The Member's Minute: Episode 579
Art Critique: Thom’s Mixed Media Piece, “Duality”
In this Members Minute critique, Matt reviews a creative mixed media artwork submitted by artist Thom. The piece, titled Duality, combines charcoal drawing with pastel on Pastelmat paper. Thom’s goal is to merge two realities through the use of two different mediums, presenting part of the image in black and white and part of it in color. Matt immediately praises the originality of the concept, the strong technical control, and the thoughtful way the two media are combined within a single composition. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Composition and Focal Points
Matt begins by analyzing the composition, identifying the apple as the clear primary focal point. Because the apple is rendered in color while the surrounding bottles and glasses are handled in charcoal, it naturally stands out as the most unusual element in the picture plane. Matt explains that anything visually different from the rest of the composition will command attention, and in this case, the apple’s color makes it immediately dominant.
A secondary focal point appears in the background among the glasses and wine bottles. Matt notes that repetition, overlapping forms, and strong value contrast pull the viewer’s eye into this area after first noticing the apple. He also observes a triangular flow between the apple, the glass and bottle area, and the shadow, which helps keep the viewer’s eye moving through the artwork. This movement strengthens the overall composition and prevents the eye from becoming stuck in one place.
Rule of Thirds and Visual Structure
Matt also evaluates the composition using the rule of thirds. The apple overlaps one of the lower intersecting points, while the glasses and bottles align closely with other key horizontal and vertical divisions. These placements help reinforce the strength of the composition. Matt describes the overall arrangement as successful, with a clear primary focal point, a useful secondary area of focus, and an effective triangular path of movement.
Contrast Between the Two Realities
A major feature of Thom’s artwork is the dramatic contrast between the black-and-white charcoal background and the colorful pastel apple in the foreground. Matt praises this contrast as central to the idea of duality. However, he also notes that the white foreground area is extremely stark and creates a very strong contrast against both the apple and the charcoal background. He suggests that adding a slight touch of warm, earthy yellow or cream to the white area could soften the transition and help the color relationships feel more complete.
Value and Light Source
Matt then discusses value, emphasizing its importance in describing form, texture, and light. He notes that Thom has achieved a full range of values, from the darkest darks to the lightest lights. When the color is removed digitally, the piece still functions as a strong black-and-white drawing, demonstrating the solidity of the value structure.
The main area for improvement involves consistency of the light source. On the apple, the highlight and cast shadow suggest that the light is coming from the right. However, some highlights on the bottles and glasses appear to suggest light coming from the left. Matt explains that while glass can create complex reflections, a more consistent light direction would help unify the two realities and make the overall scene feel more cohesive.
Color and Mixed Media Handling
Matt strongly praises Thom’s use of color in the apple and shadow. The warm reds of the apple contrast beautifully with the cool blue shadow, creating a natural yet visually striking relationship. He also points out the thoughtful pastel marks, small color accents, purples in the core shadow, and painterly surface quality of the apple. These touches give the colored portion of the work both realism and expressive energy.
The handling of materials is described as excellent. Matt notes that Pastelmat is an ideal surface for combining charcoal and pastel because of its fine, sanded texture. He compliments the careful details in the leaf and stem, the deliberate pastel strokes, and the strong contrast between the organic apple and the glass objects behind it.
Final Assessment
Overall, Matt describes Thom’s artwork as exceptional, creative, and very well executed. The composition is strong, the concept of duality is successful, and the combination of charcoal and pastel is handled with skill. His main suggestions are to watch the consistency of the light source and consider adding a subtle tone to the white foreground. With those refinements, an already powerful mixed media piece could become even more unified and visually complete.
Founder of The Virtual Instructor, artist and teacher. Matt makes learning art easy to understand and enjoyable.
Hello Thom,
Wow! What a fantastic eye-catching artwork. I could of looked at it for hours and could easily find a wall for your artwork to hang on. There is so much to explore. I agree with all Matt said and really liked the very pale yellow where the apple sits.
Also, at first I thought the apple was done in acrylics because, even in full color, the first thing I noticed was the really nicely controlled brush strokes in the apple that gave it a sparkling effect.
I really enjoyed looking at your artwork. Thank you for sharing your talent and creativity with us.
Teri (Artsy)
I joined the community as a eager artist open to discovering my voice – haven’t found it yet. This piece was my first attempt at something so ambitious. I now know what I don’t know. It is a benefit to review and complete the courses, and I hope to improve my visual skills, which I hope will positively impact my implementation skills. I spoke with Matt when I first joined, my goal then was to create a drawing of him that he would use as his “Icon”; that will probably not happen but I at least have something to work towards. I am very pleased that you enjoyed hearing and seeing what I was trying to say. I am so fortunate to be part of The Visual Instructor courses & classes. I can evidence that I am better because of it. Thank you.
Hi Thom,
This is a unique and beautifully rendered piece, really enjoyed your sharing it and Matt’s lovely insight on it. I love the contrast of the apple in color vs the background being non-spectral, as well as the style of the whole piece. Looking forward to seeing both more of your work and more Members Minutes videos.
Thank you. All of the insights highlighted by Matt, are the elements I juggled back and forth. Though the table top appears to be white, believe it or not, it was a soft green gray tint. I am rather drawn to STARK contrast. Visually, the white worked best.
Matt, thank you. I appreciate the thorough review of my work. It was definitely an eye-opener. Some of the points made alluded me during the process, but have added them to my checklist. The light logic for the bottles and apple are different in that the bottles and glasses were intended to be somewhat of a mural on a wall with peeling paint with it’s light source different from the apple on the table, with a separate light source, which is part of the duality theme. I will get better, and I am pleased to start the new lessons. The table top was initially a pale gray-green tint. I am really drawn to start contrast between darks and lights. So, yes the table top was painted white to cover the gray green.