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Critically Analyzing Artworks IB 2016

This document provides a step-by-step guide for critically analyzing artworks that includes 6 steps: 1) intuitive reaction, 2) description, 3) formal/critical analysis of elements and principles, 4) analysis of media used, 5) composition, and 6) citing sources. It prompts the reader to consider their first response, describe what they see, and analyze specific techniques like line, color, shape, texture, contrast while supporting all comments with evidence from the work.

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Claus Rothenhofer Espinosa
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98 views

Critically Analyzing Artworks IB 2016

This document provides a step-by-step guide for critically analyzing artworks that includes 6 steps: 1) intuitive reaction, 2) description, 3) formal/critical analysis of elements and principles, 4) analysis of media used, 5) composition, and 6) citing sources. It prompts the reader to consider their first response, describe what they see, and analyze specific techniques like line, color, shape, texture, contrast while supporting all comments with evidence from the work.

Uploaded by

Claus Rothenhofer Espinosa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Critically Analyzing Artworks: A Step-by-Step

Guide
Remember that images / your own drawings of the artwork should
accompany ALL written analysis.
You would never be expected to answer all these questions. They
are only intended as possible prompts from which you may choose.
REMEMBER you must ALWAYS support your comments with
evidence from the work
Introduction
1: Intuitive Reaction
Write down your first response to the artwork. What engages you? How does it make you
feel? Does it remind you of anything you have seen before? Does it resonate with you?
AVOID the word LIKE!
2: Description
List what you can see in this artwork but be careful just a sentence or two. Figures, colors,
shapes, objects, background etc. Imagine you are describing it to a blind person. Be careful on
this dont get carried away!
3: Formal / Critical Analysis
Write down your observations in more detail, looking at specific aspects of the artwork in relation
to the elements and principles. You should choose to discuss two to three elements used by the
artist and one to two principles.
Typical prompts include:
Which type of line has the artist used: is it flowing or jagged, or is it strong or weak?
Are the colors mostly complementary, primary, secondary or tertiary? The shapes
geometric and organic?
Are the colors used different ways in different parts of the artwork? What effect does this
create?
Is there a use of texture in this artwork?
Are the forms in the artwork realistically modeled (does it look 3D)?
Is there a wide range of tonal contrast (very light highlights and very dark shadows) or is
the tonal range quite narrow (i.e. mostly similar tones)?
How has the artist created a balance between unity and variety? Where is the focal point
of the work and how does the artist bring it to our attention?
4: Use of Media
Typical prompts include
What medium has been used (oil paint, acrylic, charcoal, clay etc)?
How has the artist used the medium i.e. is the paint applied thick or thin? How can you
tell?
Can you see brushstrokes, mark making or texture? Describe the shape and direction of
the brushstrokes / marks. What size of brush / pencil was used?
Was it painted, drawn, sculpted quickly, or slowly and painstakingly? What makes you
think this?
5: Composition (organization of the visual elements)
How do you look at the work? Where is your eye directed?

Are some parts of the composition full of shapes and some parts empty, or are the shapes spread
evenly across the artwork? Does the whole composition look full of energy and movement, or
does it look still and peaceful? How did the artist create this movement/stillness? What is the
centre of interest in the composition? How does the artist draw your attention to it?
6: Citing Your Sources
Be sure that all images are cited with the Title Artist Sate and the url where you found it beneath
the image.
Sources of information from authoritative websites and BOOKS using an MLA format

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