Lifelong Learners: An Independent Collaborative

Visual Analysis: The Art of Seeing Art

Course Leader(s)
Day of Week: Tuesday
Course Length: 6 weeks
Starting: 09/12/2023
Ending: 10/17/2023
Period of Day: Period 2 Zoom
Time: 11:30 - 1:00
Course Fee: $60

Course Description:

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 pictures can be even more rewarding when we learn how to analyze the elements of art, the building blocks used by artists to create a work. The first of six classes will explore the formal analysis of paintings – what are the elements of art?  Our second class will be devoted to photography and its unique elements.  Each of the next four classes will explore one of four categories of imagery: landscapes, interior scenes and still lifes, portraiture, and genre scenes.  After first examining a visual history of each category, we’ll apply our analyses to individual paintings and photographs, constructing meaning in art through guided discussion.  Please note that this is a six-week course, from September 12 to October 17, and will have the last meeting during the break week.

Books and Other Resources:

None are required; several books and online resources will be suggested to class participants before the first class.

 

Course Leader Bio(s)

Ivy Cubell

I am passionate about art and history and making connections between the two in dynamic and thought-provoking ways.  As a Gallery Instructor since 2002 at the MFA Boston and former Vice-Chair of the Gallery Instructor advisory board, I lead specially themed tours through the various collections and special exhibitions for both adult and student groups, develop tours and training curricula for MFA docents, and lead professional development teacher workshops for schools throughout New England.  In addition to my degree in Art History from University of Michigan and Columbia University, I hold an MSW and a JD from Boston University.  I have taught Photography and Painting: A Sibling Rivalry in Focus for two semesters at LLAIC; have taught Women and Art: Ancient to Modern for 2 semesters at LLAIC; have taught this course Visual Analysis: The Art of Seeing Art for 1 semester; and I have shared four LLAIC LOVES ART presentations over the several years.