#12 Andy Goldsworthy

Andy Goldsworthy 

1) After looking at these images, how would you describe this artist's work? Is he a sculptor, a photographer, both? Explain.

2) Does Andy's work fit into the category of still life? Are his photo's interesting and engaging? Explain what catches your eye (or doesn't).

3) What do you think he's trying to say with his work?  

#11 John Batho

Go to John's webpage HERE and check out the series "Photocolore".

1) Describe John Bathos' approach to still life. What art element is he placing emphasis on in these images?

2) Now navigate down to the series "Colour Froide". Again, what stands out in how he handled still life in these photos? How did he edit these?

3) How might you apply John's style in your own work?

#10 Meatgrinder

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Option 4

1) Pick the photo that stands out to you as the strongest composition. Explain why you think it's stronger than the rest?

2) What are the two most important compositional considerations should you take into account when you're working with still life subjects?

3) How could you set up a similar situation and get similar results here in class or at home?

#9 STILL LIFE

Giorgio Morandi 

Pablo Picasso

Vermeer

Juan Gris

1) Above are a variety of historically important painters who excelled in their representation of found objects in the medium of paint. This study of objects, known as "still life", is a long standing tradition in the fine arts. Why do you think almost every artist in history (including photographers) has used still life as a study in their work?

2) Which painting is your favorite? Explain what strikes you in terms of their style and composition. 

3) What historical time-period would you place your favorite piece in? What gives you that idea?

#8 David Bayles

Go to David Bayle's website HERE and look at his series of photos titled, the "Urban Forest".

1) What types of things is David interested in depicting here in this series?

2) What is something visually / conceptually consistent in this series of photos that stands out to you?

2) What do you think David's point was when capturing these images? Was there some driving intention, or are these just strange images of trees?

#7 Smithsonian Photo Contest

1) Look through these photos HERE and pick one that stands out to you. Vote for one of the finalists below!

2) Explain what makes the photo interesting or inspiring for you to look at in terms of its subject and/or its composition.

#6 Ezra Stoller

1) Above are a series of photos from famous architectural photographer Ezra Stoller. Describe what stands out when looking at these images of the built environment in terms of composition and/or the elements and principles of design.

2) Pick your favorite image and explain why it gives you inspiration. If none of these inspire you, explain why.

3) Would these photos have the same results if they were in color? Why or why not?

#5 Andreas Gursky and Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams - Moon Over Half Dome - 1960

Ansel Adams - Jeffry Pine

Andreas Gursky - Bahrain - 1987

Andreas Gursky - Swimming Pool - 1987

1. In world of art and photography, we talk about “conventional” versus “unconventional” imagery. What’s the difference in your mind?
2. How would you describe these two photographers, conventional or unconventional? What makes them fall into those categories?
3. Pick your favorite. Describe what you like most about the photo and the artists’ depiction of the landscape in terms of composition and/or the elements and principles.

#4 Klaus Leidorf

"Remember Summertime" - Klaus Leidorf

Go HERE to see more photos.

1. What are we looking at here? Photographs, paintings? explain.
2. Pick your favorite from this collection and describe what the subject is and what's compositionally strong about the image. 
3. Describe what elements and principles you can see in the image you chose as your favorite (if you’ve forgotten what these are, look over on the wall to the right of the window).

#3 Eva Besnyo

Starnberger Street - 1931

Untitled (Vertigo #3)

1. Look at these photos by Eva Besnyo and describe what compositional technique stands out to you as the strongest in both photos.
2. Is there more than one technique that she’s working with? What other techniques or elements/principles of visual art do you notice?
3. Which piece is your favorite and why?