Imagine that you are an ART DECTECTIVE. You are going to need some
clues if you are going to find out what a painting means. The first
clue is really an artist's tool. LINE is one of the elements of design
and it is used by all artists and designers. You will need to ask
yourself some questions about the painting if you are going to find
out what it means. You should stop now and print out the questions
listed below.
Here is the information and questions
that you will need before you discover this artist. You will need this list for every museum visit.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN YOU LOOK AT A WORK OF ART
You can describe the physical characteristics of line and their expressive qualities.
Some of the descriptive words that describe paintings are: horizontal, vertical, angular, zigzag, spiral, broken, curving, and diagonal.
Can you find these lines in the painting
of the week?
Circle all the words that describe
the lines that you see.
Are there other lines that you see
that are not included in this list?
Next you will want to look for the
expressive qualities of the lines you see.
Lines are expressive, as well as,
descriptive. Here are some words to describe theexpressive quality
of a variety of lines:
Lines that are VERTICAL often create
a sense
of strength and balance in a composition.
THICK lines often make the work of
art appear
aggressive and strong.
THIN lines are sometimes read as delicate and fragile.
CURVING lines often create the appearance of harmony, rhythm and gracefullness.
ZIGZAG and DIAGONAL lines
are read as energetic, explosive,
and dramatic.
What are the expressive characteristics
that you see in this painting?
Line is an important visual element
of composition and it will be important
for you to explore the lines in
the painting to understand the meaning
of the work of art.
Complete the exercises below to help
you understand LINE and its
significance
Line is an important visual element
of composition and it will be important
for you to explore the lines in
the painting to understand the meaning
of the work of art.
Complete the exercises below to help
you understand LINE and its
significance.
Materials Needed:
Pencil
Paper
Think of 5 descriptive names for lines and draw them.
For example: Horizontal line _______________
Next to each adjective draw a line
that expresses the emotional character
of that line. Feel the emotion
as you draw each line.
calm
strong
explosive
fragile
silly
Exercise #2
Materials needed:
chalk
crayon
black tempera paint and paintbrush
a paper clip and black tempera paint
a stick and black tempera paint
ball point pen
construction paper
newsprint
notebook paper
Repeat excercise #1 using a varity
of different materials and
papers. Notice the visual
difference and emotive characteristics when
different mediums are used.
It is time to go to Clue #2-The Element
of COLOR
You will find lots more clues and
exercises to do.