Guide to Looking
When viewing art, allow a few minutes just to observe. Careful observation allows time to use all the senses and become engaged and notice things missed at first glance. Make a list of everything observed; things noticed: objects, colors, shapes, patterns and feelings that the work conveys to you.
Guiding Questions:
- What might have inspired this artist?
- What does this image make you think of?
- How has the artist used colors to create a mood?
- How did this artist use line to create movement?
Let’s Create a painting:
Gather Materials: pencil and eraser; watercolor paper 9 x 12; watercolor or tempera paint, or pastel sticks; some natural objects perhaps collected from a walk outdoors, perhaps in the woods.
> First step: Gather a few natural objects such as twigs, leaves, and rocks and arrange them on your desk. Use your imagination as you arrange your objects so that perhaps they remind you of a landscape, a favorite place, or a feeling.
> Second step: Begin by lightly drawing your object shapes on the page. They might overlap or not touch at all. Thinking about movement in the piece, create a sketch that moves the viewer’s eyes throughout the page. Shapes and lines can touch or overlap or not–up to you!
> Third step: Use your paints to color the shapes, outline the shapes or create new shapes like a moon or sun in your image. Consider the time of day you might be portraying–dawn, mid-day, afternoon, evening or late night. Are there any animal shapes in your painting? Consider a title for your work.
> Fourth step: Share your creations with us by uploading your finished work below!
> Last step: Find out more information on this artwork and artist by visit this page on the Farnsworth Art Museum website: https://collection.farnsworthmuseum.org/objects/4773