Banner art is the Glory Window found at Thanks-giving Square
I offer a list of famous (and some not-so-famous) works of art along with a list of questions to help a child focus on analyzing that art. The questions are given for three different levels, but feel free to pick and choose from any of them. I will note that I am not an art major and you may wish to do further research to make an in-depth class (especially for the high school student), but if your desire is simply to expose your child to famous art and encourage him/her to stop and think about that art, then what I've provided below may be sufficient. Click on the picture to be taken to a page where you often can find a larger and higher resolution copy. In the event that anyone wants to own a poster of any of these famous works of art, I've included a link to Amazon (when possible).
A second page contains the famous artwork that may be objectionable for numerous reason (mainly nudity). While I would encourage you to include those artworks due to their fame, if you object to them, they are isolated on a separate page for that reason.
I have also created another page which contains more recent, non-famous artwork. These are ones I simply found beautiful, impressive, or otherwise noteworthy.
A second page contains the famous artwork that may be objectionable for numerous reason (mainly nudity). While I would encourage you to include those artworks due to their fame, if you object to them, they are isolated on a separate page for that reason.
I have also created another page which contains more recent, non-famous artwork. These are ones I simply found beautiful, impressive, or otherwise noteworthy.
Poster
Younger:
1. Describe the weather in this painting.
2. Which person appears to be the most important?
3. Describe what the people in the boat are doing.
Middle:
1. What elements make this painting patriotic?
2. What is fantastic (unrealistic)? Which of these points overlap with the answers to question (1)?
3. Look at the people in the boat and describe how they appear to be a diverse group.
Older:
1. Analyze how the artist conveyed a sense of movement.
2. Refer to the poem found here. Which lines do you feel most clearly reflect the painting? Attempt to create your own additional line of poetry, using the poet's technique of only using the letters found in the painting's title.
3. Do some research and discover why George Washington crossing the Delaware River was an important moment in US history.
Younger:
1. Describe the weather in this painting.
2. Which person appears to be the most important?
3. Describe what the people in the boat are doing.
Middle:
1. What elements make this painting patriotic?
2. What is fantastic (unrealistic)? Which of these points overlap with the answers to question (1)?
3. Look at the people in the boat and describe how they appear to be a diverse group.
Older:
1. Analyze how the artist conveyed a sense of movement.
2. Refer to the poem found here. Which lines do you feel most clearly reflect the painting? Attempt to create your own additional line of poetry, using the poet's technique of only using the letters found in the painting's title.
3. Do some research and discover why George Washington crossing the Delaware River was an important moment in US history.
Younger:
1) How many faces are there?
2) Give at least one adjective (descriptive word) for each face.
3) What did the artist do to the face in the upper left corner to make it appear older than the other faces?
Middle:
1) What did the artist do to create shading?
2) How does the sketch of Rembrandt's wife stand out from the other faces?
3) Describe the clothing to another person.
Older:
1) Pick a single facial feature (nose or lips, etc.) and closely examine how it is drawn slightly differently on each sketch to create a unique face.
2) What do you think the purpose of this page was for the artist?
3) Decide where the light source was coming from for each face (indicate a direction in relation to the person).
1) How many faces are there?
2) Give at least one adjective (descriptive word) for each face.
3) What did the artist do to the face in the upper left corner to make it appear older than the other faces?
Middle:
1) What did the artist do to create shading?
2) How does the sketch of Rembrandt's wife stand out from the other faces?
3) Describe the clothing to another person.
Older:
1) Pick a single facial feature (nose or lips, etc.) and closely examine how it is drawn slightly differently on each sketch to create a unique face.
2) What do you think the purpose of this page was for the artist?
3) Decide where the light source was coming from for each face (indicate a direction in relation to the person).
Poster
Younger:
1) Point out the people in this painting.
2) Where is the artist's signature and the painting title? What language do you think they are in?
3) Describe the edges of the water.
Middle:
1) What is the focal point in this painting?
2) Describe the water in as much detail as possible.
3) How do you think the artist felt about the ocean?
Older:
1) The boats and the mountain both 'blend' into the painting, neither initially drawing the eye. Why do you think that is?
2) How does the artist convey a sense of tension or anxiety to the viewer?
3) Describe how perspective is used in this artwork relating to the people, the water, and the mountain and how this might reflect a philosophical view on life.
Younger:
1) Point out the people in this painting.
2) Where is the artist's signature and the painting title? What language do you think they are in?
3) Describe the edges of the water.
Middle:
1) What is the focal point in this painting?
2) Describe the water in as much detail as possible.
3) How do you think the artist felt about the ocean?
Older:
1) The boats and the mountain both 'blend' into the painting, neither initially drawing the eye. Why do you think that is?
2) How does the artist convey a sense of tension or anxiety to the viewer?
3) Describe how perspective is used in this artwork relating to the people, the water, and the mountain and how this might reflect a philosophical view on life.
Poster
Younger:
1) What is the main person in this painting doing?
2) Where do you think the people are standing? (Where is the painting taking place at?)
3) What color is the sky? What do you think of that?
Middle:
1) List some emotions that the central figure in the painting seems to be experiencing.
2) Why do you think the artist chose not to paint the sky in shades of blue?
3) Describe the central figure in such a way that a person who has never seen this painting might be able to picture it.
