Children at the FSA (Farm Security Administration) Camelback Farms inspect the photographer's camera, Phoenix, Arizona Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Students should have prior knowledge of the elements of art (shape, line, texture, color, value, space).

How might art connect to history and culture? Determine what you see and what questions you might ask to…. “get the big picture” Gas ration stamps being printed, Bureau of Engraving & Printing Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

What shapes do you see?

What do you think these new shapes represent?

Where is the art element of line used?

Does the texture of the house look smooth or rough? Why?

How are these new shapes different than the others?

Who might these figures represent?

Name the colors you see.

What values do you see?

Where did the artist use overlapping shapes to show space?

Who do you think the figures are communicating with?

How do you think the figures are feeling? Are they happy, sad, or angry?

Why is this figure dressed different than the others?

Using all of the clues, make a hypothesis about what is happening in this painting.

Why do you think William H. Johnson chose this as a subject to paint?

Make another hypothesis about the setting for this picture. Is this a scene from the past, present, or future?

What title would you give to this painting?

Off to War created in 1942 by William H. Johnson - Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

How does this information confirm or change your hypothesis? Library of Congress, American Treasures Exhibit, Memory.

What makes a great work of art? Would this painting be as interesting if any of the elements of art we discussed were missing? (shape, line, texture, color, value, space) Where do artists get their ideas? In what ways do culture and experience inspire artistic expression? Understanding the Big Picture

Additional information about William H. Johnson is on the following slides.

Biography of William H. Johnson Smithsonian American Museum of Art, Artists 1#801

Other Work by Johnson Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Jitterbugs III On a John Brown flight Going to Church Sowing Training for War Blind Singer

What Were Two of William Johnson’s Favorite Subjects to Paint? Religious Subjects from Black American Culture Scenes from Black American History Does this help?

Follow-Up Art Activities 1.Paint a picture using a minimum of three art elements to depict a scene from your daily life. 2.Create a paper collage using a minimum of four art elements to depict a scene from American history. 3.Make a three dimensional sculpture utilizing all seven art elements to symbolize a family tradition or event.

How might art connect to history and culture?

National Standards for Arts Education Content Standard #5: Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others Content Standard #4 Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures