Why does a work of art look the way it does? What choices did the artist make? What’s the artist’s message?  Looking at images can be even more rewarding when we learn how to analyze the elements of art, those building blocks used by artists to create a work. So, together we will first explore the formal analysis of paintings–what are the elements of art in painting–and then, move on to photography and its unique elements.  Next, we’ll take a deep dive into each of four categories of imagery: landscapes, interior scenes, portraiture, and genre scenes of every-day life.  While examining a visual history of each category, we’ll also apply our analyses to individual paintings and photographs, constructing meaning in art through guided discussion.

The class will be visual presentation with informal lecture and interactional looking together and discussion.