Older:
1) What does the artist do to convey emotion?
2) How is an atmosphere of isolation created?
3) The artist used bold strokes, not blending many of the colors. How does this technique influence the overall effect of the artwork?
Younger:
1) What is the main person in this painting doing?
2) Where do you think the people are standing? (Where is the painting taking place at?)
3) What color is the sky? What do you think of that?
Middle:
1) List some emotions that the central figure in the painting seems to be experiencing.
2) Why do you think the artist chose not to paint the sky in shades of blue?
3) Describe the central figure in such a way that a person who has never seen this painting might be able to picture it.
Older:
1) What does the artist do to convey emotion?
2) How is an atmosphere of isolation created?
3) The artist used bold strokes, not blending many of the colors. How does this technique influence the overall effect of the artwork?
Poster
Younger:
1) How many people are in this painting?
2) What are some of the things on the table?
3) Look at the zoomed-in version of this painting (click through the link on the picture, then click on the picture on the site that comes up, and finally click it again to activate the zoom). What details do you notice that you couldn't see before?
Middle:
1) Name several different ways that the artist is drawing the viewer's attention to the figure of Jesus.
2) This painting has become damaged over time. The paint has flaked off or faded, and at one point a door was installed (cutting into the area where Jesus' feet would be). What, if anything, do you think should be done about these things? Why?
3) What seems to be the emotions of the disciples? How does the artist show this?
Older:
1) Do some research. What technique did the artist use to create this painting? What has been done in an effort to restore and preserve it?
2) Again, do a bit of research, and discover the symbolism found in this artwork. Tell someone what you have discovered.
3) How do you think the viewer is meant to feel about this scene? What do you think the purpose of the artwork was intended to be?
Younger:
1) How many people are in this painting?
2) What are some of the things on the table?
3) Look at the zoomed-in version of this painting (click through the link on the picture, then click on the picture on the site that comes up, and finally click it again to activate the zoom). What details do you notice that you couldn't see before?
Middle:
1) Name several different ways that the artist is drawing the viewer's attention to the figure of Jesus.
2) This painting has become damaged over time. The paint has flaked off or faded, and at one point a door was installed (cutting into the area where Jesus' feet would be). What, if anything, do you think should be done about these things? Why?
3) What seems to be the emotions of the disciples? How does the artist show this?
Older:
1) Do some research. What technique did the artist use to create this painting? What has been done in an effort to restore and preserve it?
2) Again, do a bit of research, and discover the symbolism found in this artwork. Tell someone what you have discovered.
3) How do you think the viewer is meant to feel about this scene? What do you think the purpose of the artwork was intended to be?
Poster
Younger:
1) Try to mimic the statue's pose.
2) Why do you think this statue is green? (Hint: It's the same reason the Statue of Liberty is green)
3) If you saw a person sitting like this, what would you think he was doing?
Middle:
1) What emotion does this statue convey?
2) Why do you think the artist chose to create this figure without clothing?
3) Describe this statue using adjectives giving information from all five sense (describe how it would feel, smell, etc.)
Older:
1) How might this statue represent poetry?
2) This statue, and most other copies, are usually placed in elevated positions, so a person must look up to view them. Why do you think this is done?
3) What (if any) symbolic meaning might there be behind the fact that the figure has high muscle definition and appears fit and in the peak of health?
Younger:
1) Try to mimic the statue's pose.
2) Why do you think this statue is green? (Hint: It's the same reason the Statue of Liberty is green)
3) If you saw a person sitting like this, what would you think he was doing?
Middle:
1) What emotion does this statue convey?
2) Why do you think the artist chose to create this figure without clothing?
3) Describe this statue using adjectives giving information from all five sense (describe how it would feel, smell, etc.)
Older:
1) How might this statue represent poetry?
2) This statue, and most other copies, are usually placed in elevated positions, so a person must look up to view them. Why do you think this is done?
3) What (if any) symbolic meaning might there be behind the fact that the figure has high muscle definition and appears fit and in the peak of health?
Poster
Younger:
1) Describe the watches.
2) Describe the scenery
3) Can you tell what time it is on any of the watches?
Middle:
1) What makes this painting surrealistic?
2) What do you think the weather is like in this scene? Why?
3) The artist chose to use watches. How it would have changed the nature of the painting if the artist had used shirts or chocolate or rubber balls instead of watches? Would the painting have had the same impact? Why or why not?
Older:
1) What might be the meaning behind this painting?
2) How might the artwork's title relate to the painting?
3) Describe how it makes you feel to attempt to analyze and find meaning in a surrealistic artwork.
Younger:
1) Describe the watches.
2) Describe the scenery
3) Can you tell what time it is on any of the watches?
Middle:
1) What makes this painting surrealistic?
2) What do you think the weather is like in this scene? Why?
3) The artist chose to use watches. How it would have changed the nature of the painting if the artist had used shirts or chocolate or rubber balls instead of watches? Would the painting have had the same impact? Why or why not?
Older:
1) What might be the meaning behind this painting?
2) How might the artwork's title relate to the painting?
3) Describe how it makes you feel to attempt to analyze and find meaning in a surrealistic artwork.
Poster
Younger:
1) What do you think is happening in this scene?
2) Name as many things in this artwork as you can.
3) Listen to the song "Man of La Mancha" or "The Impossible Dream" from the Don Quixote Broadway production.
