Comparison of Forest British Columbia and Deer in the Woods II
Upon initially viewing Forest, British Columbia by Emily Carr and Deer in the Woods II by Franz Marc, the paintings seem incredibly similar in subject, form and color. However, a closer inspection reveals that they actually have specific differences in each of these three areas. The paintings are both depictions of a forest, and make full use of strong abstract shapes and lines. Both paintings also use rich, deep colors. Despite these basic similarities, the more specific differences that work together to produce opposing themes are much more interesting, and reveal more about the artists and their purpose.
The first and most notable difference is in the forests themselves, the subjects of the two paintings. Carr’s interpretation of the forest in Canada is as something intense and overpowering. The trees are so close together that it is almost claustrophobic; the painting is representative of the power of nature and immensity of the forest. In contrast, Marc’s forest is a sanctuary. A deer quietly sleeps in peace, and the forest is tranquil and serene. The imagery of the sleeping deer is cleverly used by Marc to develop the idea of this forest as a place where an animal is safe, creating in the viewer a positive feeling. Where Carr’s forest is grand and oppressive, Marc’s is gentle and sheltered.
The previous difference is perhaps more pronounced given the focal points of the paintings. In Forest, British Columbia, the trees themselves are the focus; there is little else in the painting at all. The viewer’s eye is caught by the touches of light gleaming on the tree trunks, and then led on the path through the trees. The viewer cannot see the final destination, adding a veil of mystery to Carr’s forest – what could be beyond the trees? Where is the viewer being led? Similarly, in Deer in the Woods II the eye travels down a path in the forest, but that is where the likeness ends. This time, the young deer, set to one side, is the focal point. Despite the small size of the deer, the vivid contrast in its color from the rest of the painting guarantees the viewer’s focus. This is why the difference in the perception of the forest is so important; the trees in Carr’s painting take central importance, whereas in Marc’s painting, the deer, slotted so neatly into the banks of the trees, is more important; the forest provides the setting and creates an ambiance.
Moving on to form, the abstract quality of both paintings suits the subject perfectly and adds a deeper dimension to each forest, but again, specific differences are visible. Carr’s painting consists of curves and twists. The trunks follow the same uniform curvature, but the image is taken up by the leaves, which are wild swirls of green and blue, reminiscent of flowing water. In Marc’s painting though, the shapes are much more controlled. The forest floor is composed of repetitive lines that are developed into trees. Even the leaves follow this control and repetition – each leaf is defined and contrasts deeply with the representation of the leaves as a single entity in Forest, British Columbia. Both artists use line to develop their portrayal of the forest, creating differing results – Carr’s forest is wild and untamed; Marc’s is safe and controlled.
In addition, each picture is divided in some way, but they differ in both the method of the divide, and what lies on either side. In Carr’s painting, the divide is stark and contrasting. The warmth of the tree trunks gives way dramatically to the coolness of the leaves; this is not only a divide of objects, but color, too. In Deer in the Woods II, however, the divide is caused by a small tree trunk which cuts the painting in half diagonally. The halves of the painting differ very little – the subject matter on each side is the same, the only slight differences being that in the lower half lies the deer, and in the upper half, the colors fade into darker hues not dissimilar to those in Carr’s painting. While Carr uses a divide to demonstrate the dramatically different nature of the forest, Marc’s divide shows continuity.
The last difference worth discussing is color, which both artists utilize fully but to achieve different effects. The colors in Forest, British Columbia are dark and evocative; they are heavy and thick and add to the intense and claustrophobic feeling previously mentioned. The overall effect is one of coolness. The painting is dominated by the greens and blues of the leaves, but a few touches of warmth come from the brown tones of the tree trunks and hints of sunlight on the leaves, giving a hint of the world outside the forest. In fact, these splashes of sun are almost hidden by the darker colors which take precedence, and it is only a detailed inspection of the painting that reveals this lightness. Moving on to Marc’s painting, the color palette is actually quite similar, but red is the dominant color. The painting is altogether warmer and more comforting, giving additional significance to the idea of the forest as a sanctuary. The colors produce feelings of safety and peace. In addition, the colors used in the second painting are altogether richer and more vibrant than those used by Carr. Each artist has used color to evoke different emotions in the viewer related to the overall themes the paintings portray.
The similarities of the paintings are undeniably striking. The forests almost match each other in terms of the point of view and structure. Stylistically, they are a pair, and their use of line and color adds to their resemblance. However, it is the small differences that create a completely different perception of each forest. Using strong lines, curves, and dark colors Forest, British Columbia is a celebration of the wildness and unpredictability of nature, while Deer in the Woods II, with its softness and warmth is an expression of the peace that can be found in the natural world.
Works Cited
Carr, Emily. Forest, British Columbia. 1931. Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver.
Bert Christensen’s Cyberspace Home, n.d. Web. 08 June 2012.
http://www.bertc.com/subtwo/g102/carr6.htm
Marc, Franz. Deer in the Woods II. 1912. Stadtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus, Munich.
Ibiblio, n.d. Web. 08 June 2012. http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/marc/deerwood2.jpg
