ArtSpeak 101
ArtSpeak 101 Activity Page

Basic Instructions

If you're new to this activity the best thing is to first read the instructions because there are a couple parts to ArtSpeak 101. Actually, it's best if you first use the Visual Glossary to understand key terms.

Once you know what some key art terms mean, you can select one of the paintings below (by clicking its checkbox ). Use the text field at the bottom of this page to describe your selected painting in your very best "ArtSpeak." Do you want to get more help and find out about the ideas behind this activity?

If you're stuck, don't fret, you've got a lot of help. First, you can look at the basic terms and examples in the right hand column. Second, you can read the terms, definitions and related questions. Third, feel free to use Prof. Roland's questions to loosen your thinking. Also, view example writings at the beginner, middle, and advanced levels. Finally, guide yourself with the feedback rubric that you and others can use to evaluate your work.


The Paintings
van Gogh

 The Starry Night
Vincent van Gogh
(view at MOMA?)
 		Dali

The Persistence
of Memory
Salvador Dalí
(view at MOMA?)
 		The Terms


Color


Line


Value


Shape &
Form


Balance


Texture


Symmetry &
Asymmetry


Contrast


Rhythm


Theme and
Variation
Cezanne

The Bather
Paul Cézanne
(view at MOMA?)
 		Kahlo

Self-Portrait
with Cropped Hair
Frida Kahlo
(view at MOMA?)
Seurat

Evening, Honfleur
Georges-Pierre Seurat
(view at MOMA?)
 		Mondrian

Broadway
Boogie-Woogie
Piet Mondrian
(view at MOMA?)
Speaking ArtSpeak

    Your name:

    Choose one of the paintings above by clicking its checkbox, then use as many art terms as possible below to correctly describe what's happening in the painting. This may get a bit ridiculous, but that's part of the fun, go overboard with everything that you can possibly see. Remember, you can read examples linked from the instructions above.


     


First Posted December 1995.
Last revised February, 2014
By Tom March, tom at ozline dot com