This month’s painting is Wave by Ivan Aivazovsky.
Brief Details About the Painting:
- Oil on canvas.
- 304 x 505 cm (119.6 x 198.8 inches).
- Completed 1889.
- Location: State Russian Museum, Saint Petersburg.
Your Thoughts?
Use this as an opportunity to test your ability to analyze master paintings. In the comments below, share what you think are the top 3 most important aspects of the painting. These could relate to areas such as composition, color, value, progress, brushwork, subject, or symbolism. Once you have done that, you can compare your thoughts with my own in the drop-down below.
Click here to see my thoughts.
- Scale is a key feature of the painting. The boats pale in comparison to the dramatic waves. What would the painting look like if we zoomed in on the boats? The ocean would take a backseat role. This is an example of how composition and design influence how the subject is perceived.
- Soft edges allow for a gradual transition between the foreground, middle ground, and background. This gives the painting an ambient feel.
- There’s a sense of chaos and harmony. Chaos in the untamed power of the ocean and sky. Harmony in the ebbs and flows of the water.
- Aivozovsky did a great job at capturing translucent water at the peaks, just below where the water is breaking.
- Notice how the whitewash appears white, even though it is mostly painted with light blues. That’s the power of color relativity. The surrounding colors make the light blues look like white.
- The painting features an almost full value range, from the near black shadows on the water and boats to the near white highlights of the whitewash. This adds to the drama. Compare this against the glimmering high-key paintings of the Impressionists.
what can one comment after this comprehensive comment ,, thank you for taking me to a higher level of understanding & appreciation of paintings.
as for the exercise ,I dont think I have the guts to try as it will look like childplay . I am not using oil colors so can I try in a different media & get same effect .
Thanks again for your rich demos & comments
The action conveyed is incredible. The deep trough the boat is in contrasted against the very tall waves scares me. I also like the sun as it changes in value from top right to bottom left where it is brilliant. Also I think the dark sky draws your eye to the dark bottoms of the waves in the middle. Thnx for all the info u impart to us. Oops, posted in wrong place, this one is from Ellen Rees.
The composition is an X. But it’s not static . Elements are at cross purposes. It’s a battle, which element will prevail ? Dark cloud in the back or sunlight in the foreground ? Will the boat be swept toward the storm or away ?
.The ochre at the center horizon really brings out the purple in the grey there.
Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky was the master of moonlight playing on the open sea. Many of his most important works portray night scenes of ships by moonlight, but he was also a master at capturing the early glow of the morning sun. I’ve been a big fan of his work for years. In the reference painting above it’s all about reflected light streaming in from behind the right shoulder of the observer and striking the water with an array of sparks and flashes. The painting corrals a great charge of captured energy in the water in stop action fashion. The observer
can feel exactly what’s going on in the painting, a sense of being drawn into the painting itself.
I love the contrasting values of the dark cloudy sky and the sparks of light reflected in the turbulent surf. In an instant we know the ship is lost and sea is about to claim another prize. Two elements: sky and water, superbly captured in a tumultuous cacophony of nature’s wrath.
Thank you very much for the comment me a new way to see things.
This paint impressed me by the real filling of the dynamic power of the waves and the distress of the boat overwhelmed by the fury of the sea. The beauty of this work is also reflected by the contrasting values of the dark sky and the shimmering waves and foam.
I have a problem with the light turquoise used in the wave peaks. I can’t see where the light that would produce that bright light wave peak is, that source should be behind it but it’s not there.
Hi Glynis. Thank you for your comment. I too was troubled with some of that light and you brought my attention to that turquoise.
The artist’s choice of values gives the ocean a terrific sense of motion and energy. I can almost feel the spray of the waves while looking at the painting. Even with the large dark cloud and stormy sea, there is a patch of blue in the sky and light reflected on the top of the waves. To me it is symbolic of hope.
Thanks Sue for pointing out that in this painting can be seen a symbol of hope! I love that optimistic interpretation!
The value structure, particularly the contrast of the dark left corner clouds and the rest of the painting. The strong diagonal composition and the skillful use of warm and cool colors.
There is a lot of energy depicted in the waves and sky! The contrast between the tiny boats and the huge waves is profound. The lovely colors give beauty to the chaotic and tumultuous event that the painting captures.
