How to use an Artist To explore an idea

These two images were created by the German artist Gehard Richter. One is a photograph, and one is a painting. Which is which? Why would picking this artist be a good choice if you are discussing ideas of beauty? You can try and find out the intent of the artist, by researching their work, but many times the intent will remain unclear. Some artists don’t like to explain their intentions! So what can we do to help us understand the work? Your opinion is important, but you should write using artistic vocabulary: Colour, Tone, Form, Shape, Line, Scale, Balance, Contrast, Harmony, Pattern, Repetition, Emphasis, Movement, Composition, Depth, Space.

Using an artist to inspire your own work There are many ways you could use another artist to explore an idea – the simplest way would be simply to copy their work. You can do better than that. For each of the images on the previous slide can you think of 3 possible outcomes that you could do, using just the images and what you know about the artists intent as a starting point.

Possible outcomes

Your Task For your chosen artist, complete the same activity. After analysing chosen images, think of three different outcomes, using their work as a starting point or inspiration. Use at least one of these outcomes in your ‘Art is Beautiful’ book.