ADVANCED C1:Describing works of art

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Art beyond sight

Look at the painting by John Sloan and answer the questions below:

John Sloan. Sunday, Women drying their hair, 1912

  1. What is the focal point (the place your eyes are drawn to?
  2. What can you see in the foreground?
  3. What can you see in the background on the right? and on the left?
  4. What is happening in the painting?
  5. Do you think there is a story behind the painting? If so, what is the story?
  6. Which of these words would you use to describe the light in the painting?
                    bright         dazzling         harsh          rich          glowing       warm

                    dim             gloomy          faint           soft
     
            7. Which of these words would you use to describe the mood or atmosphere?
         


peaceful        relaxed        joyful            cheerful        happy
depressed      gloomy       miserable      somber
agressive       angry          distressing    frightening
boring           dull             lifeless          insipid
energetic       exciting      thought-provoking


       8. What emotions do you experience looking at the painting?


Listen to this verbal description of Women drying their hair.


Albert Bierstadt. The Marina Piccola, Capri. 1859

 Listen to the verbal description of The Marina Piccola.

Vincent Van Gogh. Irises. 1889

Listen to the verbal description of Irises.

Dorothea Lange. Migrant Mother. 1936

Watch the story behing the photo Migrant Mother.


 It's your turn
Describe the pictures below. Include the following:
  1. Title of the work of art, artist, date, medium (oil on canvas), collection or owner.
  2. Describe what's going on in the picture.
  3. Describe the mood or atmosphere


Edvard Munch. The scream. 1893


Frida Kahlo. The two Fridas. 1939



Frida Kahlo. The broken column. 1944

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