Composition/Arrangement

- 3 oncologists in foreground of painting - occupies significant part of canvas - emphasises their presence and importance of their work - triangular composition - 3 figures triangular formation - creates visually pleasing composition, symbolise collaboration

Media handling techniques

- soft, precise, delicate brushwork - captures texture of skin + clothing of subjects - enhances realism of the scene - blended oil paint - around edges of painting - creates ghostly effect + sense of eeriness

Colour

- Currie contrasts warm + cool colours - warm red of clothing contrasts cooler blue + gree in foreground - draws attention to central figures and emphasises importance - sombre colour palette - greys, dark blue, and white across whole painting - sense of seriousness + solemnity

Tone

- bold tonal contrast - bright figure, dark background - very dramatic effect - Currie uses Chiaroscuro - from dark shadows to bright highlights of figures - sense of depth + 3 dimensionality = more lifelike

Line

- soft blurred lines - outlines of figures - clearer, ghostly distinction, emphasises the figures importance - subtle lines - walls, curtains, medical equipment - leads eyes to central figure

Shape/form

- form adds 3 dimensionality - careful painting of faces - lifelike quality + enhances realism - forms of figures and background - figures detailed, background blurred - emphasises importance of the figures as central subjects

Patterns

- soft folds - surgical gowns - echo curtain folds, contrast with hard lines of hands + faces - 3 oncologists regular pattern - triangular formation - creates a sense of balance + rhythm

Texture

- blurred lines - surgeons hands - sense of movement, caught in the act of working - thin brushstrokes - skin + clothing - texture + realism

Scale

- size of the painting - very large (195x243) - confronts viewer, huge visual impact - life size depiction - 3 oncologists - sense of realism, can be pictured working right there

Style

- characterised by realism - physical features + expressions of the doctors - attention to detail = they appear lifelike - symbolism through colour - dark background, sombre colour palate - represents seriousness of their work

Mood/Atmosphere

- sombre + serious mood - dark background, limited colour palette - sense of heaviness + seriousness - intense + concentrated mood - doctors in a close formation - body language = concentration, deeply engaged in work

Visual Impact

- use of colour - sombre colour palette, greys, black, muted tones - seriousness + solemnity - lighting + shadow - chiaroscuro contrasts light + dark for dramatic effect - figures appear lifelike + realistic

Social + Cultural Influences (growing up)

- growing up in Glasgow 1980's, social politics - subject matter reflects his concerns: inequality, poverty, impact of political systems on individuals + communities - For Example: painting "The Socialist Vision…Workers of the World" (1986-7).

Social + Cultural Influences (Caravaggio)

- Caravaggio's chiaroscuro= strong contrast between light + dark - Currie uses dark backgrounds + ghostly white figures - For example: painting "Gallowgate Lard" (1996)