Class 4.2FORMAL ANALYSIS

agenda 9.15.16• beginning the process of formal analysis• formal elements

• color• line

What is Formal Analysis?

Breaking a work down into component parts for purposes of systematic observation and understanding.

When the parts are put back together, you do so with a richer understanding of each part and how they fit together.

Step 1Experiencing the Effects. Give yourself time simply to look at the work, without preconceptions. Just look. See what you see, feel what you feel, think what you think.

When you've done this and really given yourself a bit of time, then you're ready to move on to the next step.

Step 2• Identify the genre of the work, if possible.

• Examples: • still life• landscape• portrait

Paul CÉZANNEThe Peppermint Bottle1893/5oil on canvas25.9 × 32.3 in

Frederic Edwin CHURCH, Cotopaxi, 1855. Oil on canvas, 30 x 46-7/16 inches.

Thomas Gainsborough, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, 1750, oil on canvas, 27.20 x 46.87 in

Thomas RUFFPorträt (T. Ruff)1991c-print 73 ¼ x 71 ¼ in

Step 3Identify the medium of the work. This is often, but not always, given in the caption or label. Is it a:

• Drawing?• Painting?• Photograph?• Sculpture?If any more specific information is given, take this into account (e.g., watercolor on paper, acrylic on masonite, oil on canvas, etc.)

Step 4Consider the dimensions of the actual work. Photographs can be quite deceptive, so look at the caption for information about size. Try to envision how large or small the work is. Take out a ruler or tape measure to help if you aren't good at visualizing size.

Formal AnalysisYou are going to examine this object closely in terms of:

• line• color• shape• pattern• light• texture• size• orientation

KEEP IN MINDNot all of these will apply equally to every work of art. Based upon the actual work you are analyzing, you will choose a few of these to focus your energies on.

LINE and COLOR

• Long history of talking about these two properties• Disegno versus colore (in Italy)• Dessin vs. couleur (in France)

Are considered the two most basic elements of two-dimensional art

LINE Line/design can mean several things:(It’s clearer if we use a more direct translation: design)Design could mean:

A drawingA plan to make something

Ingres,Apotheosis of Homer, c. 1827, brush, gouache, and gray wash on paper, Louvre

This is both a “drawing” and a “plan’ for how to make the work. It comes first.

The painting comes second.

So color was thought to be secondary.Except that some artists defied this rule.

They said, actually paint is what paintings are made of, and paint is pigment (a color) suspended in a medium (some sort of binder).

Jan van der Straet (Dutch, 1523 – 1604) The Painter's Studio

Assistant grinding colors for use in a Diego Rivera fresco

Pierre Bonnard’s worktable, 1945

Henri MATISSEOpen Window, Collioure1905oil on canvas21 3/4 x 18 1/8 in