Line
In this work, line plays a very important role. The visual space if filled with thick, bold, and fluid lines. Some lines are straight and create a division between more organic, wavy lines. Some of these wavy lines run parallel to one another. Lines also work to create a strong sense of depth and value in this particular work. The effect of the use of lines in this work is that it creates a sense of movement and calm at the same time.
Shape
The sense of shape in this work is very abstract at times, and quite geometric at others. Lines are used to create waves, plumes, and triangles that contrast one another. The shapes are simple, though not typical. The value and shading of this piece suggests that the organic shapes do have a light mass, while the shapes, geometric angles appear heavier.
Value
Value plays a significant role in this piece because of the sense of depth it creates. Because of the abstract nature of the lines and shapes, shading is what defines parts of the painting as objects separate from one another. Value also helps to heighten the contrast between the organic and angular shapes in the image. The triangular shapes are darker that the light, organic shapes they are surrounded by, and bits of darker shading amongst the wavy lines create a sense of darkness beyond that object.
Color
Color is, in a way, what unites this image. Though hues range from black and blue to green and yellow, all of the colors are muted and in some parts have a sense of being faded perhaps; even the black does not seem as dark as it should be. The angular shapes and lines create hard edges between colors—near-black and dark and bright shades of green—while the organic shapes are a blend of blue and green with a touch of yellow. This color scheme creates further contrast between the fluid shapes and the angular ones.
Surface/Texture
Surface is moderately important in this work, as its effect is subtle. Though its shapes are abstract, their surfaces do seem to be textured and even faded in some places, likely the work of the watercolor paint strokes. If one could touch the objects in this image, they could expect them to be soft and lightly textured, like a rough canvas or thick paper.
Space
The use of value, lines, and shape create a complicated sense of space that fills the visual field. Many objects are layered on one another, and arranged so that it feels one is peering down into the center of a deeper space. Furthermore, the use of angular or fluid lines defines the separation between the various parts of space in this work.
Balance
There is not a great sense of balance in this image, and that is likely due to the effect of movement created by lines, shapes, and value. However, there is a balance between the shapes which are angular and heavier and those inside and around (or, from the perspective of the viewer, above and below) those sharper lines.
Emphasis
The eyes tend to go first to the heavier, darker objects, as their shape and orientation seem to point towards the lower right corner of the image. After taking in those darker, sharper shapes, the eyes go to the central smoky, fluid shapes, and finally to the edges of the image where wavy lines balance the sharp, angular ones.
Proportion/Scale
Proportion and scale do not seem to contribute significantly to this work. The geometric and organic elements have a fairly proportionate relationship to one another.
Unity
This piece of art has a well-defined sense of unity, centering on the contrasts between the lighter, softer, more organic, fluid objects, and the heavier, angled, triangular shapes. Various elements of the image work to create this contrast, including color, line, shape, and value. In essence, there are two distinct characteristics of this image, which could almost belong to separate works, but fit together in this work to create a single image.
Analysis
This is an aesthetically pleasing piece of artwork, and it creates a two-part reaction when viewing. The first is the reaction to the movement of the angular lines, which draw the attention downwards and to the right. Then, as your attention moves to the background and foreground of the piece, subtle lines and colors create a sense of calm. Based on the title of the work, I would say that the image does a good job of portraying the emotions created by music.
