Artworks tell stories, and you can join in! Using Robert Gwathmey’s Hoeing as inspiration, we’ll walk you through the process of writing a story about what you see in this art activity. Start by taking a close look at the painting and think about the scene that you see.
Discuss with These Questions:
- Find a person that stands out to you in the painting. What are they doing?
- Describe their pose, clothing, and actions.
- How might this person be feeling?
- Select another person. Consider their pose, clothing, and actions. How might this person be feeling? Do they seem similar or different from the first person? Why?
Get Creative: Write a Story About the Subjects in Hoeing
Let’s write a short story. Grab a piece of paper and a pencil or pen and ask yourself these questions to get your story started.
- Give these people names. What do you see that made you choose their names?
- What do the poses, clothing, and actions you’ve observed reveal about these people?
- Where are these people?
- Imagine what they are thinking about right now. If they could talk to you, what would they say? What would they tell you about their lives?
- What would they say to one another?
Here’s a challenge: summarize your writing in a story with only six words!