Step One: Preparation

Preparation for viewing is more establishing a climate for viewing than it is discussing the actual art work or works to be viewed. Students must be made to feel that their own unique contributions to the viewing will be valuable, that their opinions are valid, and that the opinions and perspectives of others are to be respected. This is a time to remind students that we all look at the same art work through different eyes. Our cultural perspectives and past experiences will influence our responses to an art work.

In most cases, it is better not to give students too much information about the work to be viewed. Too much information can strongly influence the students' first impressions and inhibit the flow of ideas at the early stages of viewing. Telling the students too much at this point is like reading them the last few pages of a novel, then going back to read them chapter one.

Before class discussion begins, teachers may want to make some comments about the attitudes of people, in general, toward viewing works of art. Following is an example of comments a teacher might make to encourage the kind of attitude that will allow students to become engaged with works of visual art:

"Many viewers responding to a work of art, particularly a modern work, will give the work a quick glance and walk by, saying things like, `This doesn't look like art to me', or `This is a complete waste of everybody's time'. The reason this happens so frequently is that many people do not know what to look for when they're looking at art works. Because of this, they make hasty decisions about the works, dismissing them before they've really tried to understand them. This is not to say that everybody will or should like all art works. The point is that, no matter what you decide about an art work, you should be willing to give it some thought and base your decision on some sound criteria.

It is very important to remember that, when you are working through this process, there is no single right answer and many answers can be correct. However, attitude is all important. When you look at an art work, you should assume that the artist had something to say, some reason for creating this work. Try to see and understand everything that you can. As long as you honestly answer the questions that arise as best you can, you cannot go wrong. In the end, your opinion of an art work is valid if you can support your opinion with your reasons and knowledge."

Viewing is a discovery process. Students will learn from the works and will discover concepts that can be investigated further at the appropriate time.

Viewing Art Works main page

Preparation

First Impression

Description

Analysis

Interpretation

Gathering Information

Informed Judgement

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