Process
Step 1: Print off a copy of the Progress Checklist and the Artwork Analysis Worksheet.
Aunt Mona likes organization.
Step 2: View the artwork examples below and choose one that you will analyze.
The artwork has been assembled in Aunt Mona's parlor for viewing below.
Step 3: Begin filling out your Artwork Analysis Worksheet. Links are provided to help you find necessary information.
Aunt Mona will appreciate this process you are going through.
Description
In this stage, you will describe what you see.
- What is the name of the artist who created the artwork?
- What kind of an artwork is it?
- What is the name of the artwork?
- When was this artwork created?
- Name some other major events, inventions or developments in history that occurred during the same time this artwork was created.
- List all the literal objects you see in the composition (trees, people, animals, shapes mountains, rivers, etc.).
- Consider the significant art elements that are present in this artwork and describe them (All elements might not be used):
line
shape
form
space
texture
color
value
Analysis
In this stage, discuss how the artist manipulated the art elements to create the following principles. (All principles might not be used.)
balance
proportion
unity
contrast
variety
emphasis
rhythm
pattern
Interpretation
In this stage, interpret the artwork based on what you have learned so far.
- What do you think the artist was trying to say?
- Why did the artist create this artwork?
- What do you think it means?
- What feelings do you have when looking at this artwork?
- Do you think there are things in the artwork that represent other things - symbols? What?
Evaluation
In this stage, you will place your personal judgement on the artwork based upon what you have learned. Make sure to justify your opinions.
- Do you like this artwork? Why?
- Do you think it is a good artwork? Why?
- Do think it is an important artwork? Why?
- Would display this artwork in your home? Is this artwork good enough to put in a museum? Why?
Step 4: Written Critique
After completing the research in step 3, you will write a four paragraph critique about the artwork using the information you learned. Each paragraph will cover the four stages as follows:
- 1st paragraph: Describe the artwork
- 2nd paragraph: Analyze the artwork
- 3rd paragraph: Interpret the artwork
- 4th paragraph: Make a judgment about the artwork and back it up with good information.