How to REALLY Look at Art

Have you ever looked at a work of art and said to yourself, "What the heck is going on here? I don't understand this at all!" I promise, you're not the only one. Fear not, if you use the simple steps of FORMAL ANALYSIS it will help you better understand art. Keep in mind, your interpretation is purely your own and your experience may be different than others, but If we want to truly understand what artists are trying to say this method will help with that.

• Steps- 
• 1.Describe what you see. Simply describe what you see. It should include things like:
• Artist's name
• Title of work
• Type of artwork
• Subject of the painting (scene)
• Objects in the painting
• First impression––note the characteristics of the artwork that first jump out at you
• Colors used
• Shapes, lines and texture
• Light saturation
• Sensory qualities––identify the predominant mood and visual effect.
• Example- Black background, screaming man, looks like he's sitting up in a bed, aggressive paint brush strokes...

• 2.Analyze the artwork. Use the technical description to examine how it affects the overall impression of the artwork. How did each technical element contribute to the mood, meaning, and aesthetic of the artwork?
• Example- The dark color and the aggressive brush strokes in this painting creates a heavy, disturbing mood.

• 3.Interpret the artwork. This part of an art critique is similar to the analysis. However, it's more about personal opinion. You are expected to use your analysis to form a conclusion of what you think the artist's intended to say with the artwork. Try to accomplish the following things when your interpreting:
• Describe what you think the artist is trying to say through the work of art.
• Explain and elaborate on the feeling conveyed by the artwork. Describe what the artwork means to you, and why.
• Explain what you feel is the artist's intended purpose for creating that particular work of art. Examine why the artist made the choices in technique, materials and subject matte. How does that relate to the intended purpose.
• Identify symbols in the artwork and describe how they relate to the artist's intended purpose.
• Example- This man is tormented and in pain- I think it may be because of his inner demons because he is alone... in the dark. 

• 4.Evaluate the artwork. This is a summary of the art criticism process leading up to this point. Use your analysis and interpretation to draw conclusions and reach judgments about the artwork.
• State whether or not the artist achieved their purpose. 
• Describe the artwork's relevance to the art community and to people as a whole.
• Explain where you feel the artwork has succeeded and where you think it falls short.
• Example- I believe the painter has successfully shown pain and torment in this painting. I like the style.