6. DESCRIBE
tips for describing
When describing COLOR, include…
• its name (red, green)
• its value (light, dark)
• its intensity (bright or dull color)
• also use warm/cool, complementary colors, primary colors,
secondary colors, analogous colors, etc.
When describing SPACE, think about…
• does it feel “flat” or “deep” ? what is in the foreground,
middle ground, and/or background?
• also use positive and negative space
When describing SHAPE, think about…
• is it geometric or organic?
When describing FORM, think about...
• how has the artist used SHAPE and VALUE to make
something look three-dimensional?
8. analyze
3 most important
principles of design
and to talk about a
principle, you must
mention an element
example:
The REPETITION of BRIGHT ORANGE COLOR
throughout the painting helps the viewer’s eye to
move from the bottom left corner, through the
middle, and finally, to the top of the painting.
9. analyze
tips for analyzing
(Remember to include what element shows your principle!)
When describing MOVEMENT, remember…
• this is about VISUAL movement - as in, how does your eye
move across the image?
When describing BALANCE, think about…
• is it symmetrical or asymmetrical?
When describing UNITY, think about…
• how has the artist created a sense of “oneness”?
When describing PROPORTION, think about...
• how do the elements visually relate / compare to each other?
CONTRAST vs. EMPHASIS
• CONTRAST is when things are different, EMPHASIS is
when something specific stands out
16. interpre
a. it the art perceptual,
expressive, or nonobjective? Why? Be
specific.
b. what is your claim for
the interpretation of
this artwork?
explain what you think
the meaning or the
intent of the artwork
is and “prove it”
mentioning at least one
element and one
principle
18. judge
a. counterclaim
1. come up with an
alternate
interpretation (meaning
or intent)
2. “prove” this one
mentioning at least one
element and one
principle
b. conclusion
1. which one is stronger,
your claim or your
counter-claim?
2. why?
