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 centre
• This can be seen by drawing lines to show paintings organisation
• Can 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

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

Line

• 
• Legenda: Proportions are often calculate through ratios - a common one is the golden ratio phi [Φ = (1+ √5)/2]
• 
• Legenda: Lines and proportions allow for focus on certain figures because they draw attention by organizing space and figures

Colour

• 
• Legenda: Colour schemes and use of monochrome can denote dreary, desolate landscapes
• 
• Legenda: 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

• 
• Legenda: Enhances narratives by providing background context and depth

Contextiualisation of Art in Momodernist culture