Middle:
1) What details distinguish the two men from each other?
2) Do the animals seem balanced to you? In other words, do they seem like they are about to tip over or are they stable? How did the artist achieve that look?
3) Try to imitate the artist's technique by sketching out a drawing with a series of scribbles that hint at a scene rather than meticulous, realistic detail.
Older:
1) This artwork is 'simple' in that it uses few lines, no color, and little variation in line thickness, but yet it still holds the eye and tells a story. How do you think simplicity of form and line can be an advantage in art?
2) This image is 'messy' (it doesn't look like it was made to be perfect or neat). How can this be used to help aspiring artists?
3) What details from the famous Don Quixote story do you identify in this artwork? (If you haven't read it before, there is a free copy of the novel found here).
Younger:
1) What do you think is happening in this scene?
2) Name as many things in this artwork as you can.
3) Listen to the song "Man of La Mancha" or "The Impossible Dream" from the Don Quixote Broadway production.
Middle:
1) What details distinguish the two men from each other?
2) Do the animals seem balanced to you? In other words, do they seem like they are about to tip over or are they stable? How did the artist achieve that look?
3) Try to imitate the artist's technique by sketching out a drawing with a series of scribbles that hint at a scene rather than meticulous, realistic detail.
Older:
1) This artwork is 'simple' in that it uses few lines, no color, and little variation in line thickness, but yet it still holds the eye and tells a story. How do you think simplicity of form and line can be an advantage in art?
2) This image is 'messy' (it doesn't look like it was made to be perfect or neat). How can this be used to help aspiring artists?
3) What details from the famous Don Quixote story do you identify in this artwork? (If you haven't read it before, there is a free copy of the novel found here).
Poster
Younger:
1) What kind of jobs do you think these people had? Do you think they are happy?
2) Pose with a friend or family member in front of a house holding a broom or other object. Look serious and then have a parent take your picture. Compare the result to this painting. How close did you come to replicating it?
3) The pitchfork is 'echoed' in the man's coveralls. Do you see it?
Middle:
1) What do you think the symbolism of the pitchfork in this painting is? (What does it imply?)
2) Describe what you might imagine the personalities of these two people would be.
3) The upper window of the house does not seem to go with the style of the rest of the building - why does that make it interesting?
Older:
1) The people of Iowa, where this painting takes place, were not originally happy with this depiction of them. Why do you think that was?
2) Later, this painting was upheld in admiration as an example of American Pioneering Spirit. Why do you think that was?
3) This painting has been frequently parodied. If you were to create a parody of this image, what would you use and why (make sure that there is meaning behind the changes that you make)?
Younger:
1) What kind of jobs do you think these people had? Do you think they are happy?
2) Pose with a friend or family member in front of a house holding a broom or other object. Look serious and then have a parent take your picture. Compare the result to this painting. How close did you come to replicating it?
3) The pitchfork is 'echoed' in the man's coveralls. Do you see it?
Middle:
1) What do you think the symbolism of the pitchfork in this painting is? (What does it imply?)
2) Describe what you might imagine the personalities of these two people would be.
3) The upper window of the house does not seem to go with the style of the rest of the building - why does that make it interesting?
Older:
1) The people of Iowa, where this painting takes place, were not originally happy with this depiction of them. Why do you think that was?
2) Later, this painting was upheld in admiration as an example of American Pioneering Spirit. Why do you think that was?
3) This painting has been frequently parodied. If you were to create a parody of this image, what would you use and why (make sure that there is meaning behind the changes that you make)?
Poster
Younger:
1) Describe this scene.
2) What do you think the weather is like?
3) If you were standing on the bridge, what sounds do you think you would hear?
Middle:
1) How does the artist indicate where the water is at considering he doesn't use a pallet of blues?
2) What emotions do you think the artist intended to convey with this artwork?
3) The Bridge is just as green as the foliage. How does it stand out?
Older:
1) This painting has a fairly limited color pallet, for the most part. How would that be challenging for the artist? How does this impact the effect of the painting?
2) What details in this painting evoke a sense of calmness?
3)
Younger:
1) Describe this scene.
2) What do you think the weather is like?
3) If you were standing on the bridge, what sounds do you think you would hear?
Middle:
1) How does the artist indicate where the water is at considering he doesn't use a pallet of blues?
2) What emotions do you think the artist intended to convey with this artwork?
3) The Bridge is just as green as the foliage. How does it stand out?
Older:
1) This painting has a fairly limited color pallet, for the most part. How would that be challenging for the artist? How does this impact the effect of the painting?
2) What details in this painting evoke a sense of calmness?
3)
Poster
Younger:
1) Why doesn't this art makes logical sense?
2) How many stairways can you find?
3) Where are the only group of people that appear to be on the same plane (standing on the same 'level')?
Middle:
1) There are six possible 'surfaces' (like the sides of a die). Group all the people according to which side they are standing on.
2) What do you think of this artwork? Does it capture your attention and make you want to study it further, or does it frustrate you?
3) How does having the people in the artwork enhance the effect? Without the people, what might the viewer not have noticed?
Older:
1) Although this is physically impossible to build, the artist drew it in a realistic style (the people are not disproportional, the steps and railings are geometrically perfect, etc.). Why do you think the artist chose to juxtapose the surreal with the realistic like this?
