To complete a close reading of an image, one must take every little detail into account. There are so many interpretations that can be made about something if just a little bit of time is taken to analyze and take in every detail no matter how small. This image is a display of many different colors and emotions. It exhibits a certain scene to also give a certain feeling. Also, the technique that is used must also be taken into consideration.

In this image, you could look at it and take many things for granted. When the image is quickly glanced at, the obvious image seen is of a woman in blue with a group of women standing behind her. Also, we can take for granted that they are gathered outside, or more accurately outside by a lake or pond. It is also obvious to any viewer that there is a row of houses or possibly a city behind the women. To be a little more obvious, you can point out that the sky is blue and the foliage is green. These little things and these details may seem obvious and just taken at face value, but they all serve a certain purpose or meaning. 

The women in blue is naturally what some one’s eyes are drawn to at first glance. It is easy to interpret that this painting might have a story behind it, having to do with her. When looking at this woman, her stature and facial expression gives off a very strong and independent feeling. She is standing alone which exaggerates the idea of being independent. Her dress is also a light blue color. Blue is typically associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, and confidence. These qualities would be of someone who is independent and strong.  She looks proud and she is standing tall. Light blue can also make us think of babies. Male babies but still, the idea of youth and purity is tied into that. The idea of purity in this image is important.

Behind her is a group of ladies. None of which can their expressions or mood be seen or interpreted. They are all facing away from the women in blue. A connection is to be made between the woman and the group of women behind her. She is proud to be independent, instead of involving herself with this group of ladies seen behind her. In this group, there is one women in red. Not only is her dress red but her neck and face or head is also red. Everyone surrounding her is either wearing white or black. Red, white, and black, together, are typically an evil mixture of colors. The women in red symbolizes the devil or an evil force. For the woman standing alone as stated earlier is wearing a blue dress. Blue can also be a symbol for heaven. So now a Heaven vs. Hell or good vs. evil idea is brought about. This gives a whole new meaning to her pride and independence. It is as if she has decided to leave behind the evils of the world to turn towards a more promising, faithful, and stronger life. 

To her left is a pond that has the reflection of the sky and a tree that is set behind her. On land, the tree is green and looks healthy, and the sky is light and peaceful. In the reflection seen on the ponds surface, the tree is dark and looks as if it is rotting or possibly dead, and the sky is a much deeper blue. This deep blue color tends to be related to sadness. Many have heard the term, “don’t be so blue,” implying not to be so down and sad. Using this contrast of the real image versus the reflection of the image, shows the difference between the life the women in blue is choosing versus the life she could have been in. She’s choosing a life full of light and color, instead of a life full of death and darkness. 

When taking a closer look at the group of women, it appears as if the woman on the far left of the group, is looking at the lady in blue. She may possibly be thinking about her choices and second guessing her decision of the path she chose to follow. This is almost the situation in anything like this. It takes someone so strong to choose to go their own way and live a life that they feel is right. Many will follow a group because it is cool or it seems like the right thing to do. But, when they look around them, they realize that maybe their choice to follow others wasn’t the best.

The style the artist is using in this image is also different than any normal painting. Nothing is fully blended. There are many colors used. For example, the lady in blues dress. Most see it as being blue, but when we take a closer look, there are many different shade of blue and there is also white. Just like many things, we see it once and don’t take time to consider all the aspects of it.

In everyday life, there isn’t a clear separation between good and bad. There’s no way to separate the evils of life from the purities of life. These two opposites are seen together on the same bridge in the same town. That gives the lady in blue another reason to be proud. 

Not only can this painting tell a story, but it can also serve as a lesson. There will be many times that someone will be put into a position where they must choose between right and wrong. Sometimes it is hard because in the society we live in, plenty of evil is around us and sadly many people follow it. Many people fall into something because they see others doing it as well. But when the right decision is made, it gives a sense of pride and accomplishment, a kind of pride and accomplishment that is seen throughout the lady in blue.