1. The Builders, The Family by Jacob Lawrence

3. Point – What are you saying about the painting
Point – What are you saying about the painting? What message did you interpret?
Evidence – What led you to your statement? What about the painting supports your point?
Explain – Explain your evidence. Conclude your thought.

4. Jacob Lawrence’s “The Builders, The Family”
In Jacob Lawrence’s painting “The Builders, The Family,” the focus seems to be about the builders; however, the family is at the center. The family and the builders are connected in that the builders form an arch around the family and their building. The family’s movement suggests they are both working together, moving forward and building upward to make things better. The vibrant colors and positive facial expressions also reinforce the positive feel of the picture. Overall, Lawrence’s work highlights the constructive nature of community.

5. Jacob Lawrence’s “The Builders, The Family”
In Jacob Lawrence’s painting “The Builders, The Family,” the focus seems to be about the builders; however, the family is at the center. All are interconnected in that the builders form an arch around the family and their building. The family’s movement suggests they are both working together, moving forward and building upward to make things better. The vibrant colors and optimistic facial expressions also reinforce the positive feel of the picture. Overall, Lawrence’s work highlights the constructive nature of community.

6. Topic vs. Theme Topic: What the story is about (The “What”)
Ambition
Growing up
Risk Taking
Anger
Happiness
Self-improvement
Attitude (Positive/Negative)
Hardship
Selfishness
Harmony
Self-reliance
Beauty
Hate
Serenity
Belief
Heritage
Sin
Belonging
Heroism
Sisterhood
Bravery
Home
Stinginess
Brotherhood
Honor
Success
Celebration
Hope
Survival
Childhood
Humility
Temptation
Compassion
Identity
Traditions
Courage
Impression
Tranquility
Cowardice
Independence
Trust
Cruelty
Individualism
Tyranny
Culture
Injustice
Unhappiness
Daring
Inspiration
Values
Death
Jealousy
Vanity
Deception
Judgment
War
Denial
Justice
Desire
Kindness
Determination
Loneliness
Devotion
Loss
Discovery
Materialism
Dreams
Modesty
Duty
Nature
Endurance
Nobility
Evil
Outsider
Failure
Patience
Fairness
Patriotism
Faith
Perseverance
Family
Persistence
Fear
Power
Flattery
Prejudice
Forgiveness
Pride
Freedom
Race relations
Friendship
Rejection
Generations
Resentment
Generosity
Respect
Getting ahead
Resourcefulness
Greed
Revenge
Topic: What the story is about (The “What”)
Theme: The story’s deeper meaning (The “So What”)
Growing up
Part of growing up is learning how to choose your battles.

7. Jacob Lawrence’s “Brownstones”

8. Your Turn! Complete an analysis paragraph based on “Brownstones”
Point – What are you saying about the painting? What message did you interpret?
Don’t forget to use T-A-G! (Title, Author/Artist, Genre) For example, In Jacob Lawrence’s painting “The Builders, The Family,” the focus….
Evidence – What led you to your statement? What about the painting supports your point?
Explain – Explain your evidence. Conclude your thought.