Famous Paintings as Writing Prompts

A ten minute writing exercise

Pictures make excellent writing prompts. They can be the spark that ignites creative thought but what if that picture is known the world over? How does the writer divorce themselves by what is known or perceived to be depicted and move to their own original interpretation or perspective. The purpose of this exercise is to help the writer develop creativity, to encourage writers to step away from the obvious.

Write a piece based on one of the following famous paintings. It might be:

• A piece inspired by the painting. That is, use the painting as a writing prompt. (This is the easiest option – I challenge you to choose another.)
• Your version of the backstory to the subject depicted in the painting. That is, the painting is the end, not the beginning of the story.
• A description of the emotion conveyed in the painting. Use words that show rather than tell what the emotion is.

The Scream by Edvard Munch,
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

American Gothic by Grant Wood,
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat,
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Astronomer by Johannes Vermeer,
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Here’s my attempt:

I chose American Gothic and decided to write the backstory to the subject depicted in the painting. That is, the painting is the end, not the beginning of the story.

“It’s as if progressives are from another country.” Adeline was shaken and consumed by the shame of it. Composure was everything.

“We have dealt with it, Wife.” Henry was steadfast in his resolve, his face a matter-of-fact blank canvas.

Adeline must draw her strength from him, as she had always done. But she could feel the fractures, the holes through which the devil’s emotions might seep. “Is there no alternative?” She looked up at Henry and met his displeasure in but the mere glint of an eye. His features had long been moulded into the locked door they were now.

The dogs were restless too. They scampered about, one yelping, looking at Henry and Adeline, then to the path outside the gate and back again.

“Henry?” Adeline surrendered to the ache within.

“Enough!” He thumped the handle of his pitchfork on the ground. His word was law.

Adeline stood beside him, fighting to regain calm, and together they watched as their son walked away with the offending iPhone in his hand.

…………

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