Kyky in front of the Mirror
By Leonard Wong HL, Kyky in front of the Mirror (Pastel, 48cm x 50cm). Copyright Leonard Wong HL.
Background:
A friend once asked me how to appreciate art. I think there's no simple answer to that. In my opinion, it would be to see how an artist tries to convey his message while capturing your attention and making it stay as long as it can. In this painting of kyky, I tried to lead the viewer's eyes onto the painting via the drape of the bedsheet at the top of the painting and the dog leash at the right. Next, the viewer is bought to the point of focus - the empty space between the 2 images of kyky. This is where I've placed the highest tonal contrast and the hardest edges* to "point" to this space. I've also included reflections of light on the floor to supplement in this. Lastly, to make the viewer notice all the other subjects of the paintings and not just the focus point, I've strategically placed areas of orange/burnt sienna to lead him around the painting.
*This is why paintings are best seen in the flesh in museums because these art techniques will be more obvious to the viewer.