Before you begin, be sure to review the entire weekly module to better understand the Formal Analysis process. Take notes as you watch each of the videos, and carefully read the entire written commentary on each page in the module. If you are not clear about any of the concepts, or if you are unsure about how to complete this assignment, don’t hesitate to contact me via Canvas Inbox and I will help you.

To earn a high grade, I expect you to correctly apply concepts and terminology from the readings and videos. In addition, you are required to support your key points with frequent observations of the work of art.

For more help, refer to this Guide to the Visual Elements and Principles of Design

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Important! Approach this discussion as you would if you were writing a college paper. In other words, don’t just start writing in the discussion board without having a plan. I recommend that you open a Word document and write a polished 550-750 word paper, then copy and paste this into your discussion post.

Step One: Select an Artist (listed below)

In each of the images listed at the bottom of this page, the artist has used materials in a unique way that makes a powerful visual statement.

Before you make your selection or write your post, scroll all the way to the bottom of this page and review all the images and linked content and videos. As you review the content, take notes. Then select a work of art that you find engaging or that piques your curiosity. Write about the work of art because you care.

Step Two: Post in the Class Discussion

Your post is worth 80 possible points

After you select a work of art, write and post a 550-750 word Formal Analysis (Visual Analysis) in which you describe and examine the form of the work of art, especially what the medium, visual elements, and principles of design contribute to its visual power and meaning. Organize your analysis into four paragraphs, listed below, and follow the instructions. Although not required, it may be helpful to use headings.

At the beginning of each paragraph, write a concise topic sentence that clearly states what the paragraph is about. This topic sentence will help frame the controlling argument for each paragraph and will help your reader follow your key ideas.

PARAGRAPH ONE: DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT

This paragraph should be between 150-200 words

Post an image of the work of art you are writing about.

In your topic sentence, clearly state the subject and/or identify the main issue, key theme, or narrative (story) the artist is working with. Do this in one sentence. Please note that in non-objective works, the primary subject can often be found among the visual elements or design principles (e.g. color, scale, etc.).

For example: “The Thinker, by French artist Auguste Rodin, is a sculpture of a pensive, yet powerful, male nude.”

Next, describe the overall work as you would to someone who hasn’t seen it. Paint a detailed picture with words. Your description should be so clear and specific that the reader can imagine the work of art in their mind as they read. Do not simply list what you see, but thoroughly describe the different areas of the work. Use lots of adjectives and avoid naming. Move from general to specific observations. If human figures are represented, describe their most dominant characteristics, including expressions, poses, gestures and how they are placed in relation to one another.

Remember, this is an opening paragraph and you can go into more depth about the medium in the second paragraph.

PARAGRAPH TWO: MEDIUM AND MATERIALS

This paragraph should be between 150-200 words.

In your topic sentence, summarize the artist’s unique approach to using their medium and materials to create their work. Do this in one sentence. Remember that this paragraph is about the physical process of making the work and not the visual elements or design principles.

For example: “Rodin’s expressive approach to modeling his sculpture makes the subject feel more human.”

Next, describe this unique approach in detail, and explain how it impacts, or is integral to, the viewer’s experience of the work. What is the artist trying to say or express by doing it this way? In other words, explain how this approach reinforces the message, theme, or narrative (story) in the work and contributes to making a powerful visual statement.

You must include 2-3 specific supporting observations from your chosen art object. Each sentence must be clear and descriptive.

PARAGRAPH THREE: COMPOSITION

This paragraph should be between 150-200 words.

In your topic sentence, clearly state the most dominant visual element or principle of design used to compose the work. Do this in one sentence. Please refer to this helpful Guide to the Visual Elements and Principles of Design.

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For example: “Rodin’s exaggeration of the proportions of the hands and feet make the figure seem physically powerful when seen from below.” (In this example, “proportion” is a principle of design.)

Next, describe in rich detail how the artist used this specific visual element or principle of design to organize the work of art. How did the artist’s use of this element or principle underpin the composition and/or become an integral part of what the artist was trying to say or express? In other words, explain how it reinforces the message, theme, or narrative (story) in the work and contributes to making a powerful visual statement.

You must include 2-3 specific supporting observations from your chosen art object. Each sentence must be clear and descriptive.

PARAGRAPH FOUR: EVALUATION

This paragraph should be between 100-150 words

In your topic sentence, briefly summarize whether or not you think the work of art was effective or successful, and why. Do this in one sentence. After writing the previous three paragraphs, you should be better able to interpret and understand the work of art.

For example: “In The Thinker, Rodin successfully depicts a man who thinks deeply, yet has the physical power to act.”

Next, analyze your own reaction to the work of art and evaluate its effectiveness in more detail. You will explain the reasons why you think the work is successful and support your reasoning with 2-3 direct references to the work of art you selected.

You may wish to consider the following:

• What initial ideas or feelings come to mind after experiencing the work of art?
• Do you identify with the work? Based on your life experiences, is it personally relevant to you?
• What is it about the work of art that you like the most? The message? The way it was made or composed?
• Are you engaged by the formal characteristics, such as the way the artist used light, color, texture, space, scale, etc?
• Do you think your experience of the work is the same as what the artist intended?

Step Three: Respond to Two Classmates

Each post is worth 10 possible points (20 points total)

Next, review the posts of your classmates. Post a thorough and cogent response to a post by two different classmates (at least 100 words each). Add a new insight to the discussion that helps the reader better understand the work of art. To do this consider the following:

• Do you agree with your classmate’s analysis and interpretation? Why or why not?
• Did they leave out something important? If you think so, introduce this to the discussion.
• Did you find something interesting in the post, but you don’t fully understand? Politely ask them to clarify for you.