1.03 observing shape and form
part 1: shape
open the links to the following two works of art linked on the task page: henri matisse’s painting woman seated in an armchair and alexander calder’s mobile cascading flowers. in the questions below, you will compare two works of art and discuss how the artists utilized shapes in their work. be sure to refer the information you learned in the lesson.
1. describe the types of shapes that matisse used in his painting. are they geometric or organic? why do you think he used the shapes he used? be sure to tell where the shapes are in the painting when you describe them.
2. describe the types of shapes that calder used in his mobile. are they geometric or organic? why do you think he used the shapes he used? how do they to convey the feeling of cascading flowers, as suggested by the name of the work?
3. is your opinion of the work effected by the way the artist uses shapes in the artwork? be sure and explain your answer for each artwork.
4. if you could ask these artists about their work, what would you ask each of them and why?
5. if you were to create a work of art using only shapes, what kinds would you use and why?
part 2: form
open the links to the following two works of art linked on the task page: chris labrooy’s computer art sculpture sneaker tectonics and janet fish’s painting raspberries and goldfish. in the questions below, you will compare two works of art and discuss how the artists utilized forms in their work. be sure to refer the information you learned in the lesson.
6. describe the types of forms that chris labrooy used in his sculpture. are they geometric or organic? be sure and tell where the forms are in the sculpture when you describe them.
7. describe the types of forms that janet fish used in her painting. are they geometric or organic? be sure and tell where the forms are in the painting when you describe them.
8. does the way the artist uses form in the artwork have an effect on your opinion of the work? be sure and explain your answer for each artwork.
9. chris labrooy used a computer to create the forms on his sculpture and janet fish used oil paint. which technique do you think created a better effect and why?
10. if you could ask these artists about their work, what would you ask each of them and why?