Do you want to play a little game? I think it will be fun. I found some art that shows either a sunset or a sunrise. Without knowing the artist’s intention, can you tell if the image is a sunrise or a sunset? The titles of the art works are listed at the end of this post so you can check to how you did!
Here are some questions to think about as you look at each image:
✨ Is this image showing a beginning or ending? Are sunsets the ending of the day or as the beginning of the night? Alternatively, are sunrises the ending of night or beginning of day?
🎉 Is the artwork exciting or calming? How would you describe the ~energy~ of a sunset or sunrise? What atmosphere do they create? How do they make you feel?
🌈 What do the colors tell you? What colors do you associate with sunsets and sunrises? What colors are comforting and warm? What colors are stark and aggressive?
📖 What story does this art tell? Who is telling the story? What is important about the story? Who would benefit from hearing this story?
🔍 What do you immediately focus on? What captures your attention first? Why does this feature stand out? Where does your eye go next?
🤝 What supports the focal point? What is happening in the background? Who is there? Can you identify five different things in the image? Can you notice ten different things?
🧠 What information are you receiving from the image? What is the most meaningful message?
Ok, take a look at the works of art and listen to what they have to say! Remember, you’re trying to decide if the art is showing a sunrise or sunset.
[scroll down for art information]
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- Sunset over Staffelsee | Gabriele Münter | 1908-1911 | oil on cardboard | 33 x 40.6 cm
- California Sunset | Kate White Newhall | 1917 | oil on panel | 5 1/8″ X 7.5 cm
- Oak at Sunset | Marion Kavanaugh Wachtel | watercolor on paper | 50.8 x 840.64 cm.
- A Fantastic Sunset | Alma Thomas | 1970 | acrylic on canvas | 121.9 x 121.9 cm
- Sunrise | Aliye Berger | 1954 | unknown materials or dimensions
- Light Coming on the Plains No. I | Georgia O’Keeffe | watercolor on newsprint paper | 30.12 x 22.54 cm
- Light Coming on the Plains No. II | Georgia O’Keeffe | watercolor on newsprint paper | 30.12 x 22.54 cm
- Light Coming on the Plains No. III | Georgia O’Keeffe | watercolor on newsprint paper | 30.12 x 22.54 cm
- Sunset and Concrete Dock | Jennifer Bartlett | 1984 | concrete | 7 x 152.4 x 76.2 cm
- Sunset | Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian | 2015 | mirror and reverse-glass painting on plaster and wood | 130 x 100 cm
- Sunrise | Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian | 2015 | mirror and reverse-glass painting on plaster and wood | 130 x 100 cm