Reading a Painting

Step 1 - Description

• Who is the artist?

• What is the title of the artwork?

• Does the artwork belong to a particular genre or style?

• When was this artwork 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, shape, texture, color, form, space, patterns

Step 2 -Analysis

·        What significant global or local events occurred at the same time this art was created?

·        What art principles are used? How did the artist use them? (balance, proportion, contrast, variety, movement, unity, depth, composition

Step 3 - Interpretation

·        What do you think the artist was trying to say?

·        What do you think it means?

·        Why did the artist create this artwork?

·        What feelings do you have when looking at this artwork?

·        Do you think there are things in the artwork that represent other things - symbols?