HOW TO DESCRIBE A PAINTING

Here are some technical tips.

1. Identify the painting: who painted it? When? in which museum can you see it?

2. Define the type of painting: is it an oil painting, a watercolour, a mural?

What is the subject of the painting? Is it a portrait,  a still life, a historical scene, a landscape?

Is it modern art? Is it figurative or abstract, surrealistic, fantastic, romantic or realistic?

3. Describe the colours, the shapes, the characters, the light and the movement.

Study the setting: what can you see? Imagine what you can't see.

 

4. If you can, place the painting in its context (social, historical,

    geographical, etc.) and speak about the painter.

5. Give your personal opinion. What does the painting make you

 feel?  Disgust? Sadness? Peace? Irritation? Surprise?

Now speak about your favourite painting.

First identify, define and analyse it, and then explain your choice.

Word bank

Character = personnage

landscape = paysage

mural = peinture murale

setting = scène

shape = forme

still life = nature morte

watercolour = aquarelle

oil painting = peinture à l'huile