Close-Looking Immersion: Glackens’s Beach at Dieppe
Wednesday, October 21, 1 – 2pm
William Glackens. Beach at Dieppe (detail), 1906. The Barnes Foundation, BF562
$40; members $36
About the Class
What becomes visible when we slow down and spend sustained time with a single work of art?
In this hour-long online session, we’ll focus on William Glackens’s Beach at Dieppe. Using the Barnes’s Visual Experience Platform (VXP), we’ll zoom in on all the little details to better understand how Glackens captured the windswept feeling of a day at the beach.
Through the Barnes Method and collaborative discussion, we’ll explore how careful looking can sharpen perception, deepen curiosity, and reveal unexpected connections within a single work of art. Whether you are new to art history or a seasoned museum visitor, this session offers an opportunity to experience looking as an active and reflective practice.
The class is online-only. More about online classes.
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- Sharpen your observational and critical thinking skills.
- Improve your ability to communicate about art.
- Deepen your appreciation for cultures and histories outside your own.
Instructor
William Perthes
Perthes is curator of community vitality at the Barnes, where he develops and expands programs that connect art with diverse fields and communities to promote equity, inclusion, and human thriving. He is the author of “The Barnes Method,” featured in the recently published The Barnes: Then and Now.
Barnes Method
Barnes Method courses follow the teachings of Albert Barnes and Violette de Mazia. Classes focus on rigorous formal analysis and direct visual engagement with works of art. In this method, close looking at art helps build critical-thinking skills that can be carried beyond the gallery walls.
What Students Are Saying
“Loved hearing both the instructor and students’ comments on the painting. It helped me to see things that I normally may not take note of.” —Close-Looking Immersion: Cezanne’s Ginger Jar with Bill Perthes
“Very helpful that Kaelin gave a quick summary of the Barnes Method before giving us time to review the painting.” —Close-Looking Immersion: Rousseau’s Scouts Attached by a Tiger with Kaelin Jewell
“I continue to learn more about the art techniques and intent of the painters during every session I attend. Really enjoy the process and tools during the sessions.” —Close-Looking Immersion: Manet’s Laundry with Bill Perthes
Go Further
The Art of Light
Discover how light shapes meaning in this self-paced online course. Explore its role in composition, mood, and symbolism through guided close looking.
Close-Looking Immersion: Demuth’s Piano Mover’s Holiday
Using a meditative approach, this hour-long session offers an in-depth look at Demuth’s precise technique. Instructor: Kaelin Jewell
The Language of Painting
Discover how artists use color, light, line, and space in this one‑day, on‑site workshop. Instructor: Kaelin Jewell