What an amazing example of the crazy movement and violence of a severe storm at sea. Unlike many rough sea and wave themed subjects that view the waves as coming towards the viewer I consider this to be viewed from behind the waves. This is based on the general rule that tidal action is towards the shore and in the gap between the sea and the sky I believe the amber colour is a glimpse of the distant shoreline.
The more I look at the image this explains the feeling that the water is moving away from the viewer.
The directional movement of the white spray on top of the wave on the left tends to confirm this and is highlighted with a light source located in the distant right hand side of the scene – somewhere beyond the large wave on the right where the clouds are thinning.
On the right hand side the and centre front the light just catches the crests of the dramatic wave formation and the foaming surface disruption caused by the sinking ship.
The foam tracery in the waves provide a dramatic indication of the directional movement of the water and a create the distinctive perspective element of the image. The colour tonal range covers the full spectrum and is used to great effect when creating the waves.
The mastery of technique and attention to detail is exceptional and immerses the viewer into the drama of the situation with the directional movement drawing you into the image and almost joining the sinking feeling that is being experienced by the ship.
I have never seen water like this. Some of the colours appear solid, like marble. It works though, and gives a sense of the fierceness of the storm . I’ll take some time to try and determine what colours were used. Wish me luck! The ebbs and flows of the sea are very powerful. The tininess of the 3 vessels allows the viewer to capture the essence of the unfolding scene . Fear and hope. Squinting helps to block the values and recognise the balance of the painting. I’m going to check it out in grey scale as well.
Since the palette is limited, the painting relies on contrasting darks and lights for its composition. There alternating patterns create dynamic movement and one can feel the swell and rolling of the waves. The tiny lifeboats and partial glimpse of the sinking ship emphasize the enormity of the ocean and the power of the storm. Impressive.
Thanks, Cynthia. Great and concise comment says it all for me!
The dynamic motion and power of the ocean is captured beautifully–wow! The criss-crossing of the waves and roiling water is felt by the viewer and enhanced by his use of value. The dark depths and lighter heights of the waves are so real–I could almost get seasick! I wish I could do this!
I absolutely agree with your comment, this scene is extremely turbulent. If you want a treat, follow the link below to see many more of Ivan’s handy works,
https://www.google.com/search?q=ivan+aivazovsky&rlz=1C1CYCH_enUS580US590&sxsrf=AOaemvJ3Q-rPr86VAE6eXVS45h6p_iMwFg:1635862474090&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiS4qzN7vnzAhWjNn0KHTzCDDkQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1920&bih=937&dpr=1
or just google ‘Ivan Aivazovsky paintings’, well worth viewing!
The energy he created seems so realistic, though painterly too. The contrast between the deep colors and the light pastels in yellows and blue/greens help to create the drama and movement. My eyes were first drawn to the light yellow, blue/green in the upper right third and then my eye traveled down to the lower left where the colors are similar but deeper toned. I am still working to paint realistic waves which so far have been quite tame by contrast.
The first observation from me is the movement of the waves, followed by the light, and the storytelling.
I love the energy the waves just pull you in and the mix of values bring it all to life even the glimpse of light shinning through but not over powering I love it!
I love this painting it comes alive. Love the play of the waves that he has created with the light catching the waves and then nearly hidden is the boats. Thank you for your insights I am really learning such a lot.
I love the movement and colors of the waves and sky. The light shining through is vibrant contrast from the darker clouds and fluffy waves. It is a ]owerful depiction of Mother nature.
I love the movement and colors of the waves and sky. The light shining through is vibrant contrast from the darker clouds and fluffy waves. It is a ]owerful depiction of Mother nature.
It is amazing how a flat canvas can bring forth that amount of energy. Is it the artist’s brush strokes, his use of color, or how he joins the different colors and shades?
What an exciting picture! The movement of the waves is brilliant. The colours used are superb. I immediately started searching to learn what was submerged in the water. A boat crew would not stand a chance in that sea. The indigo-black and mauve lift the work to a higher level.
Wow!! What a powerful painting indeed. I keep staring at it and marveling at the depth and robust crashing of the waves. I wonder the same as Roland, what major element transformed this flat canvas into a fireball of energy?
I feel the picture is a story of comparisons. The dark waves, sky and boat are contrasted with the light of the foam on the waves and the light side of the sky on the right hand side. Even hope is contrasted from the left side to the right side of the sky. The lack of a strong horizon line Helps us to feel engulfed by the waves and the sky. Although he beautifully gives us a shot of color at the horizon so we are not seasick. His choice not to put the complete subject (boat) in complete view helps to create the peril for the viewer. Lastly, I feel he moves us through the picture by the use of the lines created by the light hues in an “x” like format.
