art for American Tutor

ART 1223, Art Survey Southwestern Oklahoma State University Formal Analysis Handout The visual analysis of artistic form. form 1. In art, an object’s shape and structure, either in two dimensions (for example, a figure painted

on a surface) or in three dimensions (such as statue). medium (pl. media) 1. a liquid (e.g., oil or water) with which pigments are mixed to make paint. 2. the material or form used by an artist, composer, or writer : oil paint is the most popular

medium for glazing. LINE • The path of a moving point made by a tool, instrument, or medium as it moves across an

area.2 SHAPE • An area that stands out from its surroundings because of a defined or implied boundary or

because of differences of value, color, or texture.2 VALUE • The relative degree of lightness or darkness. The characteristic of color determined by its

lightness or darkness of the quality of light reflected by the color.2 COLOR • The visual response to different wavelengths of sunlight identified as red, green, blue, and so

on’ having the physical properties of hue, intensity, and value.2  hue: chromatic distinctiveness of color  intensity: saturation or purity of color, pure color, or mixed with a neutral or other color  value: relative light or dark of color

TEXTURE • The surface character of a material that can be experienced through touch or the illusion of

touch.2 SPACE • The interval, or measurable distance, between points or images; can be actual or illusionary.2

Other terms that can be useful when analyzing a work of art formally: BALANCE • The design or arrangement of parts in a whole grouping that creates a feeling of equilibrium

or equality. 1 EMPHASIS • Dominance: A condition that occurs when one or more compositional elements within a

visual field is emphasized and becomes more visually prominent than the others. 1 • Focal Point: A compositional device emphasizing a certain area or object to draw attention to

the piece and to encourage closer scrutiny of the work. 3 SCALE • The association of size relative to a constant standard or specific unit of measure related to

human dimensions. 2 Questions to consider asking when using formal analysis • What is being emphasized? How is it being emphasized? • What does the artist use to create emphasis? Line, shape, color? • How does the artist use color? • Is there a pattern or rhythm to the work of art? • Is there an overall harmony or unity to the work? Do the elements seem connected or

disconnected? • Does the work evoke an emotion? How does the artist achieve this effect? • What is the format of the work, vertical or horizontal? Is it a large- or small-scale work? • What type of texture is seen in the work of art? Does the work seem rough or smooth? • What indication of space is inherent in the work of art? Does the artist create an illusion of

depth in the work? How is this achieved?                                                                                                                 1  Basic Visual Concepts and Principles, Allschlaeger and Busic-Snyder, 1st ed. 2  Art Fundamentals: Theory and Practice, Ocvirk, et al. 11th ed.