* Humor: Cook's paintings were often comedic and satirical, and the exaggerated proportions of her figures added to the humor. The larger-than-life figures made them appear more comical and endearing.
* Focus on ordinary life: Cook focused on everyday people and scenes from her local community, making the scale of the figures relatable and allowing viewers to identify with the subjects.
* Emotional impact: While Cook's paintings were often humorous, they also captured the emotional depth of her subjects, revealing their vulnerabilities and struggles. The large scale of the figures could be interpreted as reflecting the weight of their emotions and experiences.
* Visual impact: The exaggerated proportions and bold colors of Cook's paintings made them visually striking and memorable. The large scale of the figures drew the viewer's attention and encouraged them to engage with the details of the paintings.
* Distortion of reality: By exaggerating the physical features of her subjects, Cook was able to distort reality and create a unique and memorable style. This distortion also reflected her observations of the world around her, highlighting the absurdity and humor of everyday life.
In conclusion, Beryl Cook painted large people as a way to emphasize the humor, humanity, and visual impact of her work. While she didn't specifically target overweight people, her style often resulted in figures appearing larger than life, reflecting her focus on everyday people and their emotional experiences.