The "retina-burn" factor

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Originally Posted by Alexandra Tyng

In your opinion, what factors give a painting "retina-burn?"What stops you in your tracks, grabs you and won't let go, makes you want to possess a particular work of art?

Please post examples if you like!

• I'm very happy that you started this thread Alex; I'm also looking to that factor.
  
  I look at the paintings which touched me and try figure out why I like them. I usually like simple compositions with a good lighting. Some paintings are so realistic that they look like photographs, and that's the problem, few photographs have touched me deep, on the other hand, I cannot look at many paintings or even at studies without having a moving feeling.
  
  Here are some of my favorite ones.

[Alexandra Tyng]

There's a lot to think about in this topic! Here's a summary so far of characteristics that produce "retina burn:"

1) Wall presence (as opposed to the image seen in a reproduction) paint quality appeal, pulling you closer and making you want to touch the painting

2) Enchantment--makes you want to know more about subject and artist

3) Compelling countenance or beauty of subject, combined with technical brilliance (composition, palette, etc.)

4) Magic quality--compelling concept skilfully realized. Result transcends itself, speaks to you on several levels

5) Simple subject with good lighting

6)Illusion of Physical and psychological depth achieved by extended value range, higher contrast near focal point.

7) Expresses soul of subject so you feel emotional connection, subject seems to come alive

8) tension and release, both in composition and in the portrayal of the person

9) Dash of saturated color

Some of these may be facets of the same thing (2 & 7, or 6 & 9, or 3 & 5. . .etc.)

MIchele, you brought up a really interesting thing about "retina burn." There are so many paintings that have wide appeal. And then there are some that resonate with only a few people, and others are not drawn to them at all. Now I am wondering what qualities are in these paintings that "everyone" is drawn to. Do they have broader spectrum wall appeal? Are they simpler? Do they have a touch of bright red somewhere ? Do they elicit an emotional connection? Or do they simply have more of the above qualities?

[Allan Rahbek]

Simplicity is a good thing because it concentrates all the energy of light and form in a single figure , if it

[Alexandra Tyng]

Thanks so much for your thoughts, Alan. I know you can be trusted to synthesize our ramblings into a wise observation.

Looking at what I was thinking earlier about the artist's concept, I think it must be very focused and skiullfully translated onto the canvas, so that the energy is concentrated into the focal point and all other elements play just the right part in enhancing, but not competing with, the focal point. Even when there are many elements, such as in a family portrait or other group portrait, there must be the same gathering of energy towards a single focal point. Something to think about!