Nude portrait

A nude portrait of a figure standing in front of an opening in a concrete wall. The subject’s imposing physique exudes strength which pairs symbolically with the sturdy wall.

The base of the concrete wall and the edges of the window form strong vertical and horizontal lines. Her body forms an “X” that bridges the space between the window and the gravel-covered ground. The significance these compositional elements is that the figure disrupts the symmetrical scene.

Her arm extend upward and her hands are braced inside the window. Blue sky is visible beyond. This aspect draws attention to the indeterminately far away sky and the nearby barrier that contains what we can see.

The predominant tones are the blues and cool grays of the negative space. The sky is a focal point of intense color. The darker tones of the ground provide a sense of stability. The woman’s warm color stands out against the neutral hues surrounding her figure. The dark shadows framing her intensify this effect.

The crushed-rock texture of the ground contrasts with the smooth wall, sky, and body. The pattern of the wall is less pronounced, although cracks and other variations are discernable upon close inspection. Shadows define her muscles and other details of her body.

Light from the left creates hard, dark shadows that frame the outline of her body. Sunlight from beyond the window highlights the left edge of the opening. These light areas align visually, but physically indicate light from two directions. A viewer can trace light from the windows edge, down the edge of the nude portrait.