Thank you for this opportunity, it is great to be in community with other like minded people!
Laura, Los Angeles
I feel the picture is a story of comparisons. The dark waves, sky and boat are contrasted by the light from the foam on the waves and the light in the right side sky. Even hope is contrasted from the left side to the right side sky. The lack of a strong horizon line helps us to feel engulfed by the waves and sky. Although, he beautifully adds a shot of color at the horizon so we are not seasick. He moves us around the painting with his use of the light hues in an “X” format. Lastly, not using the complete subject (boat) in view helps to create the peril for the viewer. But, again the slinking ship (despair) is contrasted by the life boat (hope).
Thank you for this opportunity to be in community with like minds.
Laura, Los Angeles
This painting is fascinating: the movement portrayed by the sea and the sky showing its strength by overpowering a ship is remarkable. The area of key importance is the ship which is surrounded by the white spray and foam of the water creating a perfect vocal point. Aivazosky has good use of value, I see both high key and low key. The illusion of the horizon adds to the turbulence and gives you the feeling of just how massive it is. Brushwork is realistic and magnificently painted. He gives you the illusion of being able to see through the wave and the spray provides the contrast. Thinking in terms of cool and warm colors being relative, the ochre added along the horizon gives a bit of warmth which continues into the purple clouds.
I really enjoyed looking at and thinking about this painting. I live 400 yards from the ocean and I am passionate about
watching the calm and turbulent movements of the water and the ever changing clouds.
I liked everyones review, now I will open up Dan’s which will be in interesting.
A powerful and frightening painting! Imagine being there. The values are ominous, the boat is heading into the dark!
Oh to be able to paint waves so beautifully and real!
Incredible light piercing the water, adjacent to frightening clouds interspersed with the raging ocean all drawing you to the sinking ship and the survivors trying to cling to life. Light areas on the top right and bottom left perfectly balance the darker areas on the top left and bottom right. Certainly done with a limited palette, creating a dynamic raging wave in a terrible storm. I love this beautiful painting!
I love the movement and the energy of the waves and the clouds, that he has created by using different kind of brushstrokes and values from dark to light. The main focal point in my opinion is the sinking ship and the sailors clinging to a huge wreck. There are light shades in the painting, but the dark values dominate, and the sailors and the remains of the ship will eventually lose the battle against the huge waves. It is a dramatic scene that shows us how destructive and powerful nature can be.
Beautifully stated!! Thank you for your interpretation.
Penrhyn
The energy and suspense are wonderful. When I squint my eyes and cover the details of boats/humans in the forground it becomes as still as a bad hotel room abstract, which makes me feel that the implications of the waves are the story my mind sees when the contrasting details of the boats/humans are present. I think it’s the plains of the waves, and the translucency of the wave tops that are the most important details. The contrasting warms and cools are important-because the warms are earthy…which is this water scene would not logically be-but I wonder if the implication of Earth is an intuitive grounding-or comfort, similar the way the bright light can be seen as hope. Thank you for this exercise.
The “anchor” (focal) point for me is the tallish mast popping out with the rest of the vessel submerged, almost as if the anchor was stuck and keeping the ship from riding the wave. I feel a very strong duality between humans and nature. There’s a horror about something so beautiful being at the same time devastating. The variety of color and shape keeps my eye moving but almost in a chaotic way, which is appropriate for the subject.
Wow! And YIKES! So the big idea in this painting is “Terrible beauty.” The colors, the play of light, the translucent waves of the storm are truly beautiful and the result of the storm is the ship going down. I am fascinated by waves and this depiction is stunning. I love the seeming translucence of the waves in the front and am noting it is done. It is interesting how the “translucent” part of a wave is often done with some muddy color not “pretty” in and of itself. It is the white foam and hint of blue at the top and the dark and contesting red at the bottom that makes the muddy combination of these colors in the middle pop. This artists went all out using beautiful purples pinks and blues, probably more than is seen in nature, to hype up this painting. While admiring the beauty of the waves, you notice the sinking ship. This leads to philosophical pondering like can the world be both beautiful and terrible at the same time? And who is going to see this beauty if the ship is already going down? Yikes, now I think I notice people in the boat. Very, very dramatic scene.
Meant to say, ” I love the seeming translucence of the waves in the front and am noting HOW it is done.”