2) What does this artwork seem to say about depicting a 3-dimensional world on a 2-dimensional medium?
3) The artist choose to make the people nearly identical, without facial features. Why might he have chosen to do that? How, if anything, does it impact the artwork?
Younger:
1) Why doesn't this art makes logical sense?
2) How many stairways can you find?
3) Where are the only group of people that appear to be on the same plane (standing on the same 'level')?
Middle:
1) There are six possible 'surfaces' (like the sides of a die). Group all the people according to which side they are standing on.
2) What do you think of this artwork? Does it capture your attention and make you want to study it further, or does it frustrate you?
3) How does having the people in the artwork enhance the effect? Without the people, what might the viewer not have noticed?
Older:
1) Although this is physically impossible to build, the artist drew it in a realistic style (the people are not disproportional, the steps and railings are geometrically perfect, etc.). Why do you think the artist chose to juxtapose the surreal with the realistic like this?
2) What does this artwork seem to say about depicting a 3-dimensional world on a 2-dimensional medium?
3) The artist choose to make the people nearly identical, without facial features. Why might he have chosen to do that? How, if anything, does it impact the artwork?
Poster
Younger:
1) How many stars do you see?
2) Describe the scene.
3) What do you think the dark mass in the foreground (at the front, close to the viewer) is?
Middle:
1) What adjectives would you use to describe the brush strokes in this painting?
2) Do you think the 'swirls' in the sky are an indication of some type of motion? Why or why not?
3) What details about the town stand out to you?
Older:
1) What aspects of this scene inspire serenity? What aspects do the opposite?
2) What might be the purpose behind keeping the brush strokes so visible rather than attempting to blend the colors into smoother, more realistic transitions?
3) Consider the balance (symmetry) of the painting. What has the artist done to create this?
Younger:
1) How many stars do you see?
2) Describe the scene.
3) What do you think the dark mass in the foreground (at the front, close to the viewer) is?
Middle:
1) What adjectives would you use to describe the brush strokes in this painting?
2) Do you think the 'swirls' in the sky are an indication of some type of motion? Why or why not?
3) What details about the town stand out to you?
Older:
1) What aspects of this scene inspire serenity? What aspects do the opposite?
2) What might be the purpose behind keeping the brush strokes so visible rather than attempting to blend the colors into smoother, more realistic transitions?
3) Consider the balance (symmetry) of the painting. What has the artist done to create this?
Poster or Statue
Younger:
1) What is a sphinx? Can you tell by looking at this statue what two 'animals' are blended together?
2) What is behind the sphinx?
3) What does it appear that the sphinx is made of?
Middle:
1) The main body appears to be tiered. Why do you think it was made that way?
2) The face of the sphinx is of a pharaoh. Why do you think that's the case?
3) In Mythology a sphinx is purported to be a great riddler. Approach several people with the classic riddle: "What goes on four feet in the morning, two feet at noon, and three feet in the evening?" and discover who can give you the correct answer. Find and ask several other riddles as well, if you desire.
Older:
1) What do you think the purpose of this statue was? Give several reasons to support your answer.
2) The head and paws of this statue seem out of proportion with each other. Assuming that this was deliberate, why do you think it was created this way? Give both practical and symbolic reasons.
3) Despite the rumor that soldiers blasted the nose off with a cannon, it is more likely that it was chiseled off. What are some reasons someone might deface this monument like that? How do you feel about vandalism of ancient artwork? Are there legitimate reasons for ever doing this?
Younger:
1) What is a sphinx? Can you tell by looking at this statue what two 'animals' are blended together?
2) What is behind the sphinx?
3) What does it appear that the sphinx is made of?
Middle:
1) The main body appears to be tiered. Why do you think it was made that way?
2) The face of the sphinx is of a pharaoh. Why do you think that's the case?
3) In Mythology a sphinx is purported to be a great riddler. Approach several people with the classic riddle: "What goes on four feet in the morning, two feet at noon, and three feet in the evening?" and discover who can give you the correct answer. Find and ask several other riddles as well, if you desire.
Older:
1) What do you think the purpose of this statue was? Give several reasons to support your answer.
2) The head and paws of this statue seem out of proportion with each other. Assuming that this was deliberate, why do you think it was created this way? Give both practical and symbolic reasons.
3) Despite the rumor that soldiers blasted the nose off with a cannon, it is more likely that it was chiseled off. What are some reasons someone might deface this monument like that? How do you feel about vandalism of ancient artwork? Are there legitimate reasons for ever doing this?
Poster
Younger:
1) Create a story behind who this woman is and why she is standing there.
2) Who is holding the lights which make up the ring?
3) Describe the background of the scene.
Middle:
1) What artistic medium do you think the artist used? Why do you think that?
2) What did the artist do to show the depth of the forest?
3) What emotion do you think the woman is experiencing?
Older:
1) Research about what Midsummer Eve (the time period) is. Does this painting depicts how you would picture this event? Why might the artist have used this as a title?
2) Describe how lighting has been used in this painting and what its effect is on the viewer.
3) Do you think this artwork would be as effective in another medium? Select two and describe how the change would effect various details.
Younger:
1) Create a story behind who this woman is and why she is standing there.
2) Who is holding the lights which make up the ring?
3) Describe the background of the scene.
