Formal Analysis Paper | Instant Homework Help

Description: For this paper you are going to do some formal analysis on a work of art you choose that falls within the parameters of this course. That means you will choose a work from the time period and geographical regions we cover in this class. You may choose the same work you did for the Annotated Bibliography. You will write a description of this object and then compare it to something we have studied together in class. For your main object you must choose a work that we have NOT studied together in this class. For example, you are not allowed to work on The Girl with a Pearl Earring, which we covered in the Module on Baroque Art. You may, however, choose to work on a different painting and discuss how it reminds you of The Girl with a Pearl Earring. Be careful about your selection. If you choose a work that does not fit in the time period and geography we’ve covered, you will automatically get 20 points deducted from your paper. Choosing an appropriate work is a major component of this project. What is Formal Analysis? A formal analysis includes an analysis of the forms appearing in the work you have chosen. These forms give the work its expression, message, or meaning. If you do not remember what formal analysis is, please refer to Introduction to the Course and Discipline of Art History | Readings & Videos. To aid in writing a formal analysis, you should think as if you were describing the work of art to someone who has never seen it before. When your reader finishes reading your analysis, she/he should have a complete mental picture of what the work looks like. Yet, the formal analysis is more than just a description of the work. It should also include a thesis statement that reflects your conclusions about the work. The thesis statement may, in general, answer a question like these: What do I think is the meaning of this work? What is the message that this work or artist sends to the viewer? What is this work all about? The thesis statement is an important element. It sets the tone for the entire paper, and sets it apart from being a merely descriptive paper. Format for the Paper: Two to three pages (not including title page, if you use one) double spaced 12 pt type 1” margins include an image of the work you are discussing (this is NOT included in the page limit) Make sure you proofread your papers for adhering to the information listed above, as well as incorrect grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other errors. In addition, make sure your paper includes a thesis statement. Your grade will reflect your ability to follow these guidelines. In the first paragraph, called the introduction, you will include: the name of the artist (if known), title (which is underlined or italicized every time you use the title in your paper), date, and medium (if known) what you think is the subject a very brief description of the work thesis statement – usually the last line or so of your first paragraph. From that point, the rest of the formal analysis should include not only a description of the piece, but especially those details of the work that have led you to come to your thesis. Yet, 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 with regard to specific elements (ex: one paragraph may deal with composition, another with a description of the figures, another with the background, another about line, etc.). You will also include a paragraph in which you compare and contrast your chosen work of art to one of the works we have studied together. Does it resemble your piece formally? Do they have iconographical similarities? Finally, in your conclusion (the final paragraph) you should end your paper with a restatement of your thesis. Important Note about Research It is important to remember that your interest here is strictly formal; NO RESEARCH IS TO BE USED IN THIS PAPER. In other words, you are strictly relying on your ability to visually ‘read’ a work of art and make interpretations about it based on your analysis of it. Remember too that your analysis should not be just a mechanical, physical description. Please use descriptive language and adjectives to describe your work. Begin with a general description of the work, and then move on to the more specific elements. In addition, please refer to your syllabus concerning my policy on plagiarism – do not share your thesis or paper with other students and please do not work on your paper with another student. This is considered plagiarism and will result in a failing grade for the entire class. For Help: Writing help is available in two locations at the SRJC! Please take advantage of this wonderful, free resource while it is available to you. These centers are still operating remotely. at the Writing Corner in the Tutorial Center in Doyle Library: https://college-skills.santarosa.edu/tutorial-centers-nettutorLinks to an external site. at the Writing Center sponsored by the English Department: https://english.santarosa.edu/writing-centerLinks to an external site. Watch this Smarthistory video on How to do Formal Analysis (Links to an external site.) Read this free resource to learn more about Writing about Art Ask someone to read a draft to see if your text makes sense. See me during office hours or email me a question. Things to consider when writing a formal analysis (in no particular order): Keep in mind that you always need to Back Up Your Statements! Record your first impression(s) of the artwork. What stands out? Is there a focal point (an area to which the artist wants your eye to be drawn)? If so, what formal elements led you to this conclusion? Your impressions can help you reach your thesis. What is the subject of the artwork? Composition: How are the parts of the work arranged? Is there a stable or unstable composition? Is it dynamic? Full of movement? Or is it static? Pose: If the work has figures, are the proportions believable? Realistic? Describe the pose(s). Is the figure active, calm, graceful, stiff, tense, or relaxed? Does the figure convey a mood? If there are several figures, how do they relate to each other (do they interact? not?)? Proportions: Does the whole or even individual parts of the figure(s) or natural objects in the work look natural? Why did you come to this conclusion? Line: Are the outlines (whether perceived or actual) smooth, fuzzy, clear? Are the main lines vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or curved, or a combination of any of these? Are the lines jagged and full of energy? Sketchy? Geometric? Curvilinear? Bold? Subtle? Space: If the artist conveys space, what type of space is used? What is the relation of the main figure to the space around it? Are the main figures entirely within the space (if the artwork is a painting), or are parts of the bodies cut off by the edge of the artwork? Is the setting illusionistic, as if one could enter the space of the painting, or is it flat and two-dimensional, a space that one could not possibly enter? Texture: If a sculpture, is the surface smooth and polished or rough? Are there several textures conveyed? Where and How? If a painting, is there any texture to the paint surface? Are the brushstrokes invisible? Brushy? Sketchy? Loose and flowing? Or tight and controlled? Light and Shadow: Are shadows visible? Where? Are there dark shadows, light shadows, or both? How do the shadows affect the work? Size: How big is the artwork? Are the figures or objects in the work life-sized, larger or smaller than life? How does the size affect the work? Color: What type of colors are used in the work? Bright? Dull? Complimentary? Does the artist use colors to draw your attention to specific areas of the work? How? If a sculpture, examine the color(s) of the medium and how it affects the work. Mood: Do you sense an overall mood in the artwork? Perhaps several different moods? If so, describe them. How does the mood interpret how you view the work? Once you have spent some time analyzing your work, notice if your first impression of the work has changed, now that you have taken a closer look? How? If you came up with a thesis statement before doing this in-depth analysis, you may want to change it if your impression of the work has changed. Your thesis statement should reflect your view of the object.