Many people think of art in terms of the works that are found in galleries and museums. Art is not just in museums and galleries. It is also in films, shows, advertisements, parks, squares, etc. Art is essential to the human experience. Analyzing artworks is a great way to enjoy art more.
Art analysis can be intimidating and confusing for many students. Art analysis is a concept that some students think about when they are attempting to explain what art is. Some students think art analysis is writing a description essay of an artwork. Art analysis is more than just describing an artwork and expressing an opinion. Art analysis is the process of examining visual elements in an artwork and determining how they elicit a reaction from the viewer.
What is Art Analysis?
Art analysis is the act of analyzing a work of art. Art analysis can take many forms. One of them is formal. Formal analysis examines the visual elements of an artwork. elements are similar to those of a story. These are the elements that you can actually see. Ask yourself questions when you look at these elements. These include:
- Tint. It is the color that you can actually see. What colors are they? What are these colors? Colors that are similar or opposite each other?
- Making up. The arrangement of objects or figures is referred to as composition. They are they organized? Are they arranged in an orderly manner? Are there some figures or objects that are larger than others? Do they seem closer or further?
- Strip. Line can be defined as actual lines you can see, or lines suggested by objects and figures. A pillar can serve as an actual or suggested line. What lines are you able to see? What lines do you see? These lines are pointing or leading you somewhere.
- Form. As with lines, art also features actual and implied shapes. What shapes can you identify? What shapes do you see?
- Feel. Texture is the characteristic of surfaces. What about hard textures? What about the hard textures? Are they smooth, rough or both?
- The Final Frontier . The space around objects and figures is also called the "space". In the example above, the negative space between two figures is defined as the space in-between. Is the work filled with positive space? Do you see more negative space than positive? Does it seem crowded?
- Shadow and light. These elements refers to how a piece presents light. Is it bright? Is it bright or dark? Does there seem to be a stark contrast between shadow and light? What direction does the light come from?
Design principles are also important to consider. The principles of design are the conceptualization of the artwork. Principles of design also refers to the effects created by the elements. You can observe the three main principles of balance, proportion,and movement. Ask yourself questions again when you examine these.
- Equilibrium . The balance of an art piece is determined by the distribution and weight. Is it heavier on the one side of the artwork or evenly distributed weight? Does the arrangement of figures seem symmetrical to you?
- Ratio. The proportion is the relationship between weight and size of objects and figures. Are they realistic? Are some figures being made larger or heavier to give them more prominence?
- Travel. Lines are often used to suggest movement. If a flag is billowing, it could be interpreted as wind. Do the figures or objects seem to be moving? Or are they static? You may feel either sluggish or energetic when looking at the artwork.
Here are some elements and principles to consider when analyzing an artwork.
Visual characteristics are the focus of formal analysis. You will not be asked about the meaning of the piece; rather, you'll be asked how you feel when you look at it or its effect on you.
Write the formal analysis
Not all principles and elements apply to artworks. In most cases, you'll only be able examine a small number of them. This will enable you to develop a specific claim which you can better defend. Analyzing a large number of visual characteristics simultaneously can lead to a paper that is incoherent. To help you with your essay, follow the steps listed below.
- Examine artwork. When writing a formal analytical report, you should first examine each element and principle. Examine the artwork closely. Identify formal elements. Ask yourself questions. What are your most distinctive characteristics? What colors would you use to describe them? How would the colors be described?
- Consider how the work of art affects you. Consider how the elements will impact the work, and yourself as a viewer. Does it look balanced or off-balance? Do you feel calmer or more anxious when looking at it? What figures catch your eye? What emotions do you get from the elements? What are you feeling?
- Write down your thesis. After you've thoroughly read the piece and considered the effects of the elements on you, it is time to create a coherent thesis statement. You need to be able to create a concise thesis that represents your main claim.
- Expand the thesis When you've formulated your claim, expand it to explain how the principles and elements you identified can create effects you as a spectator can feel or sense. Discuss each element or principle separately and then tie everything together at the conclusion.
- Write a conclusion Always end your paper with an effective conclusion paragraph. Then, summarize what you have discussed.
It is useful to write formal analysis as if it were a cause-and effect essay.
Note. The causes and effects of an artwork are determined by the elements, principles and their effect on you.
It is your job to explain how the characteristics of the artwork relate to its effect. This assignment will be easier if you have a good understanding of the structure and content of a cause-and-effect essay.
The Process of Gianlorenzo Bernardini's Apollo & Daphne
We will use an example to help us better understand the formal analysis. Gianlorenzo bernini's marble sculpture Apollo & Daphne is shown below. The sculpture depicts Daphne, a nymph who turns into a Laurel Tree to escape Apollo.
Art analysis begins with the specifics of the artwork. Tell the reader what type of art is being discussed (paintings, sculptures, etc.). What is the artist's name, the date it was made, any background information, and what other descriptions you could give about the art?
Line and directionality are the two most important characteristics. These features allow viewers to appreciate the story that the artwork tells, as well as give the piece a sense that it is moving in a chaotic way.
Lines convey the story and create rising action
The sculpture's most striking feature is the way the lines are arranged in a curved pattern that draws the eye upwards from the bottom right (Apollo's toes) towards the top left (Daphne's arms). The lines of the sculpture are sinuous and smooth. The lines are what tell the story. The myth says that Apollo was chasing Daphne at the time she prayed for her father's help, a river-god. Before Apollo could catch up with her, Daphne turned into a fig tree.
The viewer can see Apollo in the beginning, followed by Daphne the human, and finally the first part of Daphne turning into a branch.
Lines help us to understand the chronological order of events because we see Apollo chasing Daphne and Daphne running. The upward curve creates a feeling of rising motion, rather than a downward one that would be more indicative of falling action.
In some art analysis, lines are used to direct the viewer's attention toward a particular point. The arrows are used to help people better understand the observation.
Conveys Movements Direction
The work's directionality also contributes to the impression of movement. Apollo's left leg, on the other hand, is behind him and hanging in mid-air. In contrast, his left foot is in the air and behind him. Apollo's body weight is not evenly distributed, so he appears to be running.
Daphne has a strange center of gravitation, even though she is in a static position. She appears to be tilting forward. The tree bark that covers the legs is all that prevents her from tumbling. Daphne spreads her hair out at the top like she's suddenly turned around. Apollo's wrapping billows in the background. The sculpture's bodies and other elements are arranged in a way that creates an impression of movement.
Besides lines, arrows that point in the direction of movement can help viewers better understand what is being said. An art analysis that is well-written should discuss the smallest details and encourage the reader to think critically about the artist's intention.
Writing about Art? Here's a Tip
This is a sample formal analysis. It should provide you with some insights into the process. Art analysis is a process that can be made easier by learning the basic principles. The building blocks of your art analysis will be to examine the elements in the work of arts and design principles. You will learn to describe art and understand how it affects you over time.