Comparison Between Two Modern Paintings - Essay Example

Comparison Between Two Modern Paintings Throughout the centuries art has experienced tremendous change. In the 20th century alone, artists experimented with surrealist, cubist, and conceptual trends ("Art history resources," 2009). Even while art has changed much over the years, many old types of artistic expression surface in later forms and others sometimes combine into new types of art. In the modern art world there are many such forms of old and new art. This essay compares two modern paintings – ‘Orange Moon Over Ocean (Evening)’, and ‘The Old Window’.

While both of these works of art were made in recent years, it’s clear they borrow aspects from past artistic styles. In these regards, both works of art are heavily influenced by a style referred to as realism. Realists attempted to depict art in an honest and natural way ("Realism -- art," 2008). The first work of art ‘Orange Moon Over Ocean (Evening)’ is a work of landscape art. The painting is constructed in oil and canvas and depicts an evening display of the setting sun shining down on the ocean.

In addition to being realist, it’s clear that this work is also influenced by impressionist art. In these regards, the ocean and sunlight are meant to depict a person’s impressions of the scenery rather than the actual scenery itself; in this way it is not a strict realist painting. Still, it’s clear the painting is very interested in the depiction of natural imagery. When one considers ‘The Old Window’ it’s clear that this work is more firmly rooted in traditional realist style.

Similar to ‘Orange Moon Over Ocean (Evening)’ this work is painted in oil and canvas. The painting depicts a window that reflects a tree. There is also a branch that crosses over the window. While this depiction sounds unexciting the painting is actually highly detailed and meaning. In these regards, it shares with ‘Orange Moon Over Ocean (Evening)’ a depiction of almost romantic proportions. In this sense of understanding both works depict works of beauty in daily life. There is great detail in the imagery and in both works the paintings seem to go beyond the simple depiction of nature imagery, but also include the articulation of the artists’ emotions.

For instance one examines the waves in ‘Orange Moon Over Ocean (Evening)’ and the reflection of the tree in ‘The Old Window’ as indicated the artists’ inner sense of calm or turmoil, respectively. In conclusion, this essay has examined two works of modern art. Specifically, the work ‘Orange Moon Over Ocean (Evening)’ has been compared with ‘The Old Window.’ There are many similarities between these two paintings. They are both painted with the same materials. Both paintings also depict real-life aspects of nature.

While both paintings demonstrate a concern with nature, their choices of natural imagery are highly meaningful and poignant. Both works, through innovative artistic techniques, also depict the artists’ internal emotions. Ultimately, both works are highly effective and powerful depictions of reality. References Art history resources. (2009). Retrieved from http://arthistoryresources.net/ARTHcontemporary.html Realism -- art style. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.theartgallery.com.au/learn/realism/