Middle:
1) What artistic medium do you think the artist used? Why do you think that?
2) What did the artist do to show the depth of the forest?
3) What emotion do you think the woman is experiencing?
Older:
1) Research about what Midsummer Eve (the time period) is. Does this painting depicts how you would picture this event? Why might the artist have used this as a title?
2) Describe how lighting has been used in this painting and what its effect is on the viewer.
3) Do you think this artwork would be as effective in another medium? Select two and describe how the change would effect various details.
Poster
Younger:
1) Does it look like the unicorn could leave the fenced area if it wished? Why or why not?
2) Can you find the hidden letters 'A' and a backwards 'E'?
3) Does the unicorn face look more like a horse or a goat to you?
Middle:
1) What do you think of the depth perception in this artwork? What enhances and what detracts?
2) Look at a close-up view of the unicorn - do the red marks appear to be wounds or berry juice?
3) Do you think the unicorn is meant to appear trapped or voluntarily staying put? What details lead you to your conclusion?
Older:
1) This is a medieval tapestry which is part of a series. View the others here. Considering that this tapestry is the last in the series, how do they together symbolize the Christian faith?
2) Does the unicorn look 'realistic' to you? What features help or hinder its realism?
3) Consider the abundant background vegetation. What do you think of it? Does it enhance the artwork? Why or why not? Why do you think the artist(s) did this?
Younger:
1) Does it look like the unicorn could leave the fenced area if it wished? Why or why not?
2) Can you find the hidden letters 'A' and a backwards 'E'?
3) Does the unicorn face look more like a horse or a goat to you?
Middle:
1) What do you think of the depth perception in this artwork? What enhances and what detracts?
2) Look at a close-up view of the unicorn - do the red marks appear to be wounds or berry juice?
3) Do you think the unicorn is meant to appear trapped or voluntarily staying put? What details lead you to your conclusion?
Older:
1) This is a medieval tapestry which is part of a series. View the others here. Considering that this tapestry is the last in the series, how do they together symbolize the Christian faith?
2) Does the unicorn look 'realistic' to you? What features help or hinder its realism?
3) Consider the abundant background vegetation. What do you think of it? Does it enhance the artwork? Why or why not? Why do you think the artist(s) did this?
Poster
Younger:
1) Is she smiling?
2) Describe her clothes.
3) What do you see in the background?
Middle:
1) Describe the woman's expression.
2) This is one of the first portraits where a person is placed in front of an imaginary landscape. What do you think of the landscape the artist created?
3) Consider the lighting and color on this painting. How do these impact what the viewer is drawn to look at?
Older:
1) This is the most famous painting in the world. Why do you think this is?
2) The background depicts one of the first paintings to have an aerial perspective. How would you judge the artist's success and portraying that? Why do you think it was so unusual do have this perspective in the art of this era?
3) Consider the woman's face. Although some believe the woman was originally painted with eyebrows, none are visible now. If you hadn't noticed this detail before, why do you think that is? Do you think this detail impacts the beauty (or lack thereof) of the woman?
Younger:
1) Is she smiling?
2) Describe her clothes.
3) What do you see in the background?
Middle:
1) Describe the woman's expression.
2) This is one of the first portraits where a person is placed in front of an imaginary landscape. What do you think of the landscape the artist created?
3) Consider the lighting and color on this painting. How do these impact what the viewer is drawn to look at?
Older:
1) This is the most famous painting in the world. Why do you think this is?
2) The background depicts one of the first paintings to have an aerial perspective. How would you judge the artist's success and portraying that? Why do you think it was so unusual do have this perspective in the art of this era?
3) Consider the woman's face. Although some believe the woman was originally painted with eyebrows, none are visible now. If you hadn't noticed this detail before, why do you think that is? Do you think this detail impacts the beauty (or lack thereof) of the woman?
Poster
Younger:
1) What are all the people doing?
2) How many blue clothes can you find?
3) Does it look like you could step into this room? Why or why not?
Middle:
1) Describe how this scene is similar and different to a modern school.
2) What gives this a sense of space and depth?
3) Are the carvings on the bottom of the photo part of the painting or not? Why do you say that?
Older:
1) What elements combine to create such a realistic 3-D effect?
2) Do some research on this painting and then describe to someone else the symbolism found - especially in the two central figures.
3) This is a 'busy' painting. How can that enhance or detract from an artwork?
Younger:
1) What are all the people doing?
2) How many blue clothes can you find?
3) Does it look like you could step into this room? Why or why not?
Middle:
1) Describe how this scene is similar and different to a modern school.
2) What gives this a sense of space and depth?
3) Are the carvings on the bottom of the photo part of the painting or not? Why do you say that?
Older:
1) What elements combine to create such a realistic 3-D effect?
2) Do some research on this painting and then describe to someone else the symbolism found - especially in the two central figures.
3) This is a 'busy' painting. How can that enhance or detract from an artwork?
Poster
Younger:
1) What are the people doing?
2) How many windows do you see?
3) What time of day do you think it is?
Middle:
1) What period of history do you think this painting represents and why?
2) The artist indicated in a journal that the leftmost man was to be 'sinister'. How did the artist try to create that effect?
3) Does the cafe appear to be welcoming? Why or why not?
Older:
1) Present arguments for how this painting might represent loneliness. Or for the opposite position.
