Visual Arts
What is a portrait?
A painting of a person, usually showing face and shoulders.
What is Impressionism?
This style focuses on light and movement; Monet was a key artist
Who is Marc Chagall?
The famous artist from Vitebsk known for “Above the Town”.
What is an artist?
A person who creates art, e.g., a painter or sculptor.
A phrase to politely say you don’t like a piece of modern art.
Possible answers: “It’s not really my cup of tea.” / “I don’t quite get it.” / “It’s not to my taste.” / “It doesn’t appeal to me.”
What is a landscape?
A genre that depicts natural scenery like mountains, forests, or fields.
What is abstract art?
Art that does not attempt to represent reality; focuses on shapes and colours.
What is Minsk?
The National Art Museum is located in this city.
What is an art gallery or museum?
The place where art is displayed for the public.
Express strong admiration for a painting you saw. Use at least two adjectives.
“I’m absolutely speechless! This painting is so powerful and moving. The colours are breathtaking and the composition is stunning. It’s truly a masterpiece!”
Name three painting techniques mentioned in the textbook.
watercolour, oil painting, acrylic, fresco, tempera, gouache.
What is surrealism? Give one example from the textbook or culture.
Surrealism is an artistic movement that explores the unconscious mind, dreams, and fantastical imagery. Artists aimed to combine reality with imagination. An example from culture is Salvador Dalí’s “The Persistence of Memory” with its melting clocks, or Marc Chagall’s dreamlike scenes of Vitebsk.
Name one Belarusian writer whose works are considered part of literary art.
Yakub Kolas, Yanka Kupala, Uladzimir Karatkevich, Vasil Bykov, Svetlana Alexievich.
Give a synonym for “a very beautiful piece of art” — master...
What is a masterpiece?
Invite a friend to an art exhibition. Give two reasons.
Hey, there’s a new art exhibition opening this weekend at the National Gallery. You should come with me! First, they have works by Marc Chagall — I know you love his dreamlike style. And second, there’s an interactive section where you can try painting yourself. It’ll be fun — let’s go together!”
Describe the difference between watercolour and oil painting.
Watercolour is a water-based medium that creates transparent, light layers and dries quickly. Oil painting uses pigments mixed with oil, which dries slowly, allows for blending, and creates rich, textured colours. Watercolours are often used for sketches and delicate works, while oil paints are preferred for large canvases and detailed realistic paintings.
Explain why portrait painting was so important in the 17th century.
Portrait painting was important in the 17th century because it was a way to show wealth, power, and social status. Rich families and royalty commissioned portraits to display their importance. Also, before photography, portraits were the only way to preserve someone’s appearance for future generations. Artists like Rembrandt and Van Dyck became famous for their portrait skills.
Describe one traditional Belarusian craft (e.g., straw weaving, linen embroidery). Why is it valuable?
One traditional Belarusian craft is straw weaving (саломапляценне). Artisans create beautiful decorative items, birds, hats, and even jewellery from straw. This craft is valuable because it preserves our cultural heritage — it connects us to our ancestors who used natural materials in their daily lives. Also, it shows the skill and patience of Belarusian craftspeople. Today, straw weaving is recognised as an intangible cultural heritage.
Use three words in a story: canvas, brushstroke, exhibition.
Last weekend I visited an exhibition of modern art. One painting caught my eye — the artist used thick, energetic brushstrokes on a huge canvas. Every brushstroke seemed to tell a story. The whole exhibition was inspiring, but that painting was a true work of art.
Why do people go to art galleries? Mention 2 reasons.
People go to art galleries for several reasons. First, to get inspiration — seeing original works up close can spark creativity and new ideas. Second, for education and culture — galleries help people learn about history, different cultures, and artistic techniques. Also, many people visit galleries to relax and enjoy the beauty of art in a calm atmosphere.
ou are describing your favourite painting from the textbook. Use at least 3 vocabulary items from Unit 5.
My favourite painting from the textbook is “The Starry Night” by Van Gogh. I love the brushstroke technique — it’s so expressive and dynamic. The canvas is filled with swirling colours — deep blues and bright yellows. This masterpiece shows the beauty of nature and emotion combined. It’s definitely a work of art that inspires me.
Communicative: Agree or disagree: “Abstract art is not real art.” Provide 2 arguments.
I disagree that abstract art is not real art. First, art is about expressing emotions and ideas, not just representing reality. Abstract art uses colour, shape, and form to convey feelings that words cannot express. Second, abstract art requires skill and intention — artists like Kandinsky spent years developing their techniques. Just because something isn’t realistic doesn’t mean it isn’t meaningful.
You are a guide at the National Art Museum of Belarus. Present one painting by a Belarusian artist in 30 seconds.
Welcome to the National Art Museum of Belarus! Let me show you a famous painting — “Portrait of the Unknown Woman” by Semyon Zaryanko. This realistic portrait from the 19th century shows a young woman in traditional dress. The artist paid amazing attention to detail — look at the texture of the fabric and the gentle expression on her face. This painting represents the beauty and dignity of Belarusian women. Thank you for listening!
Explain the difference between “a work of art” and “a masterpiece” in your own words.
A work of art” is any creative piece that has artistic value — it can be a painting, sculpture, photograph, or even a performance. It’s a general term for something made by an artist. “A masterpiece” is a special kind of work of art — it’s the best piece an artist ever created, something exceptional that shows their highest skill and is often recognised by many people as outstanding. So, every masterpiece is a work of art, but not every work of art is a masterpiece.
“Graffiti is vandalism, not art.” Give a counterargument in 3 sentences.
I believe graffiti can be art, not just vandalism. First, many graffiti artists have incredible skill — they create complex compositions and use colour and form like traditional painters. Second, when graffiti is done legally with permission, it can beautify urban spaces and express community identity. Just like any art form, it’s about the intention and context — street art has become respected in museums worldwide.