Critique 2

Jessica Lantos
Critique 2
The water color painting “Determination” was created by a wonderful artist, Kenneth Gatewood. He grew up in LA with a large family, and memorable childhood. Gatewood works on positive images that reflects an evolution of continuous growth and is well known for his water color paintings. Also, he is praised for his “baby sport” paintings of infants as superstar athletes. His work “Determination” is unique and simple; simply spectacular. This painting contributes to youth at play, and determination to learn something new. The focal point of the young, innocent boy in his bare feet playing golf is very simple, but very deep. The field of a simple, washed out blue sky and green golf field are very appealing and original. The beautiful shades of blue and purple splashed on the page add to the bright piece. The soft texture in the different greens of the grass stands out. The sharpness of the outline of the boy shows his importance in the painting but then the softer colors of his skin and shirt show his innocence. His concentrated stance, but in a child like manner, shows the boys determination and growth, “Determination” by Kenneth Gatewood is an enjoyable, cute piece that ties together the simplicity of youth, and determination to grow and learn new things.

"Still-life" Critique

Jessica Lantos
“Still-Life” Critique

The acrylic painting “Still-Life” was one created Norton High School’s talented English teacher, Todd Kefor. He is well educated in fine art and enjoys painting and viewing paintings in various museums in his spare time. The composition consists of a medium size square canvas with dark images. Dark cylinder blocks and skeletons are centered in the middle, with a dirty wall that seems to lurk in the background. The content gives uneasy feelings because of the way it seems to be dealing with dark things, such as death because of the different kinds of skeletons. It is also gives off a mysterious feeling, as if it could be some sort of crime scene or a secret could be hidden in the chest on top of the cylinder block. The colors are very dark, such as the deep red, and warm. The field is very plain, dark and an eerie looking wall. The grainy, hard texture adds to the creepy feelings of this interesting painting. The subject of skeletons are not exaggerated at all or sugar coated, which adds to the realistic feel of the painting. The whole picture seems to create allegory of death, darkness, evil, and secrets. Just as all the themes in the picture work together, the harmony of the dark objects all mesh together along with the shades being very close in color and appealing to the eyes. The focal point of this piece is the large cylinders and skeletons all closely nestled together that seem to be sticking out at you because of their eeriness. A subtle narrative of this painting may be a mystery story or detective scene. It could also be symbolism for a story of secrets because of the chest, or hard times because of all the darkness. The only thing that could potentially make this a weak piece, was if the viewer were someone who doesn’t like dark, depressing settings.

Determination Critque

Jessica Lantos
Visual Critique


The photograph “Determination” is one of a determined dandelion holding onto its last seed. This photograph was taken by Larry Richardson who is well known for his fine art photography. He was born in Pennsylvania where he acquired a love for nature. He did not go through any formal art training but attended several seminars and workshops of notable nature photographers. This photograph contributes to nature but is a symbol of one’s will to not let go of something, such as a goal or a dre am.
The focal point is just the flower holding onto that last seed and the field is blurry. This strategy is very creative and really gets the focus on the flower’s point of determination across. By focusing on that flower and seed, is like someone focusing on their goal which makes this a really great photograph to get people thinking about their goals. The allegory of the dandelion is very strong and one that everyone knows and can easily be interpreted. The sharpness of the lines in the seeds white part is eye-catching and enjoyable to study and look at. Also, the straightforward composition of the subject that is centered and focused on is exquisite. The bright, naturey colors and shades of green are simple but striking and beautiful also. All in all, Larry Richardson’s simple but exquisite “Determination” photograph is professional and can be easily enjoyed by many.