Portrait of Carl Oscar Borg 1914

Troy Kinney created this watercolor portrait of Carl Oscar Borg in November 1914. The painting is dominated by soft, fluid washes of color. Note how Kinney uses diluted shades of pink, brown, and subtle greens to render Borg's features with minimal but effective detail. Kinney's approach can be understood through the lens of formalism, where the essence of art lies in its visual elements. The delicate application of watercolor allows the white of the paper to shine through, creating a sense of lightness and transparency. It is interesting to consider the semiotic function of color here, the red tie for example serves as a focal point, drawing our eye and adding a touch of vitality to the otherwise muted palette. In its focus on line, color and form, Kinney's portrait invites us to consider how the intrinsic elements of art shape our perception and understanding of the subject. By engaging with the formal properties, we can appreciate the aesthetic and intellectual dimensions of artistic expression.