INTERPRETIVE TOURING STRATEGIES VISUAL THINKING STRATEGIES (VTS) 1. What is going on in this picture? 2. What do you see that makes you say that? (In response to interpretive comments) 3. What more can we find? (After paraphrasing) Works well with narrative artworks.
OBJECT-ORIENTED QUESTIONS 1. Looking: Focus on what can be seen objectively: materials, techniques, subject matter, size, formal elements, composition, etc. 2. Reacting: Consider what the work “means� to the viewer and how the work affects them. Ask for reasons for reactions. 3. Cultural/Historical Context: Give relevant information. 4. Making Judgments: Was the artist successful in the work? Works well with artworks that have a strong cultural connection.
DISCOVERY 1. What was the very first thing in this work that caught your eye? 2. Why do you think you noticed this first? OR How did the artist make this element attract your attention? 3. Where is your eye drawn next? 4. How did the artist take you from here (the first element discussed) to there? Repeat 1-4 until there is a visual inventory. 5. Now that we have looked at the way the artist has organized the work (the things emphasized through formal means) why do you think the artist made the decision to. . .? 6. What are some of your responses to this work? 7. What message (if any) do you think the artist is trying to convey? 8. Do you think this is a successful work of art? Why? or Why Not? Works well for exploration of the materials and formal elements of an artwork.