Art

Description

Using

the color copy of a painting (see image files below), describe and analyze your chosen work of art. Your paper will consist of two sections. The first is a description of the work using only the elements asdiscussed in class, in your text, and in the “Elements” handout. Use the list you received in class as a reference for the type of questions you should be answering for the description. Discuss all elements even if they appear not to be present in the work,for example: “The element of line is not important to this work”. You may use a 0-5 scale of the importance of that element in addition to your description.

For the analysis segment, use the ideas presented in class and your own perceptions, combined with evidence from the elements, to analyze your response to the work. This should be an extensive visual analysis and description: a minimum of 1 sentence for each element and principle, one paragraph(minimum) for your analysis. There is no specific right answer for the analysis, just make sure you base your ideas on what is visually present according to the elements as discussed in class. (For example: “The use of line in the shapes separates the shapes from the background and isolates them, creating a feeling of loneliness”, “ The use of dark valued, low intensity colors creates a feeling of calm, almost sadness”)

Do not use the images, figures, subject or content of the work to get an analysis. Use only the visual qualities of the work.

You can either combine the description with the analysis per paragraph, or do all the description in one section and then analysis later…I think this is easier as several elements may combine for the same visual effects. You can include a copy of the image in your journal, with written notations and descriptions, as part of your journal entry.

Use the list provided in class to clarify your ideas and help with vocabulary.

Do not do any other research on the work other than what you can see in the reproduction.

Minimum: 1 page, typewritten.

Elements:

Line

Shape

Value

Color

Space

Proportion/Scale

Give a brief description of the composition using:

Balance

Emphasis

Unity

Movement

Describe the general “shape” of the composition.

Analysis: statement about your emotional OR intellectual “response” to the work.