This month’s challenge painting is “Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird” by Frida Kahlo.
One of Mexico’s most renowned artist was known for her self portraits. Her work has been celebrated in Mexico as emblematic of national and indigenous tradition and by feminists for its uncompromising depiction of the female experience and form.
The painting is composed mostly of greens and yellows. The added boldness of the black pops off the background colors. The Red in her lips is where your eye immediately goes to in this painting. It is prominently placed in the center of the canvas and the only places it appears.
Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. Red is a very emotionally intense color. It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure.
Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. Red is a very emotionally intense color. It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure.