Analysing a Work of Art or Design Flashcards
(63 cards)
1
Q
what is the first step in analysing a work of art/design?
A
to look
2
Q
what is the second step?
A
to describe
use visual and cultural language to describe what you see
3
Q
what is the third step?
A
art style
4
Q
what does one mean with an art style?
A
is it Abstract, Realist, Impressionist, Expressionist etc.?
5
Q
what is the fifth step?
A
composition
6
Q
what are four common types of composition?
A
- Landscape or Portrait
- following the rule of thirds
- triangular shape
- Golden Mean
7
Q
What are the rules of thirds?
A
- They’re more of a guideline than a rule.
- It helps the artist with the placement of art elements and the focal point within the comp.
8
Q
explain the triangle (composition)
A
- used to draw the viewers attention to a figure
- pyramidal composition
9
Q
what was the triangle (composition) popular with?
A
Renaissance Artists
10
Q
why is the triangle (composition) used?
A
to give the impression of stability
11
Q
explain the Golden Mean (composition)
A
- Based off a mathematical ratio
- Creates flow and movement by directing the eye around the space in a balanced manner
12
Q
Why use the Golden mean composition?
A
to achieve beauty, balance and harmony in art
13
Q
what is an example of a Triangle (composition)?
A
Liberty Leading the People
14
Q
what’s an example of a piece of artwork using the Golden Mean (composition)?
A
The Mona Lisa
15
Q
what is the sixth step?
A
Perspective
16
Q
what are the two (common) types of perspective?
A
- Linear perspective
- Atmospheric/Aerial perspective
17
Q
Explain Linear perspective
A
suggests depth or distance and gives the impression of three dimensions on a flat, two-dimentional surface
18
Q
explain Atmospheric/Aerial perspective
A
creates the impression of distance by reducing clarity, colour and tone as objects fade into the distance
19
Q
what is the seventh step?
A
Media and Area of Practice
20
Q
what is Media and Area of Practice?
ie. what type of questions will be asked related to this?
A
- Is it a painting, drawing, sculpture, photograph, video, sound work or installation, digital image or graphic design?
- What medium is used?
- painted with oils or acrylic, printed, filmed, constructed with plaster, carved in marble or cast witj bronze?
21
Q
what is the eighth step?
A
process
22
Q
define process
ie. what type of questions will be asked related to this?
A
- How was artwork prepared? (sketch or construct)
- collaborative or participartory artwork?
- How is it displayed (frame? What’s the frame like)?
23
Q
what is the ninth step?
A
Art Elements
24
Q
define art elements
A
the visual components or ‘building blocks’ for creating a work of art
25
# Art Elements
explain Dot
a small round mark. Simplest element of art and drawing
26
# Art Elements
explain Line
A point moving in space. May be two-or three-dimensional, descriptive, implied or abstract
27
# Art Elements
explain Shape
can be two-dimensional, flat, or limited to height and width
28
# Art Elements
explain Colour
made up of three properties:
1. Hue
2. Tone
3. intensity
29
# Colour
explain Hue
The name of the colour
30
# Colour
explain Tone
the hue's lightness and darkness
31
# Colour
explain Intensity
the quality of brightness, strength and purity
32
# Art Elements
explain Tone
a colour's value of lightness or darkness
33
# Art Elements
explain Texture
the tactile sensation or feel of a surface (smooth,m rough, spiky etc.) or how something appears to feel
34
# Art Elements
explain Form
suggests the physical nature of the work or the elements of shape
35
# Art Elements
explain Pattern
a repeatig unit of shape or form organised in a consistent, regular manner
36
what kind of questions will be asked relating to the Art Elements?
* how many art elements can you find?
* how has the artist manipulated these?
* have they mixed with design principles?
37
define the Design Principles
they are the other visual components of a work of art or design
38
what are all the Art Elements (8)?
1. Dot
2. Line
3. Shape
4. Tone
5. Texture
6. Form
7. Pattern
8. Colour
39
what are all the Design Principles? (8)
1. Symmetry
2. Harmony
3. Tension
4. Balance
5. Light
6. Space
7. Scale
8. Contrast
40
# Design Principles
explain Symmetry
when elements are arranged in the same way on both sides of an axis. Designs are asymmetrical if the arrangement of elements are different on both sides of an axis
41
# Design Principles
explain Harmony
elements that work together and complement each other
42
# Design Principles
explain Tension
Creates contrast and rhythm and flow through a design
43
# Design Principles
explain Balance
the arrangement of both positive elements and negative space in such a way that no single area of the design overpowers other areas
44
# Design Principles
explain Light
affects how the viewer percieves the other elements and principles of design
45
# Design Principles
explain Space
the distance or area around or between elements of an artwork
46
# Design Principles
explain Scale
the relationship of sizes between different parts of work
47
# Design Principles
explain Contrast
the difference in quality between two art elements. The greater the contrast and the more something will stand out
48
what is the tenth step?
Interpretation
49
explain Interpretation
finding a meaning or message in their work
50
what kind of questions will be asked related to 'Interpretation'
* Is there a narrative and what might that be?
* What emotion is conveyed by the work?
51
what is the eleventh step?
Research
52
explain Research
finding out about the context and circumstances associated with the work
53
what questions would be asked related to 'Reasearch'?
* when and where did this work take place?
* what were the social or historical circumstances of the time?
* Who was the artist? When and where did they work?
54
what is twelveth step?
Evaluation
55
explain Evaluation
bringing together what you have discovered or decided about the work and its context. Note your own feelings and reactions
56
what type of questions will be asked related to 'Evaluation'?
* How does it make you feel?
* Would you like to have the work in your house or in your school?
* Would you like to see more examples in similar styles?
57
# analyse a painting
what type of questions will be asked related to **Subject or Theme
* What do you think is going on in this work?
* What do you think the title of this painting refers to?
* Do you think the artist feels optimistic or pessimistic about the passing of time?
* How does he/she convey the mood?
* Compare the painting to another work you know with a similar style or location. Do you think the works might be connected? Why?
58
# analyse a painting
what types of questions will be asked on **light?
* can you tell from the light direction what time of day it may be?
* why might the time of day be significant
59
# analyse a painting
what type of questions will be asked regarding **composition?
* how has the artist used the art elements in the painting?
* have they achieved harmony and balance?
60
# analyse a painting
what type of questions will be asked regarding **colour?
* does the colour contribute to the meaning?
* are the tones strong or soft?
61
# analyse a painting
what type of questions will be asked regarding **materials?
* what size is the painting?
* what medium do you think the artist has used?
* what is the evidence to support your opinions?
62
# analyse a painting
what type of questions will be asked regarding **technique?
* has the artist used gentle or vigorous brush marks?
* are the figures rendered expressively or naturalistically?
* is the surface textured or smooth?
63
# analyse a painting
what type of questions will be asked regarding **context?
* who was the artist and where did they live and work?
* what artists or art movement were they involved with or influenced by?
* would knowing more about the artist help you understand the work better?
