Learning Exercise
Online Virtual Exhibit Tour and Painting Critique
- Material:
- National Gallery of Art - Education Section
- Date last modified:
- September 3, 2000
- Created by:
- Cris Guenter
- License:
-
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Exercise
Online Virtual Exhibit Tour and Painting Critique
Featuring the National Gallery of Art's Virtual Tour of Van Gogh's Van Goghs
Cris Guenter, Ed.D.
Department of Education
CSU, Chico
1. Visit the National Gallery of Art
at http://www.nga.gov/
This site offers exhibits, online tours, resources, and much more.
After checking out the National Gallery web site for overall layout and navigation (The Site Map is quite good.), go to
Van Gogh's Van Gogh's at
http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/vgwel.htm
to take the virtual tour.
You will have two choices for viewing this virtual tour. One includes Apple QuickTime VR and the other has no special requirements. The virtual tour with QuickTime VR allows you to navigate through panoramas of the exhibition galleries. As you walk through the space, you can select specific paintings for larger image views, close-up details, and more information. The audio segments are available in either RealAudio or wav formats. The first page at this virtual tour has clear information and direct links for plug-ins and downloads should you need them. If you select the "no special requirements tour" you will still see the same images. It offers a static view of the paintings on
each exhibition wall. Each painting can be selected for larger image views,
close-up details, and more information. Requirements: 800 x 600 resolution
and a frames-enabled browser.
2. While viewing this exhibit, select a specific Van Gogh painting that catchesyour eye and that you like. Identify your selection by its title and year. Then using some of the visual art elements and design concepts (Color, Line, Shape, Texture, Form, Pttern, Space, Contrast, Light, Composition, Perspective, Foreground, Middle Ground, and Background, and Balance--symmetry or asymmetry) give reasons why you think you like the painting you chose. Perhaps the audio commentary provided background information that made a difference. If this is so, explain.
Use the following outline to help you in developing your written critique. It should be at least four paragraphs in length, but no longer than three pages. Good writing skills are expected so remember to proofread.
DESCRIBE--Describe the facts, what you see in the painting--lines, shapes, textures, colors, objects.
ANALYZE--Look at the way the facts are put together or designed--balance, light areas, focal point, illusion of space, dark areas, rhythm created by repetition.
INTERPRET--What is the purpose or meaning of the art work? Review points your description and analysis. These are the clues to the meaning and purpose of the painting.
JUDGE--Judge the painting. "I like or don't like this art work because....."
3. Using a designated bulletin board forum, listserve, or e-mail method established by your instructor, submit your well-written and organized critque by the due date established by your instructor. Be prepared to discuss your choice and comments you wrote in your critique.
Extension:
The instructor may wish to involve the student teachers in this review process beyond their initial critique by having them conduct peer reviews,
individually or in pairs, of the submitted critiques. Then an overall class discussion could be conducted to reflect on what has been learned and how it can be applied in future lessons and teaching.
Disciplines
Audience
Technical Notes
The opening page of the tour has direct links to any plug-ins or downloads you might need.
Requirements
ability to navigate on the internet; writing and proofreading skills
Topics
Type of Task
Learning Objectives
2. Students will follow-up their virtual tour with a written critique of a painting from the online exhibit. The critique will be based on visual arts elements and design concepts and will follow a basic format.
3. Students will demonstrate good writing skills in constructing their critique.