Art 110 Art Appreciation - Formal Analysis Paper Assignment
-Remember - Late papers and emailed papers will NOT be accepted.
Description: A formal analysis includes an analysis of the forms appearing in the work you have
chosen. These forms give the work its expression, message, or meaning. A formal analysis assumes a
work of art is,
(1) a constructed object
(2) that has been created with a stable meaning (even though it might not be clear to the viewer)
(3) that can be ascertained by studying the relationships between the elements of the work.
You must include an image of yourself at the museum at the end of the paper. To aid in writing
a formal analysis, you should think as if you were describing the work of art to someone who has never
seen it before. When your reader finishes reading your analysis, she/he should have a complete mental
picture of what the work looks like. Yet, the formal analysis is more than just a description of the
work. It should also include a thesis statement that reflects your conclusions about the work. The
thesis statement may, in general, answer a question like these: What do I think is the meaning of this
work? What is the message that this work or artist sends to the viewer? What is this work all about?
The thesis statement is an important element. It sets the tone for the entire paper, and sets it apart from
being a merely descriptive paper.
Format for the Paper: Two and a half to three pages (not including title page, if you use one), ,
double spaced, 10 or 12 pt type (Times only), 1” borders. Make sure you proofread your papers for
adhering to the information listed above, as well as incorrect grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other
errors. In addition, make sure your paper includes a thesis statement. Your grade will reflect your
ability to follow these guidelines.
In the first paragraph, called the introduction, you will include:
•the name of the artist (if known), title (which is underlined or italicized every time you use the
title in your paper), date, and medium (if known).
•what you think is the subject
•a description of the work (using the elements of art and principles of design)
•thesis statement - usually the last line or so of your first paragraph.
From that point, the rest of the formal analysis should include not only a description of the piece, but
especially those details of the work that have led you to come to your thesis. Yet, your paper should
not be a random flow of ideas about the work (i.e. stream of consciousness writing). Rather, your paper
should have a sense of order, moving purposefully through your description with regard to specific
elements (ex: one paragraph may deal with composition, another with a description of the figures,
another with the background, another about line, etc.). Finally, in your conclusion (the final paragraph)
you should end your paper with a restatement of your thesis.
It is important to remember that your interest here is strictly formal; NO RESEARCH IS TO BE
USED IN THIS PAPER. In other words, you are strictly relying on your ability to visually ‘read’ a
work of art and make interpretations about it based on your analysis of it. Remember too that your
analysis should not be just a mechanical, physical description. Please use descriptive language and
adjectives to describe your work. Begin with a general description of the work, and then move on to
the more specific elements. In addition, please refer to your syllabus concerning my policy on
plagiarism – do not share your thesis or paper with other students and please do not work on your
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paper with another student. This is considered plagiarism and will result in a failing grade for the entire
class.
Things to consider when writing a formal analysis (in no particular order):
Keep in mind that you always need to Back Up Your Statements!
1. Record your first impression(s) of the artwork. What stands out? Is there a focal point (an area to
which the artist wants your eye to be drawn)? If so, what formal elements led you to this conclusion?
Your impressions can help you reach your thesis.
2. What is the subject of the artwork?
3. Composition: How are the parts of the work arranged? Is there a stable or unstable composition? Is
it dynamic? Full of movement? Or is it static?
4. Pose: If the work has figures, are the proportions believable? Realistic? Describe the pose(s). Is the
figure active, calm, graceful, stiff, tense, or relaxed? Does the figure convey a mood? If there are
several figures, how do they relate to each other (do they interact? not?)?
5. Proportions: Does the whole or even individual parts of the figure(s) or natural objects in the work
look natural? Why did you come to this conclusion?
6. Line: Are the outlines (whether perceived or actual) smooth, fuzzy, clear? Are the main lines
vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or curved, or a combination of any of these? Are the lines jagged and
full of energy? Sketchy? Geometric? Curvilinear? Bold? Subtle?
7. Space: If the artist conveys space, what type of space is used? What is the relation of the main
figure to the space around it? Are the main figures entirely within the space (if the artwork is a
painting), or are parts of the bodies cut off by the edge of the artwork? Is the setting illusionistic, as
if one could enter the space of the painting, or is it flat and two-dimensional, a space that one could
not possibly enter?
