How Do I Look at a Work of Art?

In this lesson we will briefly review several art movements, themes and vocabulary words common to critical discourse in the art world.  This should enhance your ability to look at an artwork and describe it.

The following web link Articulation: How to Look at Art  provides an overview of terms commonly used when viewing and critiquing art. 

Carefully review the site paying particular attention to the following terms:

• Color
• Line
• Value
• Shape and Form
• Balance
• Texture
• Symmetry and Asymmetry
• Contrast
• Rhythm
• Theme and Variation
• Perspective
• Lighting                                 

Once you have finished reading through the terms and definitions go back to the paintings shown in the previous lesson and view each painting again in the context of these new vocabulary terms.  Did you notice anything different about the artwork that you had not the first time around?

What is an artistic ‘Movement?’

An artistic movement is a period of time in history in which a particular style of art evolved.  Often it began as a trend that started by one particular artist or group of artists.  Movements are also representative of specific philosophical, intellectual and social perspective prevalent at a given time in history.

Use the following links to research each one of the movements and periods from the list listed below. 

Artcyclopedia 

ArtLex 

Movements from the 1880s to the Present 

1880 – 1920:

• Realism
• Impressionism
• Cubism
• Fauvism
• Ashcan School

1930s:

• Precisionism
• Regionalism
• Harlem Renaissance

1950s:

• Abstract
• Social Realism
• Surrealism
• Abstract Expressionist

Contemporary 1950s to Present:

• Art Deco
• Op Art
• Pop Art
• Photo Realism
• Minimalism