How to Write About ArtThere are four things

that make up a great piece of writing about art.

DESCRIPTION

ANALYSIS

INTERPRETATION

EVALUATION

DESCRIBEThis stage is just like it sounds. Describe what you actually see in the artwork.

Imagine you are trying to describe the artwork to someone over the phone.

List the following: Name of the artist, title of the work and where is it located?

What is your first impression of the work? How do you first react to it? There are no wrong answers here.

What would you say if you had to describe this painting?

A N A L Y Z E

This is where you try to figure out why this is considered a good piece of artwork. Use these questions to determine why it is:

What grabs your attention in the work? You can refer back to your first impression from the description you used.

Are colors used well? Why or why not?

If you remember the elements of art (color, line, shape, form, space, texture, value) talk about how those are used also.

NO WRONG ANSWERS HERE

interpretTry to figure out what the work is about. Most of the time, there is no wrong answer. But, artists will usually create art because the have something specific to say.

Some art works are about color. Some are about their subject matter, and some are about social or cultural issues. Some are easy to understand and the viewer gets it right off the bat. Others may be highly intellectual and might not be as easy for us to instantly know what the artist was thinking about.

Questions to answer when interpreting:

What is the mood of the artwork?What do you think the work is about?Why do you think the artist created it?What is the artist's view of the world?

Remember, you may or may not be able To answer all of the questions above.

EVALUATEThis is where you reflect on everything you've written about, like a conclusion. Answer these questions and you will have a great evaluation:

1. Have your thoughts or feelings about the artwork changed since your first impression. If so, how? What made you change your mind?

2. If not, can you explain your first reaction to the work of art?

3. What have you seen or learned from this work that you might apply to your own way of thinking?

Your Assignment Choose a piece of art from the list below and write a response paper using the format given in this presentation:

1. Peasant Wedding by Peter Bruegel

2. Escaping Criticism by Pere Borrell del Caso

3. A Sunday Afternoon On The Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat

4. Freedom From Want by Norman Rockwell

5. Self Portrait in a Straw Hat byElizabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun

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You can use the internet, but I want your thoughts, not someone else's.HINT: DO ONE PARAGRAPH FOR EACH OF THE FOUR WAYS OF WRITING ABOUT ART. WHAT ARE THE FOUR WAYS?