Task 3:Evaluate: Art Critique

“FLORIDA SCENE” (1878)

By Thomas Moran (1837–1926)
Title
Thomas Moran creates a work of art directly influenced by nature. Just like the
vegetation, ocean and sky incorporated in the painting, Thomas Moran used asymmetrical
balance in his art as well as unity and variety in the painting. There is unity among the elements
such as the trees, ocean and sky for they embody nature and form a harmonious scenery as a
whole. If one of these elements are to be taken away, not only that the quality of the painting will
decrease but also the scene will be incomplete.
 A clear sky can also be witnessed above the ocean waters and beneath that is a pond
with shrubs in every direction. There are no constant shapes that the clouds follow. They are
free and appear more natural and realistic.
There is a curving palm tree dominating the scenery painting. The diminishing figures in
the background is giving me a feeling of increasing distance. The ship and the passengers lack
detail, each plank of the wood making up the boat cannot be distinguished and the passengers
do not have faces or fingers. The palm tree is positioned as the tallest as well as has the most
detail it is complete with strokes defining each individual leave of the palm fronds and intricate
rings decorating the bark of the trunk for the palm tree is the main subject.
The colors used in Moran’s art mostly comprised of cool colors, green vegetation and
blue ocean and sky. There is no harsh change in color from one to the other rather there is only
a subtle shift in colors, value and detail. The color scheme is gives away tropical vibes.
Thomas Moran’s work illustrates the landscape of Florida where palm trees, ocean and
clear skies are present and just around the corner. Moran’s painting shares what he saw in
Florida to the viewers. The masterpiece highlights nature in all her shining glory.