Visual Analysis Paper Requirements - How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay

Selecting an Artwork for Visual Analysis Paper

Select one Artwork to write about from the recommended list of options. Requirements: Length: 2 to 3 pages or 600 words Sample Outline (a second, more detailed outline is also available in this module)

1 Identify the work. Describe the subject matter, the overall form of the work, and what you perceive to be the content.

2 Identify the visual elements in the work. Using terms introduced in the textbook, describe how the artist is using them and how they do or do not help to emphasize the subject matter and content of the work.

3 Describe the content of the work. Discuss the relationship between the form and content of the work. What are the formal decisions made by the artist and how do these influence the content of the work? Do they help get the artists’ message across to their audience?

4 What is your overall opinion of the work and why?

1. Introductory Paragraph

identify the artist and title of the work

identify the subject matter of the work

describe the overall form (use terms from Introduction Module)

describe the general content of the work as you perceive it,

identifyprominent visual elementsthe artist uses in the work (2 to 3)

2. Visual Element #1 (paragraph two)

a. opening statement that offers a general description of how the artist is using visual element #1

For instance: Pablo Picasso used warm and cool colors in the abstract portrait of his wife.

b. supportive statement 1- select an area of the work and specifically identify visual element #1 and describe how the artist is using it

For instance: Picasso used a bright and saturated yellow to paint her hat and dress. 

c. supportive statement 2 – offer a second statement that continues to describe how the artist is using visual element #1

For instance: The yellow of the hat and dress contrasts with areas of the sky Picasso painted with cool shades of blue. 

d. supportive statement 3 and 4- offer additional statements that describe the artist’s use of visual element #1 and offer your opinion on visual element #1

For instance: The clear light blue sky looks like one on a perfect summer day.  The warmth of the yellows hints at a cool glass of lemonade we all welcome in the summer sun.

3. Visual Element #2 (paragraph three)

Repeat “a” through “d” above

4. Visual Element #3 (paragraph four)

Repeat “a” through “d” above

5.Describe the relationship between the Form and Content of the work (paragraph five)

a. opening statement that offers a general description of your view of the relationship between the form and content of the work

For instance: Picasso’s abstract use of color and space expresses a sense of happiness and perfection.

b.-d. 3-4 supportive statements that provide additional reasons you see this relationship between the form and content.   You can refer back to the comparison of Rodin’s Kiss to Brancusi’s Kiss in the Introduction Module to review the importance of the relationship between Form and Content

6. Your overall opinion of the work (paragraph six)

This is pretty much a free for all and your chance to discuss the work in a very subjective and personal way. Why do you like it? Does it remind you of something? Do you feel the work has value? If so, why?