2. Use the following questions to inform a more formal analysis of the artwork. Respond to
the following from your observation and take careful consideration of the ‘descriptive’
words you use when explaining the elements or details of the work.
a. Where is your eye drawn first?
There is no focal point within the artwork, allowing the eye to wonder as it
follows the waters current, represented through dot painting.
b. What is represented or suggested? What shapes are used?
The representation of water, shells and sea creatures are created using dot paining.
Easily distinguished by the repetition and layout of the dots. Some painted close
together, forming a circle, these being the shells and sea creatures. Dots used to create
long, flowing lines are placed accordingly to picture the waters current.
c. Describe the lines used in the work. Do they create a sense of depth or movement?
How?
The lines within the artwork aren’t straight, but more so wavy. Formed using
multiple dots, the lines take the audiences eyes for a ride along the ocean waves
thus providing a sense of movement and rhythm. Depth is also present through the
use of various blue hues and even white.
d. Is there a limited range of colours (a limited palette)? Which ones are dominant?
Blue hues are the dominant colours within this piece, with highlights of white and
green throughout. Creating depth and contrast as the colours vary in value and
intensity.
e. Do the colours create a mood or suggest ideas or feelings? How?
Personally, memories of family holidays and lazy days spent at the beach came
flooding back. Creating a feeling of happiness, relaxation and fun.
f. Is the work mainly dark or light? Are there areas of both? What is the effect?
 The artwork feels light and bright but includes areas of darker hues to create depth
within the piece.
g. Is the work balanced? How?
There are circles formed from dots within the artwork, symbolising the sea
creatures and shells. These are scattered evenly across the abstract painting
creating contrast and asymmetrical balance.
h. Are there any surfaces that are visually interesting or intriguing? Describe what
you see or the texture of the surface.
The artwork as a whole is visually interesting as it is painted using dots, creating a
repetitive pattern. With some areas featuring rapid, white brush strokes making the
surface appear ‘rough’ in texture. I would imagine this symbolizes the waves crashing
together upon the surface of the ocean.
i. Is the work busy or is there empty (negative) space? How does this affect your
feeling about the work?
The piece is quite busy with its repetitive dot patterns. Leaving you to imagine life
underneath the waves, seeing it as busy, crowed and thriving.
j. Are there repeated elements in the work creating a rhythm?
The horizontal dot pattern leads the audiences vision to follow the rhythm and flow of
the waves. Smoothing transitioning occurs as you’re lead around the artwork.
k. Describe the movement or stillness in the work. What elements do you notice that
create this?
The movement within the piece is constant as you’re visually enticed to follow the
rhythm of the painting. Created with the inclusion of numerous small dots.
l. Do you know what medium the artist used in the piece? Does the artist’s choice of
medium affect the reading of the work? How?
The artist used acrylic on canvas. With this medium being versatile, adaptable and
light the artist is left to create freely. Barbara has created texture throughout the piece
with scattered brush strokes using white highlights with the addition of numerous
smooth, crisp dots providing a repetitive pattern. Leaving the audience with the
impression of almost clutter, I would say, this being the many active lives sea
creatures underneath the waves.

3. Once the review is complete write up your response in paragraph form. Note the
differences or similarities as compared to your first impression of the work. Build upon
your reflections to write an appraisal of the work.
After an in-depth analysis of the artwork titled ‘Reef’ I was left feeling surprised with the
noticeable difference between responses when compared to my first impression. Yes,
these dot points are still valid, but I didn’t think I was capable of such an insightful
response when answering questions of feeling and symbolism. Showing me the power of
imagination and concreting its importance within education.