Romare Bearden1911-1988

Duke Ellington

Step 1: Describe

• We are going to look at an artwork and describe what we see

• How do we describe what we see?– Using words: nouns, adjectives

• We can describe by:– looking at the artwork itself– gathering information from the credit line

Credit Line

• Used to gather information about an artwork• Gives us details• What kind of details can we gather from the

credit line?– Artwork name– Artist– Date created– Materials or medium used– Size

The Romare Bearden Foundation

• http://www.beardenfoundation.org/artlife/beardensart/beardensart.shtml

Step 2: Analysis

• What is analysis?– Looking closely at the elements of the artwork– Tells us how the work is organized

• We can analyze a work by using the principles of art.– Principles of Art—rhythm/movement, harmony,

unity, balance (asymmetrical or symmetrical), emphasis, pattern, proportion

Step 3: Interpretation

• What does it mean to interpret something?– To figure out the meaning and explain it

• We want to figure out what Romare Bearden is saying to his audience

• We want to make inferences or educated guesses about what the work could mean

• Keep in mind symbolism

Step 4: Judgment

• Judgment is the process of determining whether or not a work is successful

• Things to consider when judging an artwork:– How well a work is designed– How well it communicates an idea– Craftsmanship– Originality

• Different people will have different opinions

On the Back of Worksheet

• What is one thing you learned from artist Romare Bearden?

• Write or draw/sketch a place that is important to you

• Write or draw/sketch a music artist or song that is important to you