Assignment: Form and Principles

Learning how to explore and apply knowledge of the elements and principles of visual organization to conduct a formal analysis of an artwork is one of the learning outcomes of this course. This assignment prepares you to write about the formal elements and the principles of design of an artwork. Please be sure to read Chapters 1-5 and be familiar with the terms in those chapters before completing this assignment.

Learning objective of this assignment:
Explore and apply knowledge of the principles of visual organization to conduct formal analysis of artworks

Task 1: Select a work from the Form and Principle Image List.
Review the image list and find an image that appeals to you*. Note that each image will have a caption linking to where the work of art is located. Use this information to research the work and/the artist. Please keep in mind that research is only as good as the source, so be ruthless in your search for reputable information. Two sources are required. Please note: Wikipedia should only be considered a secondary source at best.

*Please note: you must analyze a work from this list. An analysis of an image not on this list will not be accepted.

Consider reviewing the video below How to Write and Talk about the Elements of Art and Principles of Design

I take issue with one thing in the clip. If an edge or a shape is created by value contrast and not an actual line, that is an edge not a line.
Task 2
Write a paper, including a labeled image of your chosen work, as detailed below:

In the first paragraph, describe the formal elements the artist uses in the work—line, shape, color, texture, space, light, value. Use specific vocabulary. Be specific. You need to use at least 3 specific terms in context related to formal elements (Chapter 4).

Then, discuss the principles of design—balance, emphasis and focal point, scale and proportion, repetition and rhythm, and unity and variety, emphasis and subordination, scale and proportion. Which of the principles of design stands out to you? You must use at least 2 terms related to principles of design (chapter 5). In this paragraph, be sure you do not talk about subject matter or content.

In an additional paragraph, first state the subject matter, then give your opinion of the content. Then research the content of the artwork and/or the artist briefly. Try to relate your research to your chosen image. Please write in your own words; you may include a brief quote, but the majority of what you write should be your words.

Please utilize scholarly sources, not student blogs or homework help websites—you will not receive credit for poor sources. If you have questions about citations, here is a good resource from your CPCC Library: How Citations Work opens in new window

Word count should be between 300 and 400 words.

Task 3
Before submit your work by uploading your file to the submission link, compare to the exemplary column of the Grading rubric.

 

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