There's a lot to think about in this topic! Here's a summary so far of characteristics that produce "retina burn:"
1) Wall presence (as opposed to the image seen in a reproduction) paint quality appeal, pulling you closer and making you want to touch the painting
2) Enchantment--makes you want to know more about subject and artist
3) Compelling countenance or beauty of subject, combined with technical brilliance (composition, palette, etc.)
4) Magic quality--compelling concept skilfully realized. Result transcends itself, speaks to you on several levels
5) Simple subject with good lighting
6)Illusion of Physical and psychological depth achieved by extended value range, higher contrast near focal point.
7) Expresses soul of subject so you feel emotional connection, subject seems to come alive
8) tension and release, both in composition and in the portrayal of the person
9) Dash of saturated color
Some of these may be facets of the same thing (2 & 7, or 6 & 9, or 3 & 5. . .etc.)
MIchele, you brought up a really interesting thing about "retina burn." There are so many paintings that have wide appeal. And then there are some that resonate with only a few people, and others are not drawn to them at all. Now I am wondering what qualities are in these paintings that "everyone" is drawn to. Do they have broader spectrum wall appeal? Are they simpler? Do they have a touch of bright red somewhere
? Do they elicit an emotional connection? Or do they simply have more of the above qualities?