Analysing An Artwork

Question 1

Context, Content And Meaning
(whats in the painting, what does this add to the painting, and what does it mean)

Answer 1

genre/style, symbolism, intentions, mood, effect of each object, movement, appropriation of art style, first reponse, time period, beliefs

Question 2

Composition and Form
(Where are the things placed in relation to other things, does it look 3D and how, Whats the scale and is it realistic)

Answer 2

portrait or landscape, size of the painting itself, what is the scale or ratio of one object to another, composition in relation to the frame/border,

Question 3

Line
(how do they use lines, what are the strokes, how does this influence the painting)

Answer 3

are the lines…
linear, repeating, vibrant, harsh, dominant, soft, parallel, horizontal vertical, leading/vectors

Question 4

Shape and Form

Answer 4

dimension, edges, exposed

Question 5

Tone/Value/Light

Answer 5

where is the light coming from, how does the tone effect the dimension, is there something reflective like a mirror, is it transparent (eg.the bubbles), are there shadows

Question 6

Colour

Answer 6

Colour scheme (complementary, primary, earthy, cool, chrome, iridescent, harmonious etc.), intensity (vibrant, dull, pure, saturated, pale, diluted etc.), contrast, effects

Question 7

Texture/Pattern

Answer 7

what would the texture feel to touch if you were in the painting? How does the artist use elements to create this?

Question 8

Space

Answer 8

how much space is there between each object? are they all grouped together? overlapping? or is there a sense of depth? does it feel empty?