Art Analysis

Formal Analysis Guide

Art 114 - Art History Survey I

1. Brief Introduction: describe your work of art:

• Artist (if known), title, date, country, culture

• Size (in general terms: life-size, colossal, miniature, etc.)

• Materials and methods used (e.g. textile, wood, bronze, oil, etc.)

• Subject matter

2. Begin your analysis

The questions listed below are intended to help you look at and analyze art. They are not a checklist

of questions that must be answered in your analysis. Some will be pertinent to your topic; some will

not. Part of the assignment is for you to figure out which are the most relevant to your analysis. It is helpful,

however, to begin by noting the type of sculpture, painting, etc. and the choice of materials before beginning

your analysis. Also try to think in terms of cause and effect. For example, “The relief is deeply carved. Its

surface is highly polished. The sculpture reflects light and captures shadow causing the bright figures to

stand out boldly against the dark background. This sharp contrast between light and dark imparts drama to

the scene...”

Helpful Questions for Three-dimensional works

A. Type: Is it low or high relief, a freestanding figure, a group of figures, a group of figures, a combination

of these?

B. Methods and Materials: How was the work made? Was it carved out of wood or stone (subtractive

method)? Is it modeled from clay or wax, then cast in bronze (additive method)? How does the choice of

method and material affect the shape, scale, or design of the work?

C. Style: Are the forms portrayed naturalistically, are they idealized, or is the work abstract or non-

representational?

D. Composition: Is the arrangement of forms symmetrical or asymmetrical? Is the basic form open or

closed? That is, does it have a simple, contained silhouette, or do parts thrust out in various directions? If the

sculpture is composed of a number of different figures or forms, how are these arranged in relation to each

other?

E. Form: What kind of volumetric forms are basic to the work? Are the forms regular and geometric, such as

cones, cubes, or pyramids? Or are they irregular?

F. Space: How do form and space interact? Is the work a relief that creates the illusion of space within it? Is

the figure meant to be seen in space from a particular view? Is it frontal? Does it turn in space? Can its

composition be understood from one view only, or from many views?

G. Line: Is there decorative linear emphasis on the surface of the sculpture? Are the dominant linear

elements seen in the forms themselves or are they incised in the surface of the forms? Describe the character

of the lines: Primarily horizontal, vertical, diagonal, smooth and flowing? Do lines direct the way in which

one “reads” the work?

H. Light: How does light affect the work? Are the forms and surfaces arranged so that a particular effect of

light and shade will be attained? Does light enhance or play against contour? Does light affect the spatial

qualities of the work?

I. Color and Texture: Consider the surface texture. Is it polished or unpolished? How does this affect the play

of light and the expressive qualities of the work? Consider the color of the material, if visible. Is color

added?

J. Movement: Do the above factors add a sense of movement or stillness? Does the work have a sense of

rhythm?

Helpful Questions for Three-dimensional works

A. Type of work: Is it a single canvas, panel, or frame? Is it a diptych or triptych? Is it one of a pair or

series? Is the project finished or in progress?

B. Methods and Materials: How was the object made? What is the relationship between the choice and use

of material and the support? Is it permanent or ephemeral? How do the medium and technique affect the

overall appearance of the work?

C. Style: Are the forms portrayed naturalistically, are they idealized, or is the work abstract or non-

representational?

D. Composition (Surface Organization): How are the forms arranged on the surface of the canvas, picture

plane or photograph? Is the composition symmetrical or asymmetrical? Balanced or unbalanced? Simple or

complex? Are rhythms created by the repetition of shapes or colors, or by the relationship of lines and forms

to each other? Why are things placed where they are?

E. Shapes: What types of shapes are used in the composition? Do they tend to be geometric, or free and

irregular? Are certain shapes used more than others are? Do patterns emerge in the use of particular shapes?

F. Line: How do lines organize the composition? Are lines important as silhouettes, as edges or forms, as

modeling lines (e.g., cross-hatching)? Do particular types of lines dominate the composition (long, quiet

horizontals, soft flowing curves, or short, choppy strokes)? Do lines create rhythm or sense of motion? Do

they communicate ideas or emotions: strong verticals, calming horizontals, dynamic diagonals?

G. Color: What is the organization and intensity of colors? Consider hue, value, and intensity. How do colors

relate to each other: in bold contrast or gradual transition? Is color used to focus your attention on certain

areas of the composition? How does color help create an illusion of light or depth?

H. Space: Is an illusion of space created or denied? Is the depicted space shallow or deep? How are forms

arranged within the depicted space? Are they pressed close to the picture plane? Are they set back into the

background or into the middle or foreground? What devices are used to create an illusion of space (if there is

one)? Consider overlapping, foreshortening, diminishing scale, etc.

I. Light: Can a light source be localized? In what direction does light fall in the picture? What is its intensity

and character: evenly distributed, flickering out of shadows, or no depicted illumination at all? Is light used

to direct your attention to certain parts of the composition? How does it affect the illusion of space? What

kinds of contrast do you see between the lights and the darks in your image? Are there specific areas that are

highlighted in the work?

J. Brushwork: Is it visible? Does it produce tight forms and contours, or free, irregular shapes? How is it

related to light, color, form, and rhythm? What kind of surface texture is created smooth, matte, glossy,

patchy, open? Does brushwork have an impact on the overall work?

K. Texture: How is it presented (only actual or illusionistic too?) and what effect does it have on the work?

Why is it important to the effect the artist is trying to create?

L. Focus: Which areas appear sharpest? Are there areas that are deliberately unfocused or unclear?

M. Movement: Do the above factors play a role in providing a sense of movement or stillness? Do you sense

an overall rhythm in the work?

3. Conclusion

Review your key observations about the work of art.