Objectives

The students are presented with an artwork. This can be in done in many ways. Traditionally, a large reproduction could be used. However, a computer with a network connection linked to the World Wide Web (WWW) could be utilized to access a large number of excellent sites that feature fine art images. For example, the WebMuseum offers hundreds of images as well as information about artists and periods throughout history. Many major museums also have their own web sites which feature samples from their collections.

For large groups, the images can be projected on a large screen or sent to a regular television with the proper equipment. Also the images can be printed on transparencies for use on an overhead. Always check copyright provisions before using images in class.

How to "Read" an Artwork

The students will use the following structure to help them organize what they learn about the selected artwork. As the students go through the process, they will take notes on the relevant information they discover.

The "reading" process is divided into four steps: 1. Description 2. Analysis 3. Interpretation and 4. Judgment

Step 1 - Description

What is the name of the artist who created the artwork?
What kind of an artwork is it?
What is the name of the artwork?
When was this artwork created?
Name some other major events in history that occurred at the same time this artwork was created.
List the literal objects in the painting (trees, people, animals, mountains, rivers, etc.).
Consider the significant art elements that are present in this artwork and describe them:

LINE TEXTURE

SHAPE COLOR

FORM VALUE

SPACE PATTERN

Step 2 - Analysis

In this step consider the most significant art principles that were used in the artwork.
Describe how the artist used them to organize the elements.

BALANCE CONTRAST EMPHASIS

HARMONY VARIETY UNITY

GRADATION MOVEMENT RHYTHM

PROPORTION DEPTH COMPOSITION

Step 3 - Interpretation

Based on what you have learned so far about the artwork, what do you think the artist was trying to say?
Why did the artist create this artwork? What do you think it means? What feelings do you have when looking at this artwork? Do you think there are things in the artwork that represent other things - symbols?

Step 4 - Judgment

Do you like this artwork? Do you think it is a good artwork? Do think it is an important artwork? Would display this artwork in your home? Is this artwork good enough to put in a museum?

Justify your opinion. Explain why you feel the way you do about this artwork based on what you have learned about it.

The Student Art Critic

After going through the process individually or as a group (group response is recommended), each student will write a four paragraph critique about the artwork using the information that was recorded.

1st paragraph: Describe the artwork
2nd paragraph: Analyze the artwork
3rd paragraph: Interpret the artwork
4th paragraph: Make a judgment about the artwork and back it up with good information.

LINE	TEXTURE
SHAPE	COLOR
FORM	VALUE
SPACE	PATTERN

BALANCE	CONTRAST	EMPHASIS
HARMONY	VARIETY	UNITY
GRADATION	MOVEMENT	RHYTHM
PROPORTION	DEPTH	COMPOSITION