This is a photograph of Monica, that was shot using a digital camera. Monica is the subject of this piece, and she is relatively far away. This picture was taken in focus. This work is figurative, rather than abstract. This image does not follow the rule of thirds.
This artwork was created with the use of a background fabric. I chose for a simple, solid background, because the intent of this piece was to achieve balance. I set out to create a-symmetrical balance within this photograph and while I might have included an inequality of shape, I had hoped to illustrate a-symmetrical balance in a more subtle manner. Shapes including those in Monica's shirt, shadow and earring help to stir interest in this portrait. I believe that there is a fair amount of contrast within this work, most clearly; Monica's black outerwear against the white background fabric. This image was taken in focus intentionally, so that the viewer could more easily examine the symmetry in Monica's face, with the exclusion of her lone earring.
It's an easy thing to quickly whip up meaning within a piece. For instance, the a-symmetrical balance created by Monica's earring and shadow might arguably represent her conflicting feelings and/or ideas. Though, this would make for a hackneyed theme that many an average viewer has come across. I failed to give thought toward the meaning of this portrait, as I concerned myself only with the portrayal of balance. It is this lack of meaning that makes this artwork unsuccessful. Reflecting on this image has allowed me to remind myself of the importance of following the creative process.
This work is unsuccessful, because of the lack of both mood and meaning.
