A Brief Tutorial About Looking at Art

The Olympics: Sprint

Here is a painting I have made:

Rather than my explanation of this Painting, i want you to take another lesson in looking at Art.

I am taking you back to my College lessons in Art.  I visit a theoretical class which was in the History of Art module. 

My professor asked us to look at a Painting from way back.  It is natural to want to draw close to the Painting.  So resist.  Draw back.  And step back a bit farther again. 

What is your new first impression of the Painting you are looking at?  What is the Artist trying to say in the composition?  What did the Artist have to wrestle with as the painting was being made?  What was the end point goal that the Artist had in mind?  How does the positioning of the characters or subject matter in the painting give its message?  What sort of tonal palette has the Artist chosen? 

Now, with eyes varying from half closed to open, take a closer look at the Painting.  In the squinting of abstract feel, can you see any indication of ‘chiaroscuro.’  This is a term from Latin / Italian for ‘light and dark.’  Revisit the light and dark shades.  Are they really dark?  Are they really light?  Or is it that there are rich different tones that impress a light and dark effect? 

It is my hope that you have used this simple approach to looking at this painting and others!  It is also my desire that some of the beautiful and simple secrets locked into this painting inspire you and delight you.

Peace and Love,

Dean James x

www.deanjamesart.co.uk