Guide to Writing a Formal Analysis The Basics In the simplest terms, a formal analysis is an analysis of any artwork in terms of its formal qualities. This type of analysis will identify different forms and elements the artist used; however, it goes beyond just listing these aspects. It describes the artists use of varying elements (line, color, space, and/or texture) and interprets the meaning behind those elements. Keep in mind that not every art element or design principle will apply to every piece of art! A well-written formal analysis should include the following three items: identification of the formal elements and/or design principles used clear and elaborative descriptions of the identified elements explanation of the effect the elements have on the overall work of art ****The Four Parts of Analysis*** 1.DESCRIPTIONdefining and describing the work of art using art elements and the principles of design.What do you see? a.Basic Facts (artists name, medium, title, date, location, condition) b.Art Elements (line, shape, light, color, texture, space) 2.ANALYSISresearching the reasons why the artist used certain elements and exploring what these features suggest about the work. How did the artist do it? a.Subject Matter (iconography) b.Formal Qualities (perspective, brushwork or handling, proportion, composition) c.Design Principles (unity, variety, balance, emphasis, scale, mass/volume, rhythm, setting, interior/exterior relationship) 3.INTERPRETATIONdiscovering the meaning behind the artwork and relating it to historical context.Why did the artist create it and what does it mean? a.Theme (overall meaning of the work) b.Style (personal style, national style, period style) c.Patronage (commissioner of the work) d.storical Context (evidence of the time) 4.JUDGMENTassessing if the work succeeded in conveying its intended purpose, in relation to other works from the same period. Is it a good piece of art? a.Art storian Critique b.storical Significance
