Intro
artist
work
introduce you’r piece
thesis in first Paragraph
three supporting paragraph ( three things really support you’r piece )

-formal elements
-observable facts

Conclusion

*** Write you’r OWN WORDS , NO ANY SOURCES/REFERENCES

How Artwork Communicates: Formal Analysis

Length: 2 – 3 pages

Goals: To look closely at a work of art
To form an opinion about the overall impact of the work
To explain how the formal elements of the work achieve this impact
To use apt and varied vocabulary
To compose insightful writing that is fresh and engaging
To communicate as concisely as possible

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Process: You do not have to do research or to demonstrate art historical knowledge for this
particular assignment (though, depending on the piece, a bit of background info may be helpful). Here is a suggested method:

a) Select one work of art from an artist on the Artist List on TITANium.

{{{ Artist : Henri Matisse }}}
{{{ Work : Woman with a Hat, 1905 }}}

b) Look closely, take notes and free-write about your first impressions.

c) Identify the most important formal elements and how they function.

d) Identify your main point and supporting points (thesis and observable facts). For example, if this was the work you were discussing:

***
{{{ main point (thesis) might be }}}: Jim Nutt creates a playful yet uncomfortable tension between the sexes in Hold Still!! (Please).

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{{{supporting points (facts) might be}}} : The artist evokes playfulness through the cartoony look he creates with bold outlines and minimal shading. The repetition of

circular eyeball shapes also contributes to the goofy feeling. His work seems tense, though, because the depiction of space feels constricted, the figures are angular

and awkward, and he uses strong implied lines. This tension is reinforced by the hot colors of the background. (You would develop and explain these elements in your

body paragraphs)

***
e) Polish up your introduction and conclusion.

f) Be sure that you include the artist’s full name, the title of the work, the medium, and the year it was made (if this information is available).

g) Proofread your work, or have someone proofread for you.

i) Review feedback, make revisions, and submit to Turnitin.