Educational Materials
Art Appreciation

In this section, we will explore how the subject and expressive content of a painting combine to create a unique work of art. There are several very good lesson plans and activities that already exist on the Web. References to useful sites are provided where appropriate and are indicated by an aqua arrow ~~>.

SUBJECT

A painting, among other things, is a "projection of the personality of the artist who painted it and a statement of the philosophy of the age that produces it". Most of us, however, first try to recognize the type of subject portrayed in a painting. If a painting portrays a subject, it can typically be categorized as one of the following:
  • landscape - an expanse of natural scenery seen in one view
  • a portrait - an interpretation of a person or persons
  • still life - a depiction of motionless objects
  • genre - a portrayal of scenes from daily life
  • narrative - a telling or documenting of a story

EXPRESSIVE CONTENT

Considering only the subject of a painting, however, can be limiting. For example, if only the subject matter was significant in understanding a painting, then all portraits of say, George Washington would be of equal distinction. We can gain more insight into the unique interpretation an artist makes of a subject by looking at how s/he manipulates materials to convey a particular meaning or mood.

A ~~ ARTISTIC EFFECTS

Before attempting to discuss an artists style, a basic understanding of art appreciation vocabulary and concepts is helpful. Be sure to select a few paintings from the Fleischer Cyber Gallery to use with the practice activities below.

~~> Visual Glossary: understanding the elements and principles of art

~~> Visual Glossary Practice Activity

If you would like to view some examples of how subjects can be handled differently, try the following activity.

~~> 2 views for U: Compare/Contrast 2 interestingly matched artworks

B ~~ INFLUENCES

As you have seen artists can manipulate materials in a large variety of ways when interpreting a subject to evoke a particular response or create a certain mood. But what makes an artist decide upon a specific style, subject, and mood? Typically, the social environment and the artists personality shape an artists response.

~~ Social Climate

A knowledge of the cultural influences that existed when an artist created a particular work can help us understand a work of art better. This can be seen in the Fleischer collection. The American Impressionists paintings give us a glimpse at the landscape of the West early this century. The Soviet Realism paintings help us learn about a past that was not previously accessible to the West. A knowledge of the past can also help us interpret pictorial symbolism that may be inherent in a painting, particularly in portraits. Consider the following paintings from the Fleischer collection.

landscape
landscape of the new Western frontier

Soviet life
Soviet life

traditional portrait with symbolism of party work-ethic
traditional portrait with symbolism of party work-ethic

~~> Symbols from Nature

~~> Symbol Systems in Art

~~ Individual Personality

Many factors synthesize and shape an artist's personal style. A very simplistic way of viewing how an artist style develops is to think of it as a combination of talent (creativity + ability) + education + exposure to other art and artists + life experiences. This varies widely among artists. This is why a knowledge of an artists training and background can be insightful.

Pt. Lobos by Guy Rose

For example, from 1904 to 1912, Guy Rose lived as a neighbor to Claude Monet in the little village of Giverny. Rose's friendship with Monet is clearly seen in this painting Pt. Lobos.