Danika LaSpina

Visual Analysis Worksheet

Jacksen Pollock- Stampede

1. Is there an underlying rhythm, pattern or geometric structure to the composition?

Answer: I feel that this painting does have a sense of rhythm because the black lines in the center
of the painting are moving your eyes across following the curves of each line throughout the
painting. There is not much of a pattern to this painting because there is no repeating similar
shape, just lines straight or curved strategically placed throughout the painting. There is no
geometric structure in this painting because there are no shapes geometric or organic.
2. Is the composition large- or small-scale? Is it horizontal or vertical in orientation? How do
these characteristics alter the viewers perception of the work?
Answer: The composition of this painting is a very large horizontal scale giving the viewer a
overwhelming feel. The painting is 95 5/8 x 237 3/4 in. giving the viewer the chaotic feel of
figures charging across the picture plane. If this painting was an 8 x 5 in. you would not have the
same anxiety and hectic feeling he is trying to give. The fact that is painting is so large it almost
feels as if you are in the painting also running because it is larger than life sized.
3. Does the artist try to create an illusion of depth, or does he use techniques to make the
viewer aware of the picture plane?
Answer: Pollock is trying to create depth because there are lighter colors in the background of
the painting and the darker more large lines are in the front of the painting. Only using a few
dark colors gives them more attention then the lighter colors that blending together in the
background of the painting.

4. How is color used? Are colors saturated? Where are the brightest colors? The darkest
colors? Is there a wide range of colors or a narrow range of colors? Do the colors contrast
or blend? Do the colors create a sense of calm or a sense of drama and excitement? Are they
used to emphasize certain forms or elements in the work?
Answer: Color is one of the keys to pollocks painting. The fact the he only uses a few black
lines gives them a more emphasized feeling because the lighter colors are blending into the
background. There is a narrow range of colors because I feel that if Pollock would have used
many colors and contrasts that would have given the painting too strong of an overwhelming
feeling. The colors do give a sense of drama and excitement to the painting because they are
emphasizing movement and chaos.
5. Is the work figurative or abstract?
Answer: This work is abstract but it does have a specific mean of movement and chaos, the
feeling of confusion is clearly portrayed in this painting. So the painting has an abstract look but
a very figurative meaning.
6. Can you see the marks of the tools- pencil, brush? Does the work seem highly finished or
rough and unfinished? How do these qualities contribute to the overall effect of the work?
Answer: Yes you can see the marks of the brushes that were used in this painting, and it does
seem to be highly finished but it does have a rough feeling that the artist was trying to
accomplish. These qualities of being able to see the brush strokes give the painting the rough
feeling helping the painting feel more chaotic but how the brush strokes were used give the
painting a full and finished feel.
7. What is the role of color or line in shaping the viewers perception of the work?
Answer: The lines in this painting shape the viewers perception because they are moving your
attention in every which way which is giving you a feeling of anxiety. Also the color that is being
used is randomly outlining lines giving you the feel of movement while other colors are blending
into the background giving a perception of depth in this painting.
8. Is there a strong contrast between areas of light and dark? Does this help to create the
illusion of three-dimensional forms existing in space? Or do the elements of the painting
remain flat, emphasizing the picture plane (the plane occupied by the actual surface of the
canvas, sheer of paper, etc.).
Answer: There is a strong contrast of light and dark areas which help give dimension to the
painting. Having the less saturated colors in the background and the more saturated colors in the
front give the painting a feeling of being three- dimensional, but the lines still remain flat with no
dimension just added depth because of the colors and shading used.
9. How are forms defined- through line or chiaroscuro (shading)?
Answer: The abstract forms are defined by shading. The lighter less saturated colors are
surrounding the black lines giving them a larger more dominate feel. Because they are more

dominate you can really feel the movement of the lines in different directions which the chaotic
feeling be stronger.
10. How can the emotion or idea evoked by this piece be described? How is this achieved
visually?
Answer: The emotion that is being evoked by this piece is that uneasy, anxiety feeling, which is
represented with the lines placed where they are and the pops of blue and pink color through the
painting it really helps express the uneasy feeling.
11. Does the composition seem unified: that is, do the elements appear integrated or separate
and distinct from each other?
Answer: The black lines seem to be separate which first help draw your attention to them. The
curves in the lines and the outlining blue and pink help your eyes move in every direction not
knowing where to go, almost giving you that lost feeling. But the painting as a whole as a unified
feeling.
12. What does the artist emphasize visually? What first attracts your attention?
Answer: The artist is emphasizing chaos and movement in the painting. What first attracts your
attention are the darker lines in the center of the painting then with them moving in different
directions is what gives you that nervous feeling of not knowing which way to go.
13. How does the artist emphasize this feature/ these features? Through scale, line, color etc.
(Referring to question 12)
Answer: The artist is emphasizing chaos by his choice of where he is placing the lines and if they
are curved straight, small or large. The scale of the painting gives that chaotic feel stronger, and
the fact that the painting is so large it gives the viewer almost an overpowering feel. Lastly the
color choice helps make certain lines stand out more which help on grabbing your attention.