Yard Nocturne in Blue and Umber

James Abbott McNeill Whistler was a master of tone and color. Every color in his paintings was chosen to harmonize with one another, and resonate with the viewer. He titled some of his works as “nocturnes” or “arrangements”, comparing his harmonious works with those of classical compositions of music. In my piece, “Yard Nocturne in Blue and Umber”, I have painted in the style of Whistler. I have chosen colors that are earthy and harmonious, allowing the viewer to have an appealing visual experience. My art speaks for itself, as does Whistler’s. The subtle changes within the branches beckon to Whistlers changes of color.
In addition to a strong attention to color, Whistler also worked rapidly, producing works that were true to his surroundings. He often used washes and large brushstrokes to further the feeling of concordance within the piece. In my own piece I used a light blue wash to set the stage for a sky that was being consumed by the night. Contrasting his general washes, Whistler would usually include small accents of bright colors that would add visual interest to common spaces. I have implemented this into my work with the addition of small faint lights in the background house, and in the obvious light source in the upper left-hand corner. I enjoyed working tonally, and I think the piece was successful in creating a landscape that reminds viewers of Whistler’s nocturnes.