Critique 1

Throughout the image, created by Wassily Kandinsky, there are both implied and direct lines. The implied lines are created by two colors meeting each other. The black lines in the composition are lines used to split up the shapes even more; they also help to create movement through the piece. Many of the shapes are positioned next to their complimentary color on one side, blue and orange, purple and yellow. Contrast is brought into the painting through the different shapes, some are straight, hard lines, while others are smooth, rounded shapes. The black lines stand out not only because of the much darker color, but they appear more solid than the other colors. This is also seen by the colors change in value while the black stays the same darkness.
The lightness of the shapes makes the image seem soft and comforting. By not have borders surrounding the shapes, even the straight edges seem more relaxed and soothing. I feel as though the value changes throughout the colors increases the meditative feeling as well. It seems to say that on the outside things seem dark and sturdy, but as you get further away from outside influences, things become softer and more open. The black lines show that there will always be outside forces wanting to break into anything around it.