A family is in a stable with a newborn child.

Adoration of the Shepherds
by Nicolaes Maes

Digital image courtesy of the
Getty’s Open Content Program

Question
Which of the following is present in this painting?

(1 point)
Responses

mostly warm, bright oranges and reds
mostly warm, bright oranges and reds

tactile texture the viewer can feel
tactile texture the viewer can feel

contrast in value between light and dark
contrast in value between light and dark

radical balance from the painting’s center
radical balance from the painting’s center

11 answers

In "Adoration of the Shepherds" by Nicolaes Maes, the most prominent feature is likely the contrast in value between light and dark. This is typical in paintings from this period, especially in scenes involving the divine or religious themes, where the use of chiaroscuro (the contrast between light and shadow) is employed to highlight figures and create a dramatic effect.

While the painting may feature warm colors and textures, the strong contrast in value is a defining characteristic that aligns with the style of the work. Therefore, the best response would be:

contrast in value between light and dark.

A sailboat sits on a river with a bridge nearby.
The Bridge at Argenteuil
by Claude Monet

Courtesy National Gallery of Art,
Washington

Question
How did the artist create interesting textures in this image?
(1 point)
Responses

by experimenting with various brushstrokes
by experimenting with various brushstrokes

by using only one color
by using only one color

by concentrating on negative space
by concentrating on negative space

by using no value changes
by using no value changes

The artist, Claude Monet, created interesting textures in "The Bridge at Argenteuil" by experimenting with various brushstrokes. Monet is well-known for his distinctive brushwork, which often includes a variety of techniques to capture the effects of light and movement in nature. This approach contributes to the overall texture and impressionistic quality of his paintings.

Therefore, the correct response is:

by experimenting with various brushstrokes.

An older man reclines with one arm raised.

Reclining Old Man
by Georges Lallemant

Digital image courtesy of the Getty’s
Open Content Program

Question
How did the artist most likely create this drawing?
(1 point)
Responses

by doing no previous figure drawing
by doing no previous figure drawing

by investigating various poses of the human body
by investigating various poses of the human body

by choosing to stay with typical poses
by choosing to stay with typical poses

by using no value changes or textures
by using no value changes or textures

The artist Georges Lallemant most likely created "Reclining Old Man" by investigating various poses of the human body. Artists typically study human anatomy and different poses to convey realism and depth in their work, especially in drawing. This investigation allows for a more accurate representation of figures in various positions.

Thus, the correct response would be:

by investigating various poses of the human body.

A busy city street has many people crowded on it.
A View of Muhlendamm
by Johann Friedrich Stock

Courtesy National Gallery of Art,
Washington

Question
Which of the following elements and principles are not shown in this art piece?
(1 point)
Responses

line and texture
line and texture

harmony
harmony

geometric shape
geometric shape

analogous colors
analogous colors

In the artwork "A View of Muhlendamm" by Johann Friedrich Stock, if we are determining which element or principle is not shown, we should consider the common characteristics of busy city scenes.

  1. Line and texture are typically present in such works to depict streets, buildings, and the movement of people.
  2. Harmony can often be found in the composition of a busy scene where different elements work together.
  3. Geometric shape is often evident in architectural structures and the organization of space in urban scenes.
  4. Analogous colors, which are colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, may not be as prominently featured in a busy, vibrant scene with many diverse colors.

Thus, the best response might be that analogous colors are not shown as prominently in this type of painting, as the surrounding city life often includes a wider range of colors.

Therefore, the correct response is:

analogous colors.

How should you properly care for your brushes?
(1 point)
Responses

Wash them thoroughly and store them with the bristles up.
Wash them thoroughly and store them with the bristles up.

Rinse them in hot water and rub dry between two paper towels.
Rinse them in hot water and rub dry between two paper towels.

Scrub them vigorously under cold water and store them with the bristles down.
Scrub them vigorously under cold water and store them with the bristles down.

Soak them in clean water and then dab them dry with a paper towel.
Soak them in clean water and then dab them dry with a paper towel.

To properly care for your brushes, the best response is:

Wash them thoroughly and store them with the bristles up.

This ensures that any paint or medium is completely removed, prevents damage to the bristles, and helps maintain their shape over time. Storing them with the bristles up also avoids any pressure on the bristle heads that could cause them to splay or become misshapen.

A landscape scene has fields of hay, cows, and people.
Haystacks in Brittany
by Paul Gauguin

Courtesy National Gallery of Art,
Washington

Question
This artist most obviously showed experimentation through his use of
(1 point)
Responses

perspective.
perspective.

texture.
texture.

color.
color.

line.
line.

In "Haystacks in Brittany" by Paul Gauguin, the artist most obviously showed experimentation through his use of color. Gauguin is known for his bold and unconventional use of color, often employing vivid hues to express mood and emotion rather than to represent reality accurately. This approach often characterizes his work and illustrates his interest in color as a means of expression.

Therefore, the correct response is:

color.