How to describe a painting

Here is a quick guide to start describing a painting.

1. Make a list of all the words you might need to describe a painting: colours, shapes, adjectives.

2.Introduce the work you are going to describe, e.g. "My favourite painting is one of the Water Lilies by Monet."

3. Describe the scene you see on the painting using the Present Continuous.     "There is a woman reading a book and children playing in the background".

4. Remember some useful prepositions that will help you to locate objects in the picture:
At the top/bottom of the picture ...
In the middle of the picture ...
On the left/right of the picture ...
next to
in front of
behind
near
on top of
under

5. Say something about the style.
Its style is shiny/modern/traditional/abstract/realistic... . 
 
6. Round up with a personal opinion on the painting.
The atmosphere is peaceful/depressing/lively/cheerful...

I (don't) like the picture because ...

It makes me think of ...