What is the meaning of the artwork, and how is that meaning conveyed? The thesis statement is an important element. It sets the tone for the entire paper, and sets it apart from being merely a descriptive exercise.

Formal Analysis Paper
Description
For this assignment, you will visit a gallery or museum to view and write about an artwork of your choosing. The artwork can be executed in any medium covered in your textbook.

A formal analysis is an examination of the forms used to create a work of art. It is a close inspection of the artists use/composition of visual elements such as color, shape, texture, line, lighting, mass, and space. These forms contribute to the artworks expression, message, or meaning. A formal analysis moves beyond general description by linking the visual elements of the work to the effects they have on the viewer. Considering this connection enables the writer to discuss the overall meaning of the work.

A formal analysis does NOT require any research and is based on your direct observations of the work of art. Do not use any outside sources to support your analysis. The only information needed beyond the artwork itself will be available on the wall text/label: artist, title, date, medium, and dimensions. To aid in writing a formal analysis, imagine describing the artwork to someone who has never seen it before. When a reader finishes, she/he should have a complete mental picture of what the work looks like and a clear understanding of its meaning.
Paper Requirements, Formatting, & Organization
You are required to see the artwork in person and during the current semester.
Do not write your analysis about a work of art found online or in a book.
Do not write about artwork created by children or student artists (grades K through 12).
Do not visit a gallery in a mall or one with a frame shop connected.
A list of local galleries/museums is available within the D2L class site.
Your paper should be a minimum of 800 to 900 words in length.
Utilize MLA formatting: double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, 1 margins, and headers. A title page is not necessary.
Write in objective 3rd person point of view.
Your paper must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx extension).
Proofread your paper for correct use of spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, & MLA formatting.
Plagiarized/self-plagiarized work will earn a grade of zero. Please refer to the syllabus addendum for further explanation.
Introduction Paragraph
Your reader needs to have a general sense of the subject and layout of the artwork before you get into its particulars. Therefore, begin by identifying the work (artist, title, medium, date, etc.) and by conveying a general idea of its physical make-up and what it is about. Remember, you are writing about the artwork and not the artist. Do not include biographical information on the artist.

Make sure your introduction includes a clear thesis statement. A thesis summarizes the argument you will make in the rest of your paper. The thesis statement, in general, will answer a question like this: What is the meaning of the artwork, and how is that meaning conveyed? The thesis statement is an important element. It sets the tone for the entire paper, and sets it apart from being merely a descriptive exercise.

You must address the questions listed below within the introduction paragraph.
Where is the artwork located (name of museum or gallery)?
Who is the artist?
What is the title? Be sure to italicize the title of the work of art.
What year was it created (if known)? Circa means approximately (example c. 1980).
What is the medium/media?
What is the approximate size/dimensions?
Briefly introduce the subject of the work: what does it depict?
How would you describe the artworks overall style/appearance (realistic, abstract, or nonobjective)?
Thesis statement: a summary of the argument you will make in the rest of your paper (usually the last sentence of the first paragraph).
3 to 4 Body Paragraphs
From this point, the rest of the formal analysis should include more than a general description of the artworks subject. You will specifically discuss the details of the work that have led you to your thesis. Each body paragraph must have a controlling idea and clear topic sentence. Your paper should not be a random flow of ideas about the work (i.e. stream of consciousness writing). Rather, your paper should have a sense of order, moving purposefully through your description of the subject in relationship to specific elements of art and their organization through the principles of design towards an assessment of how the artists use of these elements/principles contributes to the overall meaning of the work. Utilize clear descriptive language that will help the reader visualize the artwork. Think of the elements of art as basic vocabulary and the principles of design as grammar. Vocabulary is structured by grammar to form a sentence that conveys meaning. The elements of art are structured by the principles of design in an intentional way that also conveys meaning.

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