THE ART OF LOOKING AT ART: Developing a Critical Eye for Plein Air Painting
by (Mr.) Jean Stern Director Emeritus The Irvine Museum

THE ART OF LOOKING AT ART is a PowerPoint illustrated lecture that aims to familiarize the viewer with the basic tenets of representational plein air art.

Mr. Stern, a museum director and art historian with over 40 years experience, will discuss the basics of Composition, Form and Color and show examples of paintings that best represent these elements. In addition, he will define Perspective, Line and Drama, as they apply to plein air paintings.

The goal of this lecture is to familiarize art lovers with the basic tools an artist uses to paint a landscape, city view or other representational work. Moreover, the lecture is aimed at instilling confidence in the viewer toward identifying a work of art that meets the criteria of a great plein air painting.

THE ART OF LOOKING AT ART consists of 95 slides showing examples of good and bad usage of these basic art tools. The lecture lasts approximately 45 minutes, with time afterwards for questions and answers.