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Alforjas by Alejandro Corpeño
Critique Corner
© Alejandro Corpeño 2002, 12 x 16", pastel on Canson paper

From the Artist: I would like your opinion on these two paintings (see also Garifuna Woman).

You're invited to share your comments on this work in the Painting Forum.

From the Painting Guide: A colourful, beautifully rendered still-life reflected in a mirror, which makes it into a complex subject.

Things to consider:
Positioning of objects: The silhouetted handle of the mug doesn't sit comfortably with the other objects which are all at an angle. If it were turned slightly towards the viewer, it would feel as if you could pick it up out of the painting. The blue edge of the mirror's frame shows that this is also at an angle, but there's no indication of the black shadow on the left in the reflected image. The stark, solid blackness of this shadow sits uncomfortably with the textured colours of the other objects.
Reflections: The shadow of the reflected mug should go in the opposite direction, not the same way. Also, the reflected mug looks like its sitting in a different spot if you look at the gap between the planks.


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