How does the color scheme reflect the paintings title?
Finally, ask students to focus on the woman’s expression. What does she appear to be doing? Students may note that the woman appears to be in serious contemplation, or listening attentively to a conversation. The expression on her face, as well as her body language, conveys a sense of a young woman with an active intellect. Her red dress not only suggests the flowering of youth and beautywhich is confirmed by the painting’s titlebut also communicates a sense of action and movement. This action comes across in the painting despite the figure’s seated position, by being coupled with her facial expression, which conveys a sense of the active intellect that lies behind her eyes. Finally, have students view: • Kees van Dongen’s Saida from the The National Gallery of Art Working in the same small groups, have students discuss the tone and mood of this painting implied through the use of color. • What is the mood or tone of this image? • How does the artist’s choice of color affect this work?
