This is a Thomas Kinkade print that is hanging in my dining room.  I find myself daydreaming about this little cabin in the woods.  It brings me peace and calmness.  An escape from the hustle and bustle.  Kinkade uses actual directional lines in the river and walking paths to move the viewer’s eye throughout the painting.  While following the lines, the viewer will notice the more subtle details like the fact that all of the trees and bushes are blooming.  The river is positioned in a diagonal way to give the impression of movement.  The smoke trailing out of the chimney guides the viewers upward.  Kinkade also uses contrast with the muted colors of the ground and the bright yellow in the cabin windows.  Someone is inside enjoying nature.  I believe Kinkade wants the viewer to imagine themselves actually being a part of this painting.

While I have always enjoyed this print, learning the elements and principles of art has truly made me look closer at the details of what Kinkade is trying to portray.  The contrast is certainly one of these principles that I took a second look at.  I wasn’t sure why I was drawn to the bright yellow lights coming from the cabin until I learn about contrast.

This piece is hanging at my work.  The first thing I feel is strength from the vertical lines.  There is unity represented by the repetitive pattern of wooden beams on the left and lights on the right.  The viewer follows the contrast of the white reflection on the floor to the bright light at the end of the hallway.  Perhaps the photographer is trying to portray that there is a light at the end of the tunnel no matter how harsh the situation is.

At first glance I didn’t notice the vertical line of the reflection that was drawing me toward the end of the hallway.  It was only after my analysis of the pattern that I noticed the contrast of the reflection on the floor.