1. Look at the photographs and use some of these words to describe the works of art.

sculpture / sculptor

abstract/representational painting / still life / portrait / landscape

oil painting / sketch / water colour / Old Master

frame / canvas / brush / stroke / palette

intense / brilliant / subtle colours

depict / portray

2

Language Bank

Negotiating

My first choice would be the sculpture.

I really think ... Is excellent / outstanding / very original, don't you?

I couldn't agree more — I particularly like the vibrant colours/the use of ...

X is a/an brilliant/extremely talented sculptor/painter.

It's all right if you like that kind of thing, but I don't think it will appeal to everyone.

Personally, I'm not too keen on/I don't think much of abstract art.

Shouldn't we choose something that will be acceptable to a majority?

After all/I mean, most people prefer paintings they can understand.

Well, what do you think of the still-life, then?

Reporting decisions

We've decided to recommend the painting by ... All things considered, we feel that...

. Work with a partner or in groups of three. Your university has decided to buy a work of art — a painting or piece of sculpture — to display in the reception area. A committee has been set up to choose what to buy, and the four pieces in the photographs have been shortlisted. As members of the committee, you have been asked to make a final recommendation. Discuss which work of art you would like your school to buy. Give your reasons.

3. Report your decision to the rest of the class. Say if you found it easy or difficult to make your choice.

4. Discuss these questions.

1 Do you like going to art galleries?

2 Do you think 'public art' is important? Should the state support art in the community?

3 Do you like abstract art? Do you think art should always be easy to understand? Why?

4 Do you have any favourite artists? Say why you like them.

/Fast Track to CAE. Student’s Book. Alan Stanton, Susan Morris/

Presentation 2 Obligation, necessity, permission and prohibition

1. Match the pictures to the rules given below. Note that there is one extra sign.

ABCD

EFGH

Museum Etiquette #1: When you go to a museum, you are not allowed to bring any food and/or drink. You can chew a gum or a small candy, but make sure that you do not blow your bubble gum close to the art pieces. Ask permission first if they will let you do these. Museum Etiquette #2: You must not smoke inside the museum. If you must have a smoke, do it outside of the building. Cigarette smoke can damage museum pieces, especially paintings and other rare artifacts. Museum Etiquette #3: Generally, you are not permitted to take photographs or videos of the permanent collection or changing exhibitions. Sometimes, you need to obtain permissions from the Curator for any photography or video recording. But you are not allowed to use flash photography as it can also damage rare paintings.

Museum Etiquette #4: You must turn off cell phones before entering a museum. You need to remember that many museum visitors are interested in looking at the exhibits in a professional, relaxing environment.

Museum Etiquette #5: In order to preserve the collections on display, you must not touch works of art or frames. Even if the item is encased in glass, you are not allowed to touch the case. This is important, as someone has to clean up all fingerprints, as museums have standards that need to be maintained.

Museum Etiquette #6: You must not make loud noises by talking or laughing loudly, singing, whistling, etc. You are allowed to use your iPod unless you get carried away and sing along.

Museum Etiquette #7: Whether you treat your pets like your child or as a fashion accessory, whether big or small, you are not allowed to bring pets inside the art museums. /http://www.scribd.com/doc/9502672/Museum-Etiquette-What-You-Should-and-Shouldnt-Do-on-Your-Next-Museum-Visit

http://www.helium.com/knowledge/103446-museum-etiquette-how-to-behave-when-visiting-an-art-museum/