How to write an Art Essay
Artists Application/Use of Materials and Techniques
Means What is Used?
How the Artist applies or works the medium (with what techniques)
- Analyse technical and visual characteristics of the selected artwork using correct terminology
- Discuss the use of the identified techniques and the qualities of specific materials --using information provided
Follow this formula -----
Always start with an opening 'show stopper' sentence --this should include
-Artist's name
-Date of work
-Medium/s used
-Title
-Identify and reference genre (this may refer to the style or specific period)
-Any general comments that summarize the artists actual characteristics
Followed by 3 meaningful, descriptive sentences in each paragraph about the application of media that:
What - explain a particular way they work the medium
Where - Identify where it is best seen in the work
How - Is it explore used to create effect or purpose
When you write (analyse) use art language to describe the observed techniques and processes used (highlight obvious design elements).
Means What is Used?
How the Artist applies or works the medium (with what techniques)
- Analyse technical and visual characteristics of the selected artwork using correct terminology
- Discuss the use of the identified techniques and the qualities of specific materials --using information provided
Follow this formula -----
Always start with an opening 'show stopper' sentence --this should include
-Artist's name
-Date of work
-Medium/s used
-Title
-Identify and reference genre (this may refer to the style or specific period)
-Any general comments that summarize the artists actual characteristics
Followed by 3 meaningful, descriptive sentences in each paragraph about the application of media that:
What - explain a particular way they work the medium
Where - Identify where it is best seen in the work
How - Is it explore used to create effect or purpose
When you write (analyse) use art language to describe the observed techniques and processes used (highlight obvious design elements).
Really Quick Example of what to include:
Edouard Manet's figurative seascape 'Claude Monet in his studio boat', 1874 depicts his typical use of 'impressionistic' brush strokes of oil on canvas, to capture and brief moment in time.
Manet applies quick, short horizontal strokes of paint to portray light and objects reflecting off the water. (Add two more sentences relating).
The use of blue and white tones enhance a sense of realism and highlights of orange and yellow flecks on the water's surface, emphasise movement allowing the eye to skip around the water. (Add two more sentences relating)
The background is treated softly and lightly with minimal detail to draw focus toward the subjects, where Manet uses heavier and defined strokes of colour. (Add two more sentences relating).
Manet applies quick, short horizontal strokes of paint to portray light and objects reflecting off the water. (Add two more sentences relating).
The use of blue and white tones enhance a sense of realism and highlights of orange and yellow flecks on the water's surface, emphasise movement allowing the eye to skip around the water. (Add two more sentences relating)
The background is treated softly and lightly with minimal detail to draw focus toward the subjects, where Manet uses heavier and defined strokes of colour. (Add two more sentences relating).