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Discover Art Through a New Lens

Make Your Own ArtLifting Viewfinder

Create your own viewfinder and uncover colors, patterns, textures, and details you may have missed before.

What Is a Viewfinder?

A viewfinder is a simple tool artists use to focus on one small section of an artwork at a time. Looking through a frame can help you notice details, colors, shapes, and patterns you may have missed before.

How to Make Your Viewfinder

Step 1: Get Your Supplies

You’ll need paper or cardboard, scissors, tape or glue, and something to decorate with.

Step 2: Cut Out a Frame

Cut a square or rectangle out of the middle of your paper.

Step 3: Decorate It

Add color, patterns, stickers, or drawings to make it your own.

Step 4: Choose Artwork

Pick an ArtLifting artwork to look at.

Step 5: Look Through Your Viewfinder

Hold it over the artwork and move it around slowly.

Step 6: Notice the Details

Look for colors, shapes, lines, textures, and patterns you didn’t see before.

Reflection Questions

Take a moment to reflect on what you discovered.

    • What detail did you notice that you hadn't seen before?
    • How did the artwork change when you focused on only one section?
    • What colors appeared most often within your frame?
    • What emotions or memories did that section evoke?
    • If the section you framed were its own artwork, what title would you give it?