Writing About Art For Absolute Beginners

The first class I offer in my Visual Literacy Program is “How to Look at Art”. This is a step towards a number of rigorous assignments that connect visual texts with wider historical topics. 
 
Art comes in all forms and shapes, yet looking at any type of art starts with active looking. 
 
Active looking is an informed and intentional form of looking essential for a real engagement with any visual text such as film, photo, painting, or street art.
 
Of course, in order to look at art properly, context is essential.
 
Let’s assume you have that and have established a connection with the text before you. How do you actually begin the writing process?
I never send my students on an assignment without clear and specific instructions on how to get started.
If I ask them to visit a museum, I would provide them with a Museum Worksheet such as this one.
If I ask them to write a film review, I would provide them with a brief guide and some questions that they can reflect on.
Below are preliminary steps to get you started. 

The Art of seeing art is a process for looking carefully and exploring a work of art on a deeper level.

This is a useful exercise to get non-art major students to start writing and thinking visually.

Write 250 words (1 page) using one or more of the following options:

1-Visual description

-Take careful inventory of what you see

-Type of work

-Content and composition

-Color, light, contrast, gaze, texture, space, line, form (3D), material, emphasis, movement, unity, proportion, mood

-Facial expressions/body language

-Aura (atmosphere)

-Placement and surrounding

2-Art and Identity

-How does this art piece express identity

formation and/or identity destruction

issues?

-Which identity issues, in your opinion, are

portrayed here?

-Relate your answer to visual evidence

from the art piece and any other text we

discussed this term.

3-Subjective interpretation

-A personal yet critical response piece (your

opinion) in which you interpret the work

-What does the sculpture represent?

-What is your interpretation of the work in front of you? What do you think the message is here?

-Use visual evidence to support your

subjective view

4-Creative response centering on art &

Identity

-Poem

-Journal entry from the perspective of the

sculpture (I am the sculpture)

-Creative fictional essay sung elements of what you see.

-Short story surrounding the artwork

-Sketch (optional)

-Use your own memories or experiences.

-Make sure that you incorporate visual

details from the art work in your response.