How to write about art

How to write about art

1. Composition / Content

   • foreground, background and mid-ground
     • Layout
     • Way the image is built up
     • How you eyes are led around the piece of work
   • What the piece is of
     • Meaning and mood of the work

2. Colour

   • Mood and meaning
   • Primary, secondary and tertiary colours
   • Complementary Colours
   • Contrasting Colours

3. Context

   • Story / narrative behind the piece
   • Cultural
   • Physiological, Economic, Political, Social, Historical

4. Hidden Meaning

   • Symbolism
   • Objects and Colour
     • Symbolic
   • Symbols that represent people,, styles, religion or art movements

5. Style / Influences

   • Genre (landscape, portrait or still life)
   • Background / History of artist
   • Influence by other artists
     • Or art movement

6. What to include

   • Size / Dimensions
     • Media (why was it picked)
   • Title of work
     • Location of work
   • Date