In addition to the basic subject matter of the image (e.g., who and what are in the image or what the image is about), we want to consider how the various elements of art individually and together contribute to the meaning and feeling of the image. Some prominent elements are covered below.
The meaning and emotional effect of colour is derived from the symbolic value of colours (refer back to your symbolism sheet) as well as what we know about colour from psychology. Depending on how the colour is used or paired, it may take on a different meaning or mood (e.g., positive or negative).
Especially in photography or photorealistic images, lighting also has a role. The angle (above, below, angled), source (natural, artificial), power (strong, weak), and texture (soft, hard) of light in the image affects the colours and lines present and hence the overall mood of the piece. Similarly, filters may be used to adjust the image's colour and texture.
How are color and lighting used in the image? What effect do the colors chosen have on the viewer?
Consider the line quality. Verticals communicate height, grandeur, power, and rigidity. Horizontals promote a sense of calm and stability. Diagonals are more active and can be exciting or unsettling.
Can you see the major lines in the image? How do the lines affect our mood? How do the lines create viewing paths for our eyes, and where are our eyes directed?
Shapes are 2D while forms are 3D. Geometric shapes are precise and mathematically consistent (e.g., circles, spirals, cylinders). They generally dominate architecture, technology, and industry, and convey civilization and order. Organic shapes and forms are unpredictable and flowing in appearance. They suggest the nature and the familiar, and can add life, warmth, and energy to a piece.
What shapes can you recognize in the image? Do they repeat? Is there a pattern? Is order or chaos conveyed? What associations do the shapes suggest?
What symbols are used in this image? What do you think they represent?
Space can be positive (taken up by forms) or negative (e.g., white space). Consider the distance between forms in the piece, as well as distance between the subject and the viewer. In photography and film, we want to consider the camera distance as well as angle, and consider why the photographer may have chosen this shot to convey a certain feeling in the viewer about the subject matter.
How is space used in the piece? How does this make the viewer feel? What is the camera distance? What is the camera angle? How does this affect what we see and how we feel about it?
This is not an element of art, but we want to consider these questions whenever we have an image featuring people, as their posture, gaze, gestures, and facial expression are visual cues as to their thoughts, emotions, and relationships with other people or their surroundings. It can greatly help us interpret what the image might mean, and invites us to experience the scene with the people in it.
What type of expression is the character giving? Where is their gaze directed? What does this say? What is the character's posture like? What type of gestures is the character giving? What is communicated by this posture or these gestures?