8. Texture: If a sculpture, is the surface smooth and polished or rough? Are there several textures
conveyed? Where and How? If a painting, is there any texture to the paint surface? Are the
brushstrokes invisible? Brushy? Sketchy? Loose and flowing? Or tight and controlled?
9. Light and Shadow: Are shadows visible? Where? Are there dark shadows, light shadows, or both?
How do the shadows affect the work?
10. Size: How big is the artwork? Are the figures or objects in the work life-sized, larger or smaller
than life? How does the size affect the work?
11. Color: What type of colors are used in the work? Bright? Dull? Complimentary? Does the artist use
colors to draw your attention to specific areas of the work? How? If a sculpture, examine the color(s)
of the medium and how it affects the work.
12. Mood: Do you sense an overall mood in the artwork? Perhaps several different moods? If so,
describe them. How does the mood interpret how you view the work?
Once you have spent some time analyzing your work, notice if your first impression of the work has
changed, now that you have taken a closer look? How? If you came up with a thesis statement before
doing this in-depth analysis, you may want to change it if your impression of the work has changed.
Your thesis statement should reflect your view of the object.
Formal Analysis Writing Rubric
3
Task
Organization
Poor (4)
unorganized list of
points; lacks a
defined intro or
conclusion
Average (6)
has clear intro, may be a
restatement of assigned
question; identifies some
main points but lacks a
sense of their relative
importance; may not
distinguish between major
points and supporting
details; includes much
repetition or restatement,
without development
Good (8)
clear introduction and
summary at end; generally
clear structure but may lack
direction or progression;
some points may not
contribute to meaning or
goal of paper; conclusion is
merely a summary of points
made or a repetition of
intro.
Excellent (10)
organization shows reader
how to understand topic;
introduction contains an
idea, not just restatement of
question; main points well
supported by details;
examples well chosen;
strong conclusion that
attempts to bring ideas
together.
Analysis
The relationship of
different formal
elements are
ignored or
incorrectly
explained.
Focus given to specific
formal element(s) without
considering relationships
between different
components; mentions
multiple formal elements
but lacks developed
discussion or analysis
Focus given to one or two
formal elements with some
consideration of
relationships; includes some
discussion of how elements
aid viewer understanding
Fully utilized the elements
of art and Principles
vocabulary. clear
explanation of relationship
of different elements and
how they contribute to
viewer understanding
Interpretation
and
articulation of
own ideas
merely restates
course or reading
assignment
information
some attempt to convey own
ideas but includes errors of
fact, does not support ideas
with concrete examples
some informed
interpretation of the art or
but may include errors and
lack visual or documentary
support.
balanced treatment of
observation and
documentary evidence,
leading to student’s own,
informed interpretation of
materials and concepts.
Writing Skills
lacks verbal
competence
writing is basically correct;
paper may contain several
errors of spelling,
punctuation, grammar; there
is little variety in sentence
structure.
generally clear writing with
no serious errors or sloppy
syntax; avoids excessive
passive voice or convoluted
sentence structure.
vigorous style, correct
grammar and vocabulary;
integrates visual description
into discussion effectively;
avoids over-use of jargon;
presents an individual voice
Description of
location of
artwork.
No description of
location.
Minimal description of
location.
General explanation of
location, but can not
visualize from reading
description.
Excellent description of
location as if I could see
myself moving about the
space.
Knockout #2
Rush Cole (b. 1951)
watercolor on Arches 300 lb Cold Press watercolor paper,
1986
“My love affair with Arches watercolor paper began in Texas when an
employee at an art supply store recommended it to me. A year later,
I had moved to the Aleutian Islands and begun teaching watercolor
painting at the University of Alaska. Arches 300 lb Cold Press then
became a natural choice for me to use for classes. This paper can take
a beating; from scrubbing to incising to holding numerous transparent
washes of color and continuing to glow luminously. So-called painting
‘mistakes' can frequently be lifted, forcibly if necessary, and damage
to the surface burnished into nearly good-as-new condition. Once
thoroughly dry, I can resume painting with very satisfying results.
A most forgiving paper for a frequently unforgiving medium."
Rush Cole
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