STEP #1: Following your textbook’s guide to Formal Analysis, choose two artworks from the

exhibition to analyze. Photograph both artworks for reference and write down your observations

below.

Part 1) Description

“What can we notice at first glance about a work of art? Is it two-dimensional or three-

dimensional? What is the medium? What kinds of actions were required in its production? How

big is the work? What are the elements of design used within it?”

Part 2) Analysis

“Once the elements of the artwork have been identified, next come questions of how these

elements are related. How are the elements arranged? In other words, how have principles of

design been employed?”

Part 3) Interpretation

What might this work of art mean? How do we know this? Back up your interpretation with

visual specifics

Part 4) Evaluation

“Your evaluation includes what you have discovered about the work during your examination as

well as what you have learned, about the work, yourself, and others in the process. Your reaction

to the artwork is an important component of your evaluation: what do you feel when you look at

it? Do you like the work? How and why do you find it visually pleasing, in some way disturbing,

emotionally engaging?”

STEP #2: Now that you have recorded your observations and opinions, select one of the two

artworks that you chose and turn these notes into a finalized, written Formal Analysis. Use the

headings below to structure your paper (Just the titles of each part- not the additional

information). Include photographs of the artwork that you will be writing about at the end of

your analysis.

Part 1: Description