Under the Influence – Analysis of Brooke Shaden
Artist Website: https://brookeshaden.com/
Brooke Shaden utilizes digital compositing to create their pieces. The typical aspect ratio is square or nearly square. Shaden uses a mixture of digital photographs to create their work. The images below mostly have the subject centered, with the exception of the piece with multiple subjects. Brooke’s other works are also showcasing a single subject that is also centered in the composition.
The overall mood of this collection of pieces is dark and even solemn. The tones are also typically dark. However, colors in the pieces below, along with others in their online gallery, are sharp and intentional. There are typically one or two main sources of color between the subjects and/or the backgrounds. Utilizing herself as the subject of most of her pieces, her skin tone is also a major color in most of her pieces. Value plays a large role in the coloring of Shaden’s pieces. Highlights and shadows are incredibly extreme around the subject, especially the ones below. Sometimes this is to add focus to the main subject, but it also contributes to the tone and overall mood of the pieces.
Textures found in Shaden’s pieces come from the backgrounds and objects on or around the subject. Often it’s natural elements like plants and insect wings, or clouds and fire, there are many sources of natural texture. Shaden’s hair and clothing, if wearing any, also add texture to the pieces. There does not seem to be any overlays of textures over the entire piece, but textures added to or emphasized in elements like cloth is possible. Line is utilized through the shapes of cloth props or clothes and Shaden’s figure. Sometimes other elements like trees or plants also add lines. Shaden has some pieces where the focal point, mostly her figure/s, takes up a majority of the lit part of the frame’s space. In others, not shown below, her figure takes up far less of the composition allowing the focal point to shift from her body to other elements added to the spaces. Brooke balances her pieces well between visual weight and the ratio of herself to the other elements and/or props added to the composition.
Main themes in most of Brooke Shaden’s pieces revolve around femininity, the feminine form, and nature. There are overarching themes between pieces including grief, hope, and life (https://brookeshaden.com/artist-statement). These themes paired with the strong use of mood and color, Shaden creates visually striking pieces that capture the attention of the viewer very quickly. There are many ways that Photoshop can be used to create this strong imagery, especially blending modes.
Example Pieces:
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