San Diego State University Art Discussion

In this Discussion, you will write and post a 550-750 word Formal Analysis (also referred to as Visual Analysis) in which you describe and examine the formof a work of art, especially what the medium and composition contribute to its visual power and meaning. Learning how to correctly write a Formal Analysis is a key skill you will develop during this course.

This is not a research paper, but is a paper based on your own observations and original thought. I want you to learn to write about art because it forces you to think critically about what you see, what is visually evident, then examine your thoughts and articulate them clearly. Clear writing issues from clear thinking! 

Instructions and Grading Criteria

Before you begin, be sure to review the entire weekly module to better understand the Formal Analysis process. Take notes as you watch each of the videos, and carefully read the entire written commentary on each page in the module. If you are not clear about any of the concepts, or if you are unsure about how to complete this assignment, don’t hesitate to contact me via Canvas Inbox and I will help you. 

To earn a high grade, I expect you to correctly apply concepts and terminology from the readings and videos. In addition, you are required to support your key points with frequent observations of the work of art.

Important! Approach this discussion as you would if you were writing a college paper. In other words, don’t just start writing in the discussion board without having a plan. I recommend that you open a Word document and write a polished 550-750 word paper, then copy and paste this into your discussion post.  

Step One: Select an Artist (listed below)

In each of the images listed at the bottom of this page, the artist has used materials in a unique way that makes a powerful visual statement. 

Before you make your selection or write your post, scroll all the way to the bottom of this page and review all the images and linked content and videos. As you review the content, take notes. Then select a work of art that you find engaging or that piques your curiosity. Write about the work of art because you care.

Step Two: Post in the Class Discussion

Your post is worth 80 possible points

After you select a work of art, write and post a 550-750 word Formal Analysis (Visual Analysis) in which you describe and examine the form of the work of art, especially what the medium, visual elements, and principles of design contribute to its visual power and meaning. Organize your analysis into four paragraphs, listed below, and follow the instructions. Although not required, it may be helpful to use headings. 

At the beginning of each paragraph, write a concise topic sentence that clearly states what the paragraph is about. This topic sentence will help frame the controlling argument for each paragraph and will help your reader follow your key ideas.

Paragraph One: Description of Subject

This paragraph should be between 150-200 words

Post an image of the work of art you are writing about.

In your topic sentence, clearly state the subject and/or identify the main issue, key theme, or narrative (story) the artist is working with. Do this in one sentence. Please note that in non-objective works, the primary subject can often be found among the visual elements or design principles (e.g. color, scale, etc.).

For example: “The Thinker, by French artist Auguste Rodin, is a sculpture of a pensive, yet powerful, male nude.”

Next, describe the overall work as you would to someone who hasn’t seen it. Paint a detailed picture with words. Your description should be so clear and specific that the reader can imagine the work of art in their mind as they read. Do not simply list what you see, but thoroughly describe the different areas of the work. Use lots of adjectives and avoid naming. Move from general to specific observations. If human figures are represented, describe their most dominant characteristics, including expressions, poses, gestures and how they are placed in relation to one another.

Remember, this is an opening paragraph and you can go into more depth about the medium in the second paragraph.

Paragraph Two: Medium and Materials

This paragraph should be between 150-200 words.

In your topic sentence, summarize the artist’s unique approach to using their medium and materials to create their work. Do this in one sentence. Remember that this paragraph is about the physical process of making the work and not the visual elements or design principles.

For example: “Rodin’s expressive approach to modeling his sculpture makes the subject feel more human.”

Next, describe this unique approach in detail, and explain how it impacts, or is integral to, the viewer’s experience of the work. What is the artist trying to say or express by doing it this way? In other words, explain how this approach reinforces the message, theme, or narrative (story) in the work andcontributes to making a powerful visual statement.

You must include 2-3 specific supporting observations from your chosen art object. Each sentence must be clear and descriptive.  

Paragraph Three: Composition

This paragraph should be between 150-200 words.

In your topic sentence, clearly state the most dominant visual element or principle of design used to compose the work. Do this in one sentence

For example: “Rodin’s exaggeration of the proportions of the hands and feet make the figure seem physically powerful when seen from below.”  (In this example, “proportion” is a principle of design.)

Next, describe in rich detail how the artist used this specific visual element or principle of design to organize the work of art. How did the artist’s use of this element or principle underpin the composition and/or become an integral part of what the artist was trying to say or express? In other words, explain how it reinforces the message, theme, or narrative (story) in the work and contributes to making a powerful visual statement.

You must include 2-3 specific supporting observations from your chosen art object. Each sentence must be clear and descriptive.  

