ARTS

ART APPRECIATION: Formal Analysis Quick Guide

Info: Artist, Title, Date, Medium, Dimensions, Iconography

Elements

• Line: horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curvilinear

o Effect: stable or dynamic; WHY?

• Shape: organic, geometric

• Color: primary, secondary, warm, cool, neutral, complementary, analogous

o Effect: mood?

• Value: high, low? Light source: actual or implied?

• Texture: actual or implied?

• Space: implied depth? Overlapping? Foreshortening?

Principles

• Balance? Symmetry?

• Unity (repetition of elements)? Variety (diversity of elements)?

• Emphasis: focal point? accents?

Analysis: what is the overall impression or effect created? Is the work realistic or

abstract? Does it create a certain mood or idea?