When Art Speaks

In this activity, you will:

• explore how artists use creative choices to tell stories, share ideas, and express emotions
• create an artwork that shares something important about who you are, what you think, or what you care about
• share your artwork and explain how it represents your unique perspective

• Sketching paper
• Markers
• Colored pencils

Think Like an Artist

When artists draw, paint, photograph, or sculpt, they’re doing more than creating art. They’re also communicating ideas and feelings. This is called artistic interpretation, when artists make creative choices to share their point of view and help others see the world from a different perspective. They may be inspired by personal experiences, important issues, or current events.

Write or discuss the answers to the following questions:

• What kinds of messages might artists share about themselves or the world around them through their art?
• Why do you think artists choose to express themselves through art?

Now It’s Your Turn to Create

Apply the idea of artistic interpretation by turning an everyday object into a personal work of art.

Think of an everyday object: Choose something familiar, like a backpack, water bottle, pair of shoes, or hoodie.

Reimagine it: Think about how you might transform the object so that it represents something about your personality, interests, or what you care about.

Use artistic techniques: Draw or paint the reimagined object, then apply shading, interesting brushwork, color blending, or texture to bring your message to life.

Share Your Art and Message

In small groups or as a whole class, take turns sharing your artwork and answering the following questions:

• What everyday object did you choose, and what artistic choices did you make to transform it?
• What story, idea, or feeling did you communicate through your artwork?
• What did you hope people would understand, think, or feel when they viewed your artwork?

Optional Activity: Gallery Walk

Turn your classroom into an art gallery by displaying everyone's art around the room. Then take a gallery walk, just like visitors do at the Getty Museum.

How an artist makes creative choices to show a specific message or emotion.

Making parts of an artwork darker or lighter to show light and shadow.

Mixing colors carefully so one color smoothly changes into another.

The way something feels, or looks like it would feel, such as rough, soft, or smooth.