Image Essay#1

This is an image titled "Whisper" by Nancy Noel. Typically, her paintings seem to speak to the viewer in ways we cannot describe. Noel's most famous paintings are of Amish children, animals, and angels. This on in particular is one of my favorites.

In this painting, there is really only a background and foreground. There is very little middle ground. The darker red and orange hues in the background help to bring out the closer portions of the figure and the wings. The focal point of the painting is the face of the angel. The way the top of the wings as well as the pattern of the feathers curve toward the face, make our eyes focus on the face. The arm and fingers also create a path to the face that we follow.

I especially like all the of the detail put into this painting. Noel does an excellent job of carefully blending the paint to create highlights and shadows. The hair and the feathers are also carefully done to make them look very realistic. I think Noel did a wonderful job of capturing the expression of the child. She looks so innocent and that makes it very intriguing to look at.