2) The artist chose to use a large portion of the canvas to paint the exterior of the buildings, although the 'action' and focal point is inside. Discuss how this impacts the painting.
3) How has the artist positioned the light source(s) for the artwork? Where is it (they) and how does this impact the rest of the painting? Refer to the play of light and shadow throughout the painting.
Younger:
1) What are the people doing?
2) How many windows do you see?
3) What time of day do you think it is?
Middle:
1) What period of history do you think this painting represents and why?
2) The artist indicated in a journal that the leftmost man was to be 'sinister'. How did the artist try to create that effect?
3) Does the cafe appear to be welcoming? Why or why not?
Older:
1) Present arguments for how this painting might represent loneliness. Or for the opposite position.
2) The artist chose to use a large portion of the canvas to paint the exterior of the buildings, although the 'action' and focal point is inside. Discuss how this impacts the painting.
3) How has the artist positioned the light source(s) for the artwork? Where is it (they) and how does this impact the rest of the painting? Refer to the play of light and shadow throughout the painting.
Poster
Younger:
1) What does this statue seem to be about?
2) What do you think this artwork is made out of?
3) Does Jesus appear to be healthy? Why or why not?
Middle:
1) Describe the 'fabric'
2) Describe the expression on Mary's face.
3) Describe what differences were created between Mary and Jesus which makes one of them feel 'alive' while the other seems 'dead'.
Older:
1) Would you consider Mary or Jesus to be the focal point of this artwork? Why?
2) What message does this artwork seem to have for the viewer?
3) Describe several areas where the statue seems to follow a realistic sense of gravity, giving the illusion of something other than stone.
Younger:
1) What does this statue seem to be about?
2) What do you think this artwork is made out of?
3) Does Jesus appear to be healthy? Why or why not?
Middle:
1) Describe the 'fabric'
2) Describe the expression on Mary's face.
3) Describe what differences were created between Mary and Jesus which makes one of them feel 'alive' while the other seems 'dead'.
Older:
1) Would you consider Mary or Jesus to be the focal point of this artwork? Why?
2) What message does this artwork seem to have for the viewer?
3) Describe several areas where the statue seems to follow a realistic sense of gravity, giving the illusion of something other than stone.
Poster
Younger:
1) Describe the girl's 'hat'.
2) Point and name all the different colors that the artist used. How many colors can you find?
3) What do you think the girl is feeling?
Middle:
1) Do you think a person posed for this artwork or was it done from the artist's imagination? Why?
2) The background is a solid black. Do you think it would have made the art better or worse if the artist had chosen to fill the background with some sort of landscape or scenery? Why?
3) Do you think this girl was probably poor or rich or somewhere in between? Why?
Older:
1) The title of the artwork draws the viewer's attention to the earring. Would you consider that the focal point of this painting? Why or why not?
2) Describe the way the artist used shadows to enhance this artwork.
3) What would you describe the girl's expression or feelings to be? Include what clues in the artwork you are drawing your conclusions from.
Younger:
1) Describe the girl's 'hat'.
2) Point and name all the different colors that the artist used. How many colors can you find?
3) What do you think the girl is feeling?
Middle:
1) Do you think a person posed for this artwork or was it done from the artist's imagination? Why?
2) The background is a solid black. Do you think it would have made the art better or worse if the artist had chosen to fill the background with some sort of landscape or scenery? Why?
3) Do you think this girl was probably poor or rich or somewhere in between? Why?
Older:
1) The title of the artwork draws the viewer's attention to the earring. Would you consider that the focal point of this painting? Why or why not?
2) Describe the way the artist used shadows to enhance this artwork.
3) What would you describe the girl's expression or feelings to be? Include what clues in the artwork you are drawing your conclusions from.
Poster
Younger:
1) What differences can you see between the two cans?
2) If you have one, pull out a Campbell's can from the kitchen pantry. Do you see any differences between the modern can and these?
3) How many different colors did the artist use in these paintings?
Middle:
1) These paintings were made without the Campbell's Soup company's approval or permission. How do you think the company felt about the artist creating these paintings?
2) The artist made 50 different soup can paintings (all different soups). How do you think you would feel after making a series of paintings like these?
3) Why do you think the artist chose to paint these?
Older:
1) Why do you think these paintings became famous?
2) Does this seem to be 'art' to you? Why or why not?
3) Write a review of this artwork as if you were an art critic. Include what categories of art this might fall under (i.e. abstract, modern, etc.)
Younger:
1) What differences can you see between the two cans?
2) If you have one, pull out a Campbell's can from the kitchen pantry. Do you see any differences between the modern can and these?
3) How many different colors did the artist use in these paintings?
Middle:
1) These paintings were made without the Campbell's Soup company's approval or permission. How do you think the company felt about the artist creating these paintings?
2) The artist made 50 different soup can paintings (all different soups). How do you think you would feel after making a series of paintings like these?
3) Why do you think the artist chose to paint these?
Older:
1) Why do you think these paintings became famous?
2) Does this seem to be 'art' to you? Why or why not?
3) Write a review of this artwork as if you were an art critic. Include what categories of art this might fall under (i.e. abstract, modern, etc.)
Poster
Younger:
1) What seems to be happening in this artwork?
2) How many people can you find?
3) Where is the dog?
