How Do Artists Convey Style?

Look at the painting on p. 445 of your textbook and answer the questions 1-5 on p. 444 and 1-4 on p. 445 (some are duplicates--you don't have to answer twice). In your own words describe the style the artist used in creating this picture.

1) What is the painting about? Is it a still scene or is there action? The painting is a depiction of the interior furnishings of an American domestic home. It is a still life painting; it is a work of art that depicts inanimate subject matter (furniture and a few dishware).

2)  Consider the manner in which the painting's subject is presented. Is the subject depicted in a realistic or nonrealistic way? There are no abstract or obscured objects that are out of proportion, shadows are drawn accurately, and fine details are added. The painting's subject is presented in a realistic way. After doing some light research, I found out that Charles Sheeler was known for his realistic style of painting, which further reinforces that the painting is realistic.

3) Identify the author's technique. How does the artist use color, texture and shapes to show the subject matter?
The artist includes certain details and designs in his painting of the carpets, the dishware, and uses precision in representing lighting and shadows. He also predominantly utilizes the color brown and similarly darker colors (with the exception of the plates on the night-table). The shapes are well defined, and everything possesses a rather smooth or soft texture. This overall design allows the painting to have a feeling of warmth, comfort, and oddly a sense of reliability.

4) What mood is created by the artist's use of light and shadow?
The cast shadows formed by the furniture blocking the light source off-image (which is relatively dim, as with a setting or rising sun) gives the painting a well-defined feeling and contributes to a mood of security, comfort, and sophistication.

5) How is the painting different from other paintings of similar subjects? Other paintings tend to have softer edges, blurred details, lighter colors, lighter, and less-defined shadows. While some paintings also use similar color schemes, they do not convey the mood of being sophisticated, yet not overtly contemporary or conservative, as many other paintings make me feel.