Task: Describe what you can see in this painting:
English Language Level: Intermediate & above: CEFr A2-B2
First you need basic technical information:
Name of artist: Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890)
Title: Postman Joseph Rouin
Date: 1888 Medium: Oil on canvas
Now describe this painting by answering the following. Try to include at least some of the keywords listed.
What can you see?
- Describe figures, objects, setting etc.
- What first catches your eye?
- What is the main focus point?
Keywords: subject, focus point, angular, form, shape
The Narrative (story)
- What is happening in the painting? Is it easy to understand?
- Can you identify any symbols? What do the symbols stand for?
Keywords: represents, symbols, reference to, allusion
Composition: How is the piece arranged?
What is in the foreground (front)? The background? The mid-ground?
See this video for beginners guide to describing composition
Keywords: composition, background, foreground, mid-ground, perspective, foreshortening,
Techniques, materials and processes
- Which materials are used?
- How are these materials applied?
- Skills displayed by the artist?
- Are the marks jagged? Smooth? Repeated? Small/large? Varied?
Keywords: marks, texture, line, flat, curved, relief,
Colour and tones
Are the colours complementary (matching) or contrasting? Which colours are dominant? Shadow? Tone (light/dark) & shading?
Keywords: complementary colours, palette, light, shade, tone, contrast
Now analyse the painting by answering these questions
Compare & Contextualise
- Does the piece part of a wider artistic movement? (E.g. Van Gogh is sometimes called a post-impressionist)
- Which techniques/colours/materials are typical of that movement?
- Does the piece remind you of the work of another artist?
Keywords: artistic movement, school
Atmosphere mood & emotion
- How does it make you feel? Why?
- Is the work still/quiet? Noisy/happy? Sad? Frantic? Calm?
Keywords: mood, emotion, expresses, unsettling
Your view
Do you like this painting? Why? Why not?
Key Phrases: my response to this piece is…/I particularly like/I felt … worked well/less well/I admire the way the Van Gogh.
How to Write About a Painting download free step-by-step worksheet.
Extension: Writing Activity
- Write a visual analysis of Ophelia by John Everett-Millais
Fred & Rita: Paint it Black Worksheet
Extension
Fred & Rita are college students. They argue about everything.
Fred is not a fan of modern art. ‘I don’t get it” he tells Rita
Fred & Rita: Paint It Black – reading/worksheet to practise some key language in this area
Skills Practice: Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking & Use of English
Resources: reading & worksheets, quizzes, presentations, teaching notes & extension materials.
Exam Level: Preliminary (PET), PET for Schools - Preliminary English Test (B1)