Here is something I prepared for the Mass Art Ed (MAEA) Spring 2004 conference.

Questions to Ask About Art When Discussions Get Stuck

• How do you feel when you look at this work of art?  Why do you think you feel that way?  Is it the color, the texture, the expressions that make you feel sad, happy, calm, excited, confused, etc.?  Explain.

• What do you see in the foreground?  What is in the middle ground?  What do you find in the background?

• Does the surface of this painting seem to be flat, or does it seem to take us into a deep space?  Discuss.

• How did the artist accomplish a sense of space in this picture?  (Possible answers:  The artist used lines that lead us to a point (linear perspective).  The artist made the background colors more fuzzy or muted so they seem far away (sfumato).

• Does the picture appear to have some depth, but not a deep space?  Explain and show us what you mean in the picture.

• Did the artist repeat any elements in the painting?  Look for colors, shapes, lines, forms and textures.  Ask,  “Where do you see repetition?”

• Does this picture have any geometric shapes?  Can you name them?  Does this picture have organic shapes?  Show us where you see them in the picture.

• Is this picture symmetrical or asymmetrical?  In class you could say, “Let’s look up what these words really mean.” 

• What kind of lines does this picture have?  Are they curved, straight, thick, thin, choppy or soft?  Do they lead the eye through the picture?  Point to them. 

• Are the colors bright, contrasting, tinted, darkened, or muted (dulled)?  Are they primary, secondary or complementary?

• Who is the artist who painted this picture?  Look for the signature.  In what time period did this artist live?  Look at objects and clothing for hints.  Compare the date with today.  Do the math.  (This gives students a historical perspective).