Part One
Let’s dig in a bit to learn/refresh the basics of the elements and principles of design and colour theory.
Part Two
Select a Canadian visual story that relates to nature and answer the following questions:
Describe:
- What do you see?
- What colours are used?
- What shapes are visible?
- Where is the scene?
- Are there any unknown objects?
- What material and technique was used?
- What is this piece called? If it doesn’t have a name, what would you name it?
- Does the title change the way you view this piece?
Analyze:
- How are the elements and principles of design used? List as many as you can.
- What are you first drawn to?
- How do your eyes move along the work? Why?
Interpret:
- How did the artist incorporate nature into the piece?
- How does this piece make you feel? What mood is created? (see mood chart for help)?
- What is the most important part of the piece?
- Why do you think the artist created this piece?
- What is the artist saying? What is the message?
Decide:
- What do you like about this piece?
- What did the artist do best?
- What would you change?
- How does it compare to similar work? (Hint: what art is your friend analyzing?)
Define:
- What aspects of this piece would you use in your own visual story? What ones would you not?
- Define your style. What are your preferred colours and elements of design? What moods do you like to invoke in others? Do you like shock and awe, or subtlety? Soaring narratives or flashy entertainment? What else defines your style?
Bonus! Exchange your chosen art with a peer and compare the similarities and differences. Which piece did a better job of telling a story and why do you feel that way?
Wait! Need some help selecting a piece of art? Check the sites below for some ideas!
National Gallery of Canada
Indigenous Art Across Canada Indigenous Art Canada
Nature Artists in Canada
Mixed Media Artists in Canada
10 Artists Who Work with Changing Environments
Nature Documentaries
Photojournalism