My fellow Firefly artist-photographer, Jennifer Lau, is currently exhibiting her work at The Wine Cellar on Main in Northport, NY (70 Main Street). Among her photos is a series of small boat images, one of which caught my eye. This green pram is striking because of is simplicity, form, and color.

First, the simplicity—one boat, one dock. The background is dark which eliminates visual clutter. We don’t see the whole boat. No need to. It makes its presence known without monopolizing the composition. Cropped so, it balances with the dock in terms of visual proportions.

In terms of form—The shapes and lines are very pleasing, harmonic in a way. There are two primary vertical lines and one horizontal line, all three of which visually stabilize this photo. The rope on the left, strung taught between the two dock bollards like a guitar string, and the bow of the pram are vertically parallel. The horizontal lower edge of the dock “grounds” the image. The rhythm and repetition of the parallel dock planks contribute to the overall harmony.

Use of color—Other than the green pram, this image is primarily monochromatic. Coupled with the simplicity of the composition and harmonic play of lines, the color adds balance, interest, and pull.

To see more of Jennifer’s work, visit The Firefly Artists gallery at 180 Main Street or, until  January 6, 2015, The Wine Cellar on Main.