Unit 3Aesthetic Analysis

Lesson 1: Aesthetic Analysis

Aesthetics the study of beauty

Art criticism describing the sensory and aesthetic qualities of artworks

Steps in Aesthetic Analysis
1) Describe the object's sensory qualities.

Shape & formgeometric (having a regular shape/form; ex. - square, oval, circle)organic (having an irregular shape/form; ex. - blobs, animal/human forms)

Line - width (thick, thin), length, sharpness/fuzziness, continuous/broken, flowing, movement, direction (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), boundaries/ edges

Colourhue (lightness/darkness of a colour), intensity, opacity (is it see through or not?)

SpacePositive space (space that is taken up by the object)negative space (space within a vessel, or within the boundaries of an object; ex. - underneath a chair)

Texturerough, smooth, ridged, pebbly, grooved, high relief, low relief, intaglio

Steps in Aesthetic Analysis
2) Describe the object's formal qualities.

BalanceImagine a line through the object. Are the sides balanced? How do colour, line, and texture contribute to a feeling of balance? Is the object symmetrical (the same on both sides) or asymmetrical (not the same on both sides)? Is it top-heavy (more visual weight at the top)? Or bottom-heavy (more visual weight at the bottom)?

UnityAre all the parts harmonized? Do the texture and decoration make sense with the form?

Proportion & sizeHow would you describe the size of the object? Think of length, height, width, volume, weight, thickness. Do the proportions of the vessel make sense considering its function? If a sculpture is representational, does it accurately copy the proportions of a model? Are the proportions unusual, and how does this affect the overall object?

Steps in Aesthetic Analysis
2) Describe the object's formal qualities.

Movement and RhythmAre any designs or shapes repeated? Are they repeated in the same way each time, or do they vary? How? Do the designs or textures feel fast or slow?

EmphasisDoes one area grab your attention more than others? Why? How did the artist emphasize that part?

PatternAre the patterns random or planned? Are they because of repeated lines, colours, shapes, or textures? Think of words like radial (radiating from a centre point), grid, alternating, border or band.

Steps in Aesthetic Analysis
3) Describe the object's expressive qualities.

Moodhappy, witty, whimsical, playful, clumsy, mysterious, reflective, calm, quiet, sad...

TensionWhat kind of energy does the object have:tranquil, dynamic, powerful, relaxed, conflicted, heavy...

Ideals/conceptsDoes the work represent an ideal or concept?Heroism, nobility, villainy, ...

Steps in Aesthetic Analysis
4) Describe the object's technical qualities.

ClayWhat type of clay was used: earthenware, stoneware, porcelain?

ProcessHow was it made? Pinching, coil-building, slab-building, thrown on the wheel?

DecorationWhat methods were used on the surface? Incising, impressing, carving...? What colourants were used: oxides, underglazes, glazes?

FiringHow was it fired: oxidation, reduction? In what kind of kiln: electric, gas, wood...?

By Richard Notkin

1. Sensory properties Shape, form, line, colour, space, texture

2. Formal properties Balance, unity, proportion/ size, movement/rhythm, emphasis, pattern

3. Expressive properties Mood, tension, idea/concept

1. Sensory properties Shape, form, line, colour, space, texture

2. Formal properties Balance, unity, proportion/ size, movement/rhythm, emphasis, pattern

3. Expressive properties Mood, tension, idea/concept

By Claire Palastanga

1. Sensory properties Shape, form, line, colour, space, texture

2. Formal properties Balance, unity, proportion/ size, movement/rhythm, emphasis, pattern

3. Expressive properties Mood, tension, idea/concept

By Magda Gluszek

1. Sensory properties Shape, form, line, colour, space, texture

2. Formal properties Balance, unity, proportion/ size, movement/rhythm, emphasis, pattern

3. Expressive properties Mood, tension, idea/concept

Fernand Leger

Eva Hild

1. Sensory properties Shape, form, line, colour, space, texture

2. Formal properties Balance, unity, proportion/ size, movement/rhythm, emphasis, pattern

3. Expressive properties Mood, tension, idea/concept

Debra Fritts

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