Oral Presentation on a painting (Unit 4)

You have already chosen a painting that you like. Now you have to start thinking on what to say about it when you present it to the rest of the class.

You should begin by giving the name of the painting, both in English and in Spanish/Catalan, and the name of the painter, saying when it was painted and where it is displayed.

Example: This painting is called Sunflowers and it was painted by Vincent Van Gogh in 1888. In Spanish it is known as Los girasoles and in Catalan it is known as Els gira-sols. It is displayed in the National Gallery in London.

Instead of the exact date, you can also say in the early 19th century or in the late 19th century.

Then you have to go on by saying what type of painting it is.
Remember: mural, abstract, nude, portrait, still life, landscape...

Example: It is a still life.

Explore these sites in order to be able to describe your painting in terms of colour, lines and shapes and complete the accompanying worksheet. Work in pairs to complete the worksheet.

COLOUR:
http://www.alifetimeofcolor.com/play/color1/color1.html
http://www.artsconnected.org/toolkit/watch_color_warm.cfm (just click on 'watch')
http://www.artsconnected.org/toolkit/watch_value_tint.cfm (just click on 'watch')

LINES AND SHAPES:
http://www.alifetimeofcolor.com/play/lineshape/flash3page.html
http://www.artsconnected.org/toolkit/watch_types_line.cfm (just click on 'watch')
http://www.artsconnected.org/toolkit/watch_shape_geometric.cfm (just click on 'watch')

Then go on describing your painting using the information you have learnt on colour, lines and shapes.

Example: In this painting Van Gogh mainly used yellow, a primary colour and the sunflowers are a shade, making yellow darker. The colours in this painting are warm and bright. To create the impression of movement and motion, Van Gogh used wavy lines to draw the base and the flowers and a straight line to draw the table where the vase is. He used thick lines for the stem of the flowers and thin lines for the vase. In this painting there is a mixture of organic shapes (the sunflowers) and geometric shapes, with the oval shape of the vase.

If your painting is a landscape, you might find useful ideas by having a look at:
LANDSCAPE:
http://www.alifetimeofcolor.com/play/landscape1/

At the end of your presentation, say why you like the painting you have chosen.
Remember: colourful, simple, beautiful, realistic, modern, expressive, fun, depressing, shocking, sophisticated.

Example: I like this painting because it is simple, expressive and beautiful.

So now you have the text of your presentation. Remember to write a sketch of your text so that you won't have to read it. It is an oral presentation and you will have to keep eye contact with your audience.