Visual Literacy

Phase 1: Observe and Question

Observe both images separately for 1 minute.

Ask yourself the following questions:

                -What lines do you see?

                -What color do you see?

                -What shapes do you see?

                -What textures do you see? 

                -What objects are in the foreground?

                -What objects are in the background?

                -What objects are in the middle ground? 

                -What is this work of art about?

                -What makes you say that?

                -What kind of mood do you think the artist is trying to communicate? 

                -How do you know?

                -Why do you think each piece is titled how it is titled?

                -What do you see that makes you think that?

Phase 2: Write

Write a 2 page paper that answers the above questions in your own words and feelings. Provide at least 1 example of each vocabulary term in your paper. Dive deeply into each painting to discover what it means to you and what you feel it meant to the artist. Compare and contrast each painting paying close attention to the mood and where and why the artist may have painted these.

Phase 3: Reflection and Peer review

Each student will have the opportunity to read 2-3 of their classmates papers. After reading others work, as a class we will observe each of the images again. Each student will write a 1 page reflection on if their peers ideas have changed any of their own opinion, their final thoughts about the paintings, and compare and contrast their paper to their peers.

Phase 4: Create! 

Create your own 9x12 piece that is inspired by Rene Magritte paintings. You may use any medium you wish, painting, drawing, pastel etc. or a combination. Choose a meaning for your work and create something that will leave viewers questioning. Remember to think about our vocabulary terms when creating your piece.