Art Response Form - Many thanks to Michael Schwager of Sonoma State University for his indespensible expertise. tj
Responding to Art - Period ________________________
Basic Information: Artist
Artist's Birth and Death Dates
Title
Date
Medium
In your opinion, briefly state what this work of art is about? What are
some of the themes and ideas the work addresses?
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Describe the "content" (subject matter) of the work, that is,
what kind of action is being depicted? Who participates? Where
does the action occur? What is going on in the background?
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Describe the "formal elements" of the work, that is, what
kind of materials did the artist use? What kind of line and colors
did the artist use, and how do they work together? Do you think the
artist worked slowly or quickly?
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Based on your observations, how would you describe the "style"
of the work?
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How would you describe the "tone" of the work of art? (How does
it make you feel? Is it peaceful, violent, contemplative, sensuous,
or descriptive?)
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How do you think the circumstances of the artist's life (when and where
the artist worked, the political climate of the time, the artist's gender,
etc.) affected his/her art? Provide
an example specific to his/her era, do not generalize.
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Look closely at the work as you try to read the artist’s intent. Pay attention to what feelings the work engenders in you. Along with a study of the subject matter or meaning of the work, concentrate on how the work was made, its materials, its form: the use of color, line, texture, form, mass, compositional balance and counterpoint. Make a statement which indicates HOW the subject matter (content) is supported by the form elements of the piece.
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