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Full display of Scarlet Shadow
~2015 | Acrylic on Canvas

Scarlet Shadow

Dan Carpenter

A bold figurative study focusing on a woman in a short, vibrant scarlet dress, seen from behind. The subject’s right hand is placed firmly on her hip, pulling the fabric slightly upward to reveal a hint of red lingerie and dark, cross-hatched black stockings. The artist’s primary focus is the interplay of light and shadow; a deep, soft shadow defines the curve of the lower back and the indentation of the waist, providing a realistic weight to the form. The background is a clean, neutral grey-white, making the saturated red of the dress and the warm skin tones stand out with intense clarity.


Behind the Canvas:
This acrylic on canvas piece explores the "Chiaroscuro" effect—the use of strong contrasts between light and dark to affect a whole composition. While the subject matter is provocative, the technical execution emphasizes the anatomical shadows created by the pose. The cross-hatched texture of the stockings provides a graphic contrast to the smooth, blended shadows on the skin.

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