Paragraph Four: Evaluation

This paragraph should be between 100-150 words

In your topic sentence, briefly summarize whether or not you think the work of art was effective or successful, and why. Do this in one sentence. After writing the previous three paragraphs, you should be better able to interpret and understand the work of art.

For example: “In The Thinker, Rodin successfully depicts a man who thinks deeply, yet has the physical power to act.”

Next, analyze your own reaction to the work of art and evaluate its effectiveness in more detail. You will explain the reasons why you think the work is successful and support your reasoning with 2-3 direct references to the work of art you selected. 

You may wish to consider the following:

• What initial ideas or feelings come to mind after experiencing the work of art?
• Do you identify with the work? Based on your life experiences, is it personally relevant to you?
• What is it about the work of art that you like the most? The message? The way it was made or composed? 
• Are you engaged by the formal characteristics, such as the way the artist used light, color, texture, space, scale, etc?
• Do you think your experience of the work is the same as what the artist intended

Images

I’ve selected these works of art because they represent a diverse range of materials, artists, and viewpoints. Another big reason is because they include many of my personal favorites and I can’t wait to read what you have to say about them!

Tara Donovan

Click this image to watch a video about the work of Tara Donovan.

Tara Donovan, Untitled (Styrofoam Cups), 2004-2008, Installation 

Kara Walker

Click this image to watch a video about the work of Kara Walker.

Kara Walker, Renaissance society installation, 1997

Alex Couwenberg

Click either image below to watch a really terrific short video about how Alex makes his work.

Alex Couwenberg, Starwood, 2008, Acrylic on canvas

Alex Couwenberg, Kona, 2006, Acrylic on canvas

Deborah Butterfield

Click the image below and go to the Artnet website where you can explore Butterfield’s work.

Deborah Butterfield, Yellow River, 1984, Assemblage

Click the image below to watch a short video about the work of Debra Butterfield.

Debra Butterfield, Silver Star, 2013, Cast bronze with patina

Joseph Cornell

Click the image, below, for a link to a website about Joseph Cornell and his art.

Joseph Cornell,  Untitled (The Hotel Eden), 1945, box art assemblage

Click the image, below, for a link to a terrific article about Joseph Cornell.

Joseph Cornell, Medici Boy, 1952, Box art assemblage

Click this image (below) to go to an amazing interactive website based on Cornell’s artwork.

Joseph Cornell, Untitled (Soap Bubble Set), 1936, Box art assemblage

Käthe Kollwitz 

Click the image below to read a good article about Käthe Kollwitz.

Käthe Kolwitz, Battlefield, 1907, Etching, The Art Institute of Chicago

Rembrandt van Rijn

Click the image below and go to the Norton Simon Museum website. When you arrive, click the image again to take a closer look. This is considered to be one of the most dynamic prints ever made.

Rembrandt van Rijn, Three Crosses, third state, 1653, Drypoint

Unlike other printmaking processes, Intaglio printing allows the artist to make changes to the printing plate between proofs. Notice the dramatic changes that occur between the early and later states of this image. Rembrandt pioneered this process. Click the image, below, to watch a video that will help you interpret Rembrandt.

Rembrandt van Rijn, Three Crosses, fourth state, 1653, Drypoint

Donatello 

Click this image, below, to watch a video about Donatello’s Mary Magdalene.

Donatello, Mary Magdelene, 1455, Wood sculpture

Vincent Van Gogh

Click this image to watch a first rate biography of Vincent Van Gogh. Watch at least the first two episodes (15 minutes each). If you want to learn about what drove Vincent to paint, this is the video to watch.

Vincent Van Gogh, The Night Cafe, 1888, Oil on canvas

David Alfaro Siqueiros 

Click the image, below, for a link to a website about Siquieros and his art.

David Alfaro Siqueiros, Echo of a Scream, 1937, enamel on wood

Banksy

Click this image to watch a terrific video about Banksy (14 minutes).

Banksy, Stop and Search (Girl and a Soldier), Bethlehem, 2007

Banksy, Cameraman and Flower, Park City, 2010

Banksy, Umbrella Girl, New Orleans

Banksy, No Trespassing, San Francisco, 2010

James Turrell – Roden Crater (earthwork)

Click the image below to watch a video about the Roden Crater (LACMA).

James Turrell, Roden Crater, interior, Earthwork

Please click the image below to visit the Roden Crater website.

James Turrell, Roden Crater, interior, Earthwork

Please click the image below to visit the James Turrell website.

James Turrell, Roden Crater, interior, Earthwork

James Turrell, Roden Crater, exterior, Earthwork