An artist is just like you. He wants to tell us about the things he likes and knows best. Instead of words, an artist may use paint, ink, metal, stone, or something else to share his ideas in his own special way.
Many times an artist makes a picture that is different from the real thing he is painting. This happens because the artist not only sees what he is painting, but has feelings about it. He tries to put these feelings into the paintings too.
The artist tells us about life. We would know very little about how people looked, acted, and lived a long time ago if artists had not made paintings and sculptures about their families and friends, and the people who lived during that time.
Sometimes an artist will paint pictures of things he loves. Other times he will use only line, shape, color or texture to tell us his feelings.
Every work of art is like a mystery story. You are the detective looking for clues to find the artist's message.
When you are looking at the paintings in this gallery, see if you can tell what the artist feels about the paintings he did. Can you see what he is saying?
Let the children lead you and pick a work of art. If a child is really interested in a certain work of art or an entire exhibition, do not rush their exploration. Instead, think of ways to strengthen their curiosity and learning experience. Ask open ended questions to avoid "yes" and "no" answers. Try these:
What can you find out about this work of art by looking at it?
Can you name everything the artist added to this painting?
Describe the objects/people that you see. Do objects or people fill up the space?
Is there a lot of empty space in between or around the painting. Where is it?
What type of lines do you see? Are they wavy, straight, thin, thick, broken, jagged, vertical, or horizontal?
Name all the colors you see. Are they cool or warm colors? Are the colors light, soft, dark, or strong? Can you think of a reason the artist used these particular colors?
What kind of feeling do you get when you look at this work of art?
What is the focal point? (area of the painting that stands out)
How does it stand out? Is it bigger, brighter or more colorful?
Do you see patterns? (something that repeats itself) Where?
Can you guess why the artist put them into the painting?
What shapes can you see in this work of art? Where are they?
What's the title of the work of art?
When was the artist born and when did he die?
When was the work of art completed?
How old was the artist when he or she painted it?
How old is the painting today?
What would you title this painting?
Always allow children to talk about what's happening in the painting.
Everyone looks at the work of art from a different point of view.
Remember there are no wrong answers, only those that need more information.