A Study for Contemplation The work of art entitled Untitled (St. Jerome’s Study) by Robert Van Vranken is a beautifully abstract, surrealistic scene of a vacant study. As hinted by the title, it seems Vranken was influenced by the series of Saint Jerome in His Study paintings done during the Renaissance era. It appears Vranken took inspiration from a piece that is not at all modern; though his piece differs very much from those of a similar title. The artist created an abstract work with surrealistic elements; his artistic and creative style resulted in an interesting, complex piece of art. Untitled (St. Jerome’s Study) is a work that stands seven feet high and eight feet wide. Vranken chose the medium of oil and various mixed media and applied them to plaster on wood (“Untitled (St. Jerome’s Study)”). Upon first seeing this work, the tranquility of the color scheme was the first element to catch my eye. I personally…show more content… Vranken not only used the reflection of light to further define the three-dimensional appearance of the desk, but to also give it mass. The artist’s use of a high saturated hue in the desk creates further emphasis, and the shadows cast by the desk really define its weight. The desk’s texture appears to be very smooth; like a well-finished, well-polished cherry wood. The hardwood floor also appears to be smooth. The shadows that lie near the two small doorways in the painting add a texture of stone; this is created by the artist’s shadowing causing increased mass. The artist’s addition of small, neutral-colored chaotic lines throughout the painting add a grainy, organic texture. The variation in the textures of paint on the wall make it appear as if the wall consists of smooth paints painted precisely and less smooth paints painted more freely. The combination of the precise, smooth textures and the rough, grainy textures creatures a very appealing balance in the
