looking at art 5 steps for talking about artwork

Looking at Art5 steps for talking about artwork

#1. Describe

•Look at the artwork and LIST 15 things that you see. The list can be made up of objects, parts of objects, colours & shapes.

#2. Analyse•Now look at the artwork as a space that has things placed in it. In three full sentences (or five short sentences - your choice) tell HOW things in the artwork are placed. Try to examine relationships between things (objects, shapes, colour, etc.) in the painting. Be as descriptive as possible.

#3. Interpret

•Write three sentences that explain what you think the artwork is about. Support your ideas with reasons/evidence (use the word ‘because’).

•Sometimes you may have more than one idea about the possible meaning of the artwork.

#4. Information

•Give at least five pieces of information about the artwork. You may remember information from a class talk or you may have to do your own research. Always take notes during a class talk*.

• (*This is all part of your 10% Perceiving & Responding…..)

#4. Information1. This painting was createdby Jaques Louis David in 1793.

2. David was a French neo-classical painter.

3. This painting is consideredas an important political artwork about the French Revolution.

4. Neo-classical painters were strongly influenced by the works of the Greeks & Romans (‘classical’), the attention to detail and the focus on drapery are characteristic of this style.

5. This painting was created as a tribute to Marat, a French revolutionary, as was an effective piece of propaganda.

#5. Judgement

• There are two questions you have to answer here:

• #1. Is the artwork good (quality)?

• #2. Does it appeal to you (personal aesthetic)?

Maude LewisHorse Pulling Logs

KandinskyComposition VII/WWI

The Starry NightVincent Van Gogh

The Birth of VenusSandro Botticelli

The ScreamEdvard Munch

NighthawksEdward Hopper

Migrant MotherDorothea Lange