Artists express themselves through their work. This is a common phrase that I am sure everyone has heard. It can be easily found true among many paintings, one being entitled Marketing. This painting by Robert Gwathmey uses colors, figures, and shapes to elaborate deeply into what is seemingly a very simplistic painting. By analyzing the painting you begin to see elaborate detail used to create a very nave and basic environment.
As you first look at the painting you notice the wide variety of colors from the signs on the side of the building. As you look you see bright signs used to grab the attention of passersby. That along with the types of signs leads you to the conclusion that is a store of some sorts. The colors in the background, a shady blue in the sky, a red clay field, and a brown dirt road all give the scene a rural setting, representing the country side and simple times. Many colors are used here to give details into the actual meaning of the painting, both bright and dull.
The next thing that draws your attention is the figure in the image. Actually, in this case it is only one figure, the man on the porch. You see by the man's attire that he may be a farmer, given away by the straw hat and overalls. This also adds to the already country setting of the painting. The man stands alone, counting his money. This represents two things, poverty and solitude. The single man, alone represents great solitude, especially in a country setting such as this where there may not be another sole around for miles and miles. The man is counting his money to see if he has enough change to spare for one of the luxuries seen on the sidewall of the building. This represents him as being poor and living in a poverty-stricken era or time, such as the Great Depression, the era in which this artwork was painted. Once again sophisticated details lead us deep into a seemingly simple painting.
Shapes are staggered throughout the work, giving a feeling of brokenness and rough times.
