Ask
What can we observe about these artworks?
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Sketchbook
"Elements of Art and Principles of Design Analysis"
​With your partner, look at the reproductions at your table. What can you say about each? Select one you are both interested in -talk and share words that best describe the reproduction.
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Each person should make a list of 8 descriptive words in your sketchbook. You may use literal or descriptive words like "blue", "deep yellow", or "soft", "fluid pools of color." Avoid judgement words such as "pretty" or "ugly".
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Now read through the list of Elements + Principles - decide which words could be added to your list to describe the reproduction and add them to your page. Share with your partner.
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DISCOVER THROUGH DRAWING
Individually, select one of the images at your table to learn more about. In your sketchbook, reproduce the image.
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Make a sketch of the image including its main components - start with main shapes and gradually add details.
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Fill at least half the page with your drawing - try to recreate proportions, shapes, and colors.
This is an exercise in recording what you are observing through drawing. Use the available materials to color the image - try to imitate the colors and textures you are observing.
Helen Frankenthaler, Provincetown Window, 1963–64 © 2018
Visual Language:
Elements of Art+
Principles of Design
What can we share about what we observed through drawing?
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After drawing the image, what can you say about it?
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Which of the elements and principles do you see in the piece you just observed through drawing?
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Was there an element or principle that jumped out at you?
How does the element contribute to the mood of the piece?
How does it attract your attention?
How does that element encourage your eye to travel through the piece?
How do the elements contribute to a balanced feeling in the piece?
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ASSIGNMENT: Research the piece by searching it online - who was the artist? What is the subject/ inspiration? Where / when was it created?
Use this information along with your observations in drawing the piece to write a description of the work utilizing 2-3 elements and 2-3 principles. Use descriptive language that "paints a picture" of the image.
Through her use of saturated color, Helen Frankenthaler captures the sunny spirit of the beachside town of Provincetown. The rich blue color frames abstracted organic shapes of blue, green, yellow and orange balanced on a white background. The repetition of shape implies movement.
Helen Frankenthaler, Provincetown Window, 1963–64 © 2018
Share your description with your table mates.
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