Blind At The Museum

I feel that as I have matured I have gained a stronger understanding and respect for portraiture. As a child when I had to view portraits and paintings I never appreciated or understood the message that the artist and or sujbect was trying to convey. However, in the past year, and especially in the past month, I have gained an increased interest in portraiture in general. When I look at portaiture now, I am more aware of background, color, expression, and minor details that may be easily missed. For example, in the portrait of Blind at the Museum I notice the lighting of the portrait has half of the subject's face unable to be seen which I consider to be ironic with the name of the portrait being "Blind at the Museum." In addition to that, I notice the dark blue coloring of the overall portrait and it in a way adds a sort of associtaion with darkness and night time and melancholy. Finally, I think the detail that stands out the most to me is the gaze of the subject of the portrait. The subject's right eye is not looking at the audience, but instead faroff to his right. Looking at this portrait, I have a feeling and a mixture of emotion that I can't even fully describe. I feel intrigued by the simplicity and hidden coplexity of the portrait and almost captivated by the subject of the portriay even though he is not even looking at me.