Genres in Painting

By Alyson Moses, Curator of Education and Capitol Galleries

In today?s society, we are constantly exposed to art in everyday life through music, movies, television, and computers. Even our phones give us the ability to look at, listen to, and share art. Where art was once a luxury only afforded by the wealthy, today anyone can access the arts at any time. With the increased access to the arts comes an increased responsibility for educators to train their students in how to understand and interpret the arts.

Art is already enjoyable for most students. But, what other value can be found besides enjoyment if the students truly observe and understand the art? Students who learn the basics of art appreciation are able to develop informed critical observation and analytical thinking skills. Through exploring a variety of aesthetic concepts, students develop an understanding of the creative process in its individual historical context, which progresses beyond the obvious and superficial survey of art work.

When students learn about art, they are exposed to information related to art such as titles, artist names, artistic vocabulary and meanings, artistic movements and their relationship to broader historical and social trends. This is key cultural knowledge that our students need to be culturally literate. In addition, art acting as an illustration of history is often a key component for the comprehension of a visual learner.

The Council's Teaching with Capitol Art resources offer educators tools to teach their students important lessons of Oklahoma?s history while simultaneously laying a foundation for art literacy and appreciation. For example, Genres in Painting is a lesson that explores several works in the Capitol Art Collection and teaches students about the various genres for how they are categorized. Landscapes, history paintings, and portraits make up the paintings in the Capitol Art Collection and knowing their genres reveals another layer of understanding to be explored. Students can look at a painting such as President Teddy Roosevelt Signing the Statehood Proclamation and not only visualize an event of historical significance, but also identify the genre of painting, subject matter, and the significance the painting serves in a collection.

The resources included in Teaching with Capitol Art are designed to offer a deeper understanding of both art and history. Further, cultural literacy such as an understanding of symbolism, style, iconography, and principles of design is expounded upon. We encourage you to use these resources in your history classrooms as well as your art classrooms.

For more information, contact Alyson at alyson.moses@arts.ok.gov or (405)-2020.