#10 (3 of 4)

Plate #10 (3 of 4)

Topic: The Kinds and Sources of Subject in Art
Template Title: Defining the Kinds and Sources of Subject

Materials:

• 1 whole sheet of bond paper

• Pen (black or blue ink)

• Ruler

• Any coloring materials (optional)

Instructions / Activity Guide:

This activity helps you understand the different kinds of subject in art and the sources where these subjects come from. You will define each category and relate them to the artwork you analyzed in Template #8 and #9.

Step 1: KINDS AND SOURCES OF SUBJECT IN ART

Using a ruler, divide the paper vertically into two equal sections.

• Label the left side: Kinds of Subject

• Label the right side: Sources of Subject

Step 2: Write the Definitions

On the left side (Kinds of Subject), list and define the following in your own words (1–2 sentences each):

• Religious Subject – Artwork that focuses on spiritual beliefs, sacred stories, or divine beings.

• Historical Subject – Artwork that shows events or people from the past.

• Mythological Subject – Subjects taken from myths, legends, and folklore.

• Genre Subject – Scenes of everyday life and ordinary activities.

• Nature Subject – Art that highlights landscapes, animals, and natural scenery.

• Portraiture – Representation of a person or group showing identity and personality.

• Still Life – Arrangement of non-living objects such as fruits, flowers, or household items.

• Abstract Subject – Art that expresses ideas or emotions using shapes, colors, or lines rather than realistic images.

On the right side (Sources of Subject), define where these ideas usually come from:

• Religion and Faith – Inspired by sacred texts, beliefs, and spiritual traditions.

• History – Inspired by real events and important historical figures.

• Myth and Legend – Inspired by cultural stories and ancient narratives.

• Daily Life and Society – Inspired by personal experiences and social situations.

• Nature and Environment – Inspired by surroundings and the natural world.

• People and Identity – Inspired by individuals and relationships.

• Objects and Material Culture – Inspired by everyday items.

• Imagination and Emotion – Inspired by creativity, dreams, and inner feelings.

Write the explanations clearly and concisely.

Step 3: Apply It to Your Template #8 and #9 Content

Using the same artwork, song, dance, film, or creative work you analyzed before, identify:

• What kind of subject does it belong to?

• What is the source of its subject?

Write 3–5 sentences explaining your answers.

Guide Questions:

Kinds of Subject Side:

• What type of subject is shown in your artwork?

• Is it religious, historical, genre, nature, abstract, etc.?

•  

Sources of Subject Side:

• Where did the idea come from?

• Is it inspired by religion, history, personal experience, imagination, or nature?

Step 4: Identify the Contents and Themes

Below your two columns, answer the following:

What are the Contents?

• What do you actually see or hear in the artwork?

• Who or what is present?

• What is happening?

Write 2–4 sentences describing the visible or audible details.

What are the Themes?

• What deeper message or meaning does the artwork express?

• What ideas, emotions, or values are communicated?

Write 2–4 sentences explaining the main theme and supporting ideas.

Step 5: Organize and Design

• Keep your layout neat and balanced.

• You may underline important words or highlight key terms.

• Make sure your explanations are clear and directly related to your chosen artwork.

Reminder:

Kinds of Subject refer to what type of subject is shown in the artwork.
Sources of Subject refer to where the idea or inspiration came from.
Contents are the details you can see or hear.
Themes are the deeper meaning or message.

Clarity of explanation is more important than decoration.

Enjoy!