Analysis of still life crosshatch study

Artist: Suzanna Kellett 2014

Title: Still life crosshatch study

Medium: pencil on paper

Description

This picture, rendered in pencil, depicts six household objects grouped closely together. The objects are outlined and shaded with crosshatching. The light source hits the objects from behind and to the left of them as is made apparent by the shadows, and all of the objects reflect the light to some degree. The lighter areas contain pencil lines going in one direction or another, sometimes following the contours of the objects, and the darker patches are achieved by the use of more overlying lines going in different directions. 

Analysis

The relationship between the objects is made clear by the reflections and shadows cast on one object by another. For example, there is a reflection of the diamond object on the side of the shiny pot to its right, while the candle behind casts a shadow on the pot's lid. The objects look as if they are placed believably on a surface thanks to the shadows beneath them. The viewers' attention is caught by the dish on the far right which seems to be leaning slightly to the left, as if a mistake has been made in the artist's observation. This draws attention to the fact that the right side of the candle is also not completely perpendicular to the ground.

Interpretation

The piece depicts random objects that reveal something of the owner's life, but they are mostly generic items that indicate a female owner rather than being obviously intriguing. The blank background makes the picture seem somewhat unfinished, while the composition of the objects seems contrived, being that the four largest ones are roundish and are placed in a square. There is a gap in the middle of the composition which reveals an unclear depiction of a hair slide, which is quite confusing. However, there is a variety of highlights and shadows which is well rendered by crosshatch although in places the execution is not consistent.