For this piece of the Course Project, you will submit your artwork choice along with a quick sketch of the art, your thesis, and outline as a single 1-2 page Word document. This outline will be a guide of how your paper will flow. Part of your grade will be determined by how well you follow this outline.
Once you have identified the work of art you want to write about, do a brief sketch of it. Make notes within the sketch about the elements and principles of design you see, and any other feelings and impressions you have. Take a photo of your sketch, to be turned in with your paper.
You will NOT be graded on your drawing skills for this sketch! This is just a perceptual exercise to help you really see the details of your chosen work of art. The process of sketching helps you see the work on a deeper level and will make the writing process much easier.
After your sketch is completed, begin your outline following the format below.
Introduction
Title, artist, date, location, dimensions, medium of the work, and the name of the exhibition/museum in which the work is displayed.
List brief descriptive qualities. For example, “Landscape of mountain scene, barn, cows.” Or “Portrait of woman wearing hat.”
Name the medium the artist used and any obvious characteristics of the medium.
Note the initial reactions, thoughts, and questions you had when first viewing this work.
Conclusion
Wrap up the essay by summarizing your thesis. Note any new interpretations of the thesis that emerged.
Requirements: 2 pages not including cover and reference pages
Answer preview
Movement- Van Gogh creates movement by using diagonal, horizontal, curvy, and swirling lines, which direct the viewers’ eyes to view the entire composition.
Rhythm- The swirls on the stars, moon, and repetitive short brush strokes create rhythm.
Balance- Despite the contrasting aspect of the colors, the integration of bright and dark colors enhances balance. Further, the large dark tree on the left and the sun on the right with intense yellow create asymmetrical balance.
Harmony- The repetitive brush strokes and broken lines create harmony, ensuring that the subject matter does not appear complicated.