Middle:
1) Who do you think the man in the middle is? What makes you suggest this?
2) What details of this painting make the scene depicted feel 'real' rather than posed?
3) Describe the room.
Older:
1)
2)
3)
Younger:
1) What seems to be happening in this artwork?
2) How many people can you find?
3) Where is the dog?
Middle:
1) Who do you think the man in the middle is? What makes you suggest this?
2) What details of this painting make the scene depicted feel 'real' rather than posed?
3) Describe the room.
Older:
1)
2)
3)
Poster
Younger:
1) Why do you think so many people were carrying umbrellas?
2) Most of the people are are looking at the river. How many people can you find who are looking at something else?
3) If you were at this park, which person do you think you would be most like?
Middle:
1) The artist created this entire painting out of tiny, individual dots. Click through the links to see a larger view of this painting. Point out areas where you see this effect most clearly.What do you think of that technique?
2) Name the different boats on the water.
3) Most of the people seem fairly stiff and formal. Point out which people do not look this way and guess why they were depicted that way.
Older:
1) What would you guess that the temperature was like in this scene? What in this painting makes you suggest this?
2) Most of this painting is fairly realistic. What might you point to as things that detract from that statement?
3)
Younger:
1) Why do you think so many people were carrying umbrellas?
2) Most of the people are are looking at the river. How many people can you find who are looking at something else?
3) If you were at this park, which person do you think you would be most like?
Middle:
1) The artist created this entire painting out of tiny, individual dots. Click through the links to see a larger view of this painting. Point out areas where you see this effect most clearly.What do you think of that technique?
2) Name the different boats on the water.
3) Most of the people seem fairly stiff and formal. Point out which people do not look this way and guess why they were depicted that way.
Older:
1) What would you guess that the temperature was like in this scene? What in this painting makes you suggest this?
2) Most of this painting is fairly realistic. What might you point to as things that detract from that statement?
3)
Poster
Younger:
1) What is the apple hiding?
2) Describe what the man is wearing.
3) What's wrong with one of the man's arms?
Middle:
1) Knowing that this is a self-portrait, describe what you think the artist is like.
2) The man is wearing a suit. What do you think this detail is supposed to tell you about the man?
3) Why do you think this artwork became famous?
Older:
1) According to the artist, this painting is made to highlight the tension between what is seen and what is hidden. Describe how this painting does that.
2) The apple is not exactly centered on the person's face. Why? How does this impact the painting?
3) How does this painting make you feel? Does the handful of absurd elements enhance or detract from this artwork? Why?
Younger:
1) What is the apple hiding?
2) Describe what the man is wearing.
3) What's wrong with one of the man's arms?
Middle:
1) Knowing that this is a self-portrait, describe what you think the artist is like.
2) The man is wearing a suit. What do you think this detail is supposed to tell you about the man?
3) Why do you think this artwork became famous?
Older:
1) According to the artist, this painting is made to highlight the tension between what is seen and what is hidden. Describe how this painting does that.
2) The apple is not exactly centered on the person's face. Why? How does this impact the painting?
3) How does this painting make you feel? Does the handful of absurd elements enhance or detract from this artwork? Why?
Poster
Younger:
1) What are the two people in front doing?
2) Count how many weapons you see.
3) How many different kinds of hats can you find?
Middle:
1) Why do you think this was given the title 'Nightwatch'?
2) Which people look like they are wealthy? Why do they appear to be that way?
3) What does this group of people appear to be doing?
Older:
1) A group of soldiers commissioned Rembrandt to paint them together in a group portrait. The style of the time might have had them expect a very static painting, without as much activity. How do you think those men felt when confronted with the final product? Why?
2) The young girl was not one of those who commissioned the painting, yet she holds a significant focus. Why might the artist have done that?
3) The lighting in the painting is inconsistent - it does not always appear as if the light source in at the same angle for everyone or every thing. Where might the light source be for the Captain (the central figure with the red sash) according to the shadow cast by his feet? What about the one cast by his hand onto his conversational partner?
Younger:
1) What are the two people in front doing?
2) Count how many weapons you see.
3) How many different kinds of hats can you find?
Middle:
1) Why do you think this was given the title 'Nightwatch'?
2) Which people look like they are wealthy? Why do they appear to be that way?
3) What does this group of people appear to be doing?
Older:
1) A group of soldiers commissioned Rembrandt to paint them together in a group portrait. The style of the time might have had them expect a very static painting, without as much activity. How do you think those men felt when confronted with the final product? Why?
2) The young girl was not one of those who commissioned the painting, yet she holds a significant focus. Why might the artist have done that?
3) The lighting in the painting is inconsistent - it does not always appear as if the light source in at the same angle for everyone or every thing. Where might the light source be for the Captain (the central figure with the red sash) according to the shadow cast by his feet? What about the one cast by his hand onto his conversational partner?
Poster
Younger:
1) What does the artist do to depict the woman's age?
2) Describe the house the woman is in.
3) What do you think this woman was like?
Middle:
1) What parts of this painting do you think the artist spent the most time on?
2) What path does your eye travel over when viewing this painting (initial and subsequent focal points)?
3) The artist paints a painting within a painting. What do you think of that? Does it seem lazy or simply realistic to have done that?
