How To Analyse Paintings

What To Consider When Analyzing Art

Compostion Subject Line Colour Perspective

Composition

Depends on artist choices or choices imposed  on artist due to spacial constraints (e.g. canvas space and other artworks in vicinity) - Everything is taken into account.Format can be determined by ratios (phi, golden section, pyramid & frieze) These determine points of the canvas that draw viewer's attention. High vs low, character gaze etc. Symmetry draws attention to centreThis can be seen by drawing lines to show paintings organisationCan also be seen through size and proportions  + Depth of field and perspective

Empty vs Full Composition  The balance of space in the painting - be it around the subject to make them stand out or in the more general sense of the painting with space and stuff  Open vs closed Composition  

Subject

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Pie de foto: : Until 20th Century; art was figurative; grounded in realism and often religious. Secular subjects began bit by bit in 14th Century and became more prevalent over time - due to growing appreciation for Nature & Architecture & Common folk as subjects

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Pie de foto: : New / Newer subjects and styles were used in art. E.g.History, landscapes/scenery. portraits, everyday life & Still life

Line

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Pie de foto: : Proportions are often calculate through ratios - a common one is the golden ratio phi [Φ = (1+ √5)/2]

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Pie de foto: : Lines and proportions allow for focus on certain figures because they draw attention by organizing space and figures

Colour

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Pie de foto: : Colour schemes and use of monochrome can denote dreary, desolate landscapes

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Pie de foto: : Colour use also includes the use of shadow and light. Shadows denote darkness or badness; Light adds to realism if sun perspective is noticeable or goodness.

Perspective

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Pie de foto: : Enhances narratives by providing background context and depth

Contextiualisation of Art in Momodernist culture