The fun of art is that it is a place where we can let our imagination play.
As we look for visual clues to the messages in artistic works we also experience emotions created by our intuition. Some paintings just lend themselves to story telling too.
In this Open Owl Forum you will share your ideas about a work of art with your classmates. You will express ideas about the elements and principles used and you will share you ideas about the possible meaning and story being told by the artist.
Remember that viewing art is a conversation so there are not any right or wrong answers. Every person will get a different message based on his or her own experiences and unique personality. You will share your ideas and read the ideas of your friends.
Choose from one of the following works:
The Prodigal Son by Thomas Hart BentonLinks to an external site.
Gulf Stream by Winslow HomerLinks to an external site.
The Arctic Ocean by Caspar FriedrichLinks to an external site. (Click English at the top for translation)
Study your selected work.
Write a post that includes:
The title of the work you selected and the artist
The year it was made
At least three sentences that explain what the story is that the artwork is trying to share. Use art elements and principles you see in the work to support your ideas.
Read the posts of at least two other students.
Comment on their descriptions using key vocabulary and complete sentences.
Search entries or author
Title of the Work: The Prodigal Son
Artist: Thomas Hart Benton
Year it was made: 1939-1941
The artwork, "The Prodigal Son" by Thomas Hart Benton, depicts the biblical parable of the prodigal son. The story revolves around a young man who squanders his inheritance and then returns home repentant, only to be warmly received by his father. In the painting, we see the prodigal son kneeling before his father, who embraces him in forgiveness. The use of color in this artwork, particularly the warm tones of the father's robe, convey a sense of love and acceptance. The composition, with the figures of the father and son placed in the center of the painting, draws our attention to the reconciliation between the two characters. Overall, the artwork is trying to share a message of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of unconditional love.
Comment:
I agree with your interpretation of "The Prodigal Son" by Thomas Hart Benton. The warm colors used in the father's robe really do convey a sense of love and acceptance. I also noticed the strong composition, with the father and son placed in the center, which highlights their reconciliation. It's a powerful and touching depiction of forgiveness.