Rapid-Fire Analysis

With thirty minutes to analyze and write about one of three of Clare Coyle Taylor's daily colored pencil creations, I immediately gravitate towards the one depicting the most chaotic and colorful scene, titled November 10, 2006.

The colors and abstract shapes are messily confined within a square, and the idea of coloring inside the lines is pushed to the wayside. In some places on the bristol board, Coyle leaves the pencil lines to stand on their own, creating zig-zag scribbles and outlines for other shapes; in others, she masterfully blends the contrasting dark and vibrant colors, giving the colored pencils the qualities and characteristics of pastels.

The colors and shapes of the lines evoke contrasting dark and light emotions. The darker greens, blues, and browns in combination with the inconsistency of the forms induce a feeling of chaos and disorderliness while the vibrant, beautifully blended oranges, reds, yellows, and pinks summon an energetic and cheerful vibe.

A brief history of Coyle's life might provide the viewer with an explanation of the abstract images she creates. Using them as daily activities in therapy, it is possible that Coyle utilizes her artwork as an expression of emotion. Perhaps her inclination to color outside of the lines and eliminate the notion of order is a reflection of what was occurring in her life at the time. Perhaps, not. Perhaps it warrants no explanation at all.