The Builders, The Family

How to “Read” Art

1. Scan for First Impressions2. Close Reading: Examine a Focal Point3. Ask Questions: Interpret Details4. Analyze Artistic Technique5. Analyze Subject Matter6. Put It All Together

First Impressions

• Strong vertical lines; family is in a triangle with workers arched around them

• Vivid colors; blue predominates, red and yellow are accenting colors

• Tools are distinguishable and in use.• Picture is active; family is moving; builders are

in action, working• The father is central to the picture, in black,

tallest, gripping wife and child.

Close Reading

• All the lines of the picture are moving skyward; the boards are vertical and jagged and create an arch around the family as well as thrust upward

• One of the builders is climbing, another is reaching upward

• The family is arranged in a triangle so the tallest point, the father, creates an apex

Ask Questions

• Why has Lawrence included the builders with the family?

• Why is the picture called The Builders rather than Family on a Walk?

• How do the colors picture pull together and separate the builders and the family?

• Why is the picture so geometric, with vertical and horizontal lines, squares and rectangles?

Artistic Techniques

• Sharp vertical lines; vivid colors with no shading

• Shapes are rough, geometrical; little detail in drawing facial features, though faces seem to be smiling

Subject Matter

• The title makes the picture seem to be about the builders, but the family is at the center of t he painting. The link between the family and the builders seems to be that the builders form an arch around the family and their building and the family’s movement suggests they are both working together, moving forward and building upward to make things better. The vibrant colors and positive facial expressions also reinforce the positive feel of the picture.

Putting it all together

• Write a topic sentence that answers one of your questions about looking at the art. Then write a paragraph where you support your statement with evidence from the work.

• Ex. Topic Sentence: Because the picture represents how parents can build a better future for their children, the picture is called The Builders rather than Family on a Walk.

This is a Family Living in Harlem

Compare and Contrast

This is a Family Living in HarlemThe Builders, The Family

BOTH(compare)

Use the Venn Diagram to compare the two works of art.

UNIQUE QUALITIESSUBJECT 2

UNIQUE QUALITIESSUBJECT 1

Compare/Contrast