Justin James
5/5
Title: Analysis of "River Market Piece" by Barry Thomas
The painting I selected, titled "River Market Piece" by Barry Thomas, depicts a serene outdoor market where a vendor is seen selling goods to a customer. This interaction takes place amidst the bustling market, creating a quiet yet meaningful moment. The artist skillfully employs color theory and focal points to establish a sense of balance and duality in the piece, which might inspire viewers as they reflect on the sense of balance and chaos that was lockdown.
It's worth noting that this artwork remains unfinished, a reflection of the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Understanding the context of its creation and the artist's connection to the area adds depth to the experience of discovering and examining this painting, especially in light of one's own past experiences.
Painted in the spring of 2020, this oil painting is rendered on a 24-inch square canvas. It prominently features a fruit display with two human figures engaged in what appears to be a transaction. They stand beneath a high roof, partially shielded from the elements.
Upon closer examination, it becomes evident that the woman's face is absent in the painting, whereas the man's face is visible. This intriguing choice might suggest that the vendor is part of a larger narrative, and the customer is awaiting her return. Additionally, certain parts of the painting, such as the top left corner, lack texture and detail, while there are patches of unpainted canvas where clamps were once affixed.
The use of color in this artwork, particularly the absence of black, aligns with the impressionist style. The color values shift from the white unpainted canvas to deep shadows, like the navy tones beneath the umbrellas and the nearly black hues beneath the table. These contrasting values imply a source of light from the top left corner, casting shadows that lend depth to the scene and make the fruit appear round. Meanwhile, the white highlights on the fruit create a sense of shine and cleanliness.
The piece achieves a delicate balance of warm and cool tones, with the red clothing and fruit set against the blue and yellow background, accentuated by dark greens in the closest foreground. The flowers in the painting exhibit rich and dark saturations, while the figures at the back of the crowd are rendered with a lighter touch. Notably, the top left corner remains almost blank, creating a striking contrast with the detailed flowers in the foreground.
Barry Thomas's painting takes on added significance when considered in the context of the pandemic. The fact that the artist allowed viewers to see the unfinished work in person is inspiring, forging a strong connection to the farmers' market and one's own experiences during this challenging period. The unfinished elements of the artwork mirror the emptiness and uncertainties that characterized lockdown.
