The oil painting “Two Paths” was painted by the artist Brett X. Gamache. It was painted in Italy as a wedding gift for Mr. Keefor.
All through the painting the composition of the piece is rough and uneven. The painting looks as if it is unfinished. Throughout the painting the texture of the painting is uneven and bumpy because of the thick brush strokes. Also, the color is earthy and cool tones. The tone is rich with browns and warm colors. The focal point of the painting is the shed but the form of the shed can not be distinguished because there is not a distinct shape to it. At the top of the road the shading is darker than the rest of the painting and has a lot of black in it unlike the rest of the painting. The path is subtle but it is the emphasis of the painting. In the painting the path is diminutive but the shack is large, which means the painting is not proportionate. The gradation looks incomplete because the painting is imperfect and missing strong detail. There is an allusion to the Robert Frost poem “The Road Not Taken” because of the two paths.
The painting is about somebody choosing between two different lives. The paths represent the two lives that can be chosen. It represents parting from one life and beginning a new life. The dark shaded road is the old less adventurous road and the smaller path leading to the woods represents uncertainty and promises a new journey. The unpaved road leading to the woods represents a road that is traveled less frequently because it is uncommonly used but it can be the chance to experience a more exciting fulfilling life.