Orpheus I, Search for Eurydice, 1997, Paul Keene (1920-2009), Collage on paper, H. 24 x W. 29.75 inches, Collection of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22.
In Orpheus I, Paul Keene gives the viewers hints about his art. He does not want to tell the viewer exactly what he is thinking. He wants the viewer to guess the meaning of the work. When looking at the patterns, colors and faces in Orpheus I, some people may see his interest in Ancient African culture. Read More
Jazz Series #4, Chicago Blues, ca. 1983, Paul Keene (1920-2009), Pencil on paper, H. 22 x W. 29.5 inches, Collection of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22.
This work of art is a drawing. Paul Keene made it using pencils and an eraser, on a large sheet of manila colored paper. If you look very carefully, you can see sketchy lines, and in contrast other lines that appear more permanent. There are some plain white areas, and some areas where you can see shadows. Read More
If this painting were a piece of music, what would it sound like?
Street Quartet, 1990, Paul Keene, (1920-2009), acrylic on canvas, H.54 x W. 52.25 inches, James A. Michener Art Museum, Purchased with funds provided by Ann and Joseph Gardocki.
When you look at a work of art, you can describe it using adjectives, like calm, bright, energetic, and quiet. You can also compare visual art with music. Try it! Look at this work by Paul Keene closely. Try comparing the colors to musical elements. Is the red loud? Strong? Is the blue quiet and calm? Is the work giving you a fast rhythm or a slow rhythm? How? Is the mixture of colors giving you the impression of many sounds, or do you only hear one sound? Use your imagination!
Paul Keene liked to use bright, bold colors in daring ways in his paintings. This use of color creates a sense of energy in the work. Color can be a powerful element in a work of art, and artists can use color in expressive ways. Sometimes color can just describe what an object looks like, symbolize something, or convey a certain emotion. What kinds of colors is Keene using in this work? Where is he placing the warm and the cool colors? What kind of feeling do you get from the colors being used? If the colors in this painting changed, how would its mood change? Read More »