Karan and Nanc in Open Range 2015

Editor: Felice House’s 2015 oil painting, “Karan and Nanc in Open Range”, is quite striking. The scale seems grand, and the realism conveys such a sense of presence. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The interplay of form is quite compelling. Observe the strong horizontal lines established by the figures and the gun juxtaposed against the more subtle vertical elements in the background. Note also how the painter’s color choices play against the use of geometric lines to focus attention on the visual weight. Editor: The geometry certainly provides a sort of structural integrity. The artist's brushwork is quite noticeable, creating a tactile quality on the surface. How does that contribute, in your opinion, to its formal qualities? Curator: Indeed, the visible brushstrokes add a layer of textural complexity. Consider how the impasto in certain areas contrasts with the smoother passages. These visual patterns animate the picture plane; they guide the viewer’s eye and add a haptic dimension, thus making a deeper and richer artistic vision. Editor: That makes a lot of sense! Looking at it that way, it’s clear the painting engages you on multiple levels, more than just representationally. Curator: Precisely. We see, through an attentive examination of its composition and use of visual textures, an artistic vision come alive, and learn more than what appears on the surface alone. Editor: Thank you! I now appreciate this artwork so much more by really examining the brushstrokes and shapes!