The Daily Painting: May 2011

Friday, May 27, 2011

Dignity and Impudence

(click to enlarge)

Sir Edwin Henry Landseer

(English, 1802-1873)

Dignity and Impudence, 1839

Oil on canvas

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Portrait of a Lady with a Puppy

(click to enlarge)

Agnolo Bronzino

(Italian, 1503-1572)

Portrait of a Lady with a Puppy, 1532

Oil on wood

Monday, May 2, 2011

First Communion

(click to enlarge)

Jean Beraud

(French, 1849-1936)

First Communion, ????

Oil on canvas

Questions to ask about a painting

What is the subject of the painting? Does the title add to your understanding of the painting?

What's the main color scheme? Why do you think the artist chose these colors? How do they make you feel?

Where do you look first? What do your eyes follow around the painting? What seems most important in this painting?

Is the painting organized, or jumbled? Chaotic or peaceful?

Consider what it all might mean: What does the painting tell you? What is the artist trying to say about the subject matter? What feeling does the painting evoke? How did the painter achieve this effect?