"Reading" Art

Describe

Describe the work without using value words such as "beautiful" or "ugly":

• What is the written description on the label or in the program about the work?

• What is the title and who is (are) the artist(s)?

• When and where was the work created?

• Describe the elements of the work (i.e., line movement, light, space).

• Describe the technical qualities of the work (i.e., tools, materials, instruments).

• Describe the subject matter. What is it all about? Are there recognizable images?

Analyze

Describe how the work is organized as a complete composition:

• How is the work constructed or planned (i.e., acts, movements, lines)?

• Identify some of the similarities throughout the work (i.e., repetition of lines, two songs in each act).

• Identify some of the points of emphasis in the work (i.e., specific scene, figure, movement).

• If the work has subjects or characters, what are the relationships between or among them?

Interpret

Describe how the work makes you think or feel:

• Describe the expressive qualities you find in the work. What expressive language would you use to describe the qualities (i.e., tragic, ugly, funny)?

• Does the work remind you of other things you have experienced (i.e., analogy or metaphor)?

• How does the work relate to other ideas or events in the world and/or in your other studies?

Judge/Evaluate

Present your opinion of the work's success or failure:

• What qualities of the work make you feel it is a success or failure?

• Compare it with similar works that you think are good or bad.

• What criteria can you list to help others judge this work?

• How original is the work? Why do you feel this work is original or not original?