Older:
1) This painting has been described as a 'Victorian Mona Lisa'. What makes this painting similar enough to the Mona Lisa to draw that comparison? Do you think that designation is a fair evaluation? Why or why not?
2) This painting has a limited color pallet. How does that effect the tone of the painting?
3) This painting has been used to commemorate Mothers. How might this painting honor motherhood or reflect the ideals of motherhood?
Younger:
1) What does the artist do to depict the woman's age?
2) Describe the house the woman is in.
3) What do you think this woman was like?
Middle:
1) What parts of this painting do you think the artist spent the most time on?
2) What path does your eye travel over when viewing this painting (initial and subsequent focal points)?
3) The artist paints a painting within a painting. What do you think of that? Does it seem lazy or simply realistic to have done that?
Older:
1) This painting has been described as a 'Victorian Mona Lisa'. What makes this painting similar enough to the Mona Lisa to draw that comparison? Do you think that designation is a fair evaluation? Why or why not?
2) This painting has a limited color pallet. How does that effect the tone of the painting?
3) This painting has been used to commemorate Mothers. How might this painting honor motherhood or reflect the ideals of motherhood?
Poster
Younger:
1) How many faces do you see?
2) Name something about this art that you like. Name something that you don't like.
3) Give three descriptive words for this painting.
Middle:
1) What seems to be the tone or mood of this artwork?
2) Point out some elements which are depicted in profile view and some which are a full frontal view.
3) What seems to be the focal point and how do you think the eye moves across the artwork?
Older:
1) What, if anything, do you think the artist was trying to depict? What was the possible purpose of this artwork?
2) Do you like this art? If someone did not like it, does that mean that it is not good art? Why or why not?
3) How do you think adding color would have impacted this artwork?
Younger:
1) How many faces do you see?
2) Name something about this art that you like. Name something that you don't like.
3) Give three descriptive words for this painting.
Middle:
1) What seems to be the tone or mood of this artwork?
2) Point out some elements which are depicted in profile view and some which are a full frontal view.
3) What seems to be the focal point and how do you think the eye moves across the artwork?
Older:
1) What, if anything, do you think the artist was trying to depict? What was the possible purpose of this artwork?
2) Do you like this art? If someone did not like it, does that mean that it is not good art? Why or why not?
3) How do you think adding color would have impacted this artwork?
Poster
Younger:
1) Describe what is happening in this painting.
2) The woman is an angel. How do we know that from what we see?
3) Do you like this painting? Why or why not?
Middle:
1) Describe what you think the children are doing and feeling.
2) If the angel had been a small, chubby cupid rather than a tall and majestic woman, would that have changed how the viewer thinks of this artwork? Why or why not?
3)
Older:
1) What did the artist do to make the children seem to be in need of protection and what did the artist do to mitigate the sense of danger?
2) What theological message might the artist be attempting to convey?
3)
Younger:
1) Describe what is happening in this painting.
2) The woman is an angel. How do we know that from what we see?
3) Do you like this painting? Why or why not?
Middle:
1) Describe what you think the children are doing and feeling.
2) If the angel had been a small, chubby cupid rather than a tall and majestic woman, would that have changed how the viewer thinks of this artwork? Why or why not?
3)
Older:
1) What did the artist do to make the children seem to be in need of protection and what did the artist do to mitigate the sense of danger?
2) What theological message might the artist be attempting to convey?
3)
Poster
Younger:
1) What is this woman doing? Mimic her pose.
2) What do you think the words mean? What are they telling the viewer?
3)
Middle:
1) The woman is wearing a red scarf over her hair. Why do you think this is?
2) How is this artwork meant to make the viewer feel?
3) Is the woman depicted in a 'feminine' manner? Why or why not?
Older:
1) This artwork has been used to promote feminine empowerment. Why do you think this was chosen for that purpose?
2) What elements of this artwork make it appear 'old-fashioned' (describe both the subject painted and elements of artistic style which a modern artist might avoid)
3) How does the woman's face and pose reflect an attitude? (Point out specific artistic choices that enhance that tone).
Younger:
1) What is this woman doing? Mimic her pose.
2) What do you think the words mean? What are they telling the viewer?
3)
Middle:
1) The woman is wearing a red scarf over her hair. Why do you think this is?
2) How is this artwork meant to make the viewer feel?
3) Is the woman depicted in a 'feminine' manner? Why or why not?
Older:
1) This artwork has been used to promote feminine empowerment. Why do you think this was chosen for that purpose?
2) What elements of this artwork make it appear 'old-fashioned' (describe both the subject painted and elements of artistic style which a modern artist might avoid)
3) How does the woman's face and pose reflect an attitude? (Point out specific artistic choices that enhance that tone).
*Disclaimer*
I am not an art major, nor have I ever taken any art history classes. The questions are completely my own, so I take full responsibility if there are errors or mistakes found. The images frequently link to wikipedia - a site that is subject to arbitrary change and errors and not suitable as a source for academic answers, but acceptable for cursory perusal of a subject. Feel free to send me a message with your suggestions or other feedback!
I am not an art major, nor have I ever taken any art history classes. The questions are completely my own, so I take full responsibility if there are errors or mistakes found. The images frequently link to wikipedia - a site that is subject to arbitrary change and errors and not suitable as a source for academic answers, but acceptable for cursory perusal of a subject. Feel free to send me a message with your suggestions or other feedback!