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Analyzing Mark Tansey's 'Forward Retreat'

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Analyzing Mark Tansey's 'Forward Retreat'
Ryan Melanson
Mrs. O’Neal
English 1302 8MW
9/19/2012
Forward Retreat Color, tone, composition, texture, mood and form are familiar words to art critics. Diction enables observers of paintings, photos, etc. to elicit feelings that are encouraged by another persons’ work. Mark Tansey is an American artist that employs humor in many of his works in subtle and evident ways. One example that stands out is Forward Retreat. At first glance Tansey’s Forward Retreat seems to have the essence of realism but a subtle observation changes this. Some apparent figures and objects are noticeable at first glance of the painting. The riders seated on horseback are in military dress. With more attention to detail it is noticeable that the riders are
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