One theoretical model for understanding the visual event suggests that a visual event has both a surface (descriptive) and a deeper (experience) level of understanding. Both levels are needed to comprehend and appreciate images, with each level affecting the other. A person's perspective is an important part of the visual event, which depends upon personal background, the actual visual event experience (amount of involvement, sensations, effects), and the reflection afterward. Perception of structure and elements also influences and is influenced by the individual's background, the experience of the "seeing," and the reflection upon that "seeing" experience. This model is still incomplete, and the necessary supportive empirical evidence may be difficult to obtain until more is known from research efforts in related fields. Students should be taught that seeing a visual event is more than a data collection process. By using mental images, exploring intuition, and examining their visual perceptions, students can find a deeper level of understanding as a basis for concept formation and thought. This paper includes 50 references. (Author/LMM)