Wednesday, January 17, 2018

FORMAL ANALYSIS WRITING ASSIGNMENT

Pick (2) two works you saw from The Clark visit to do a formal analysis of each. This assignment should be at least two pages (at least one page per work), typed or handwritten and due in class on Friday, January 19th MMXVIII.

The link above to the Clark's collection, so you, if unable to go back in person to see the works in person (which is always preferable), can see the information on their website. 


A formal analysis is quite simply an analysis of the forms utilized in the work of art. It is a close inspection of the artist's use of aspects such as color, shape, line, mass, and space. The formal analysis moves beyond simple description in that it connects the elements of the work to the effects they have on the viewer. A formal analysis does NOT concentrate on the interpretation of subject matter, function, culture, etc., but it may consider them when they apply to decisions about formal element, things like color, line, size, etc. A clear, well-written formal analysis will contain three things: it will name the formal elements discussed, it will describe the use of the formal elements, and it will discuss the effects of that use of said formal element. 

List of Formal (and Design) Elements:

  • Color
  • Line
  • Light 
  • Shape 
  • Texture
  • Size
  • COMPOSITION
  • Proportion
  • Scale
  • Placement
  • Space/Depth
  • Pattern (repetition and rhythm)
  • Unity and Variety 
  • Contrast
  • Balance
  • Emphasis and Subordination
  • Directional Force

Special categories and terms for Sculpture:


  • Mass and Volume
  • Patina

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