how to write about your techniques
To annotate
To make short notes explaining or clarifying a point or drawing the viewer’s attention to something of relevance (e.g. ‘the wide range of tones here adds drama and interest’).
To analyse (also see analyze page)
To look closely and in detail at an artwork, noting down as many points as you can about the piece. These points might cover things like:
o Composition (the organisation of shapes within the work)
o Use of colour / tone
o Medium used (oil paint, photography, pastel)
o Mood or emotion created
o Content / narrative (what’s happening in this artwork? Is there a story?)
o Issues covered (i.e. political, social, religious issues?)
To compare and contrast
To analyse two or more artworks at once, focusing on the similarities and differences between them. This is often easier than analysing a single artwork.
To evaluate
To make personal judgements about the artwork and to give your reasons i.e. Do you like the artwork? Why? What is good about it? What is not so good? The reasons for this will, of course, come from your analysis.
To make short notes explaining or clarifying a point or drawing the viewer’s attention to something of relevance (e.g. ‘the wide range of tones here adds drama and interest’).
To analyse (also see analyze page)
To look closely and in detail at an artwork, noting down as many points as you can about the piece. These points might cover things like:
o Composition (the organisation of shapes within the work)
o Use of colour / tone
o Medium used (oil paint, photography, pastel)
o Mood or emotion created
o Content / narrative (what’s happening in this artwork? Is there a story?)
o Issues covered (i.e. political, social, religious issues?)
To compare and contrast
To analyse two or more artworks at once, focusing on the similarities and differences between them. This is often easier than analysing a single artwork.
To evaluate
To make personal judgements about the artwork and to give your reasons i.e. Do you like the artwork? Why? What is good about it? What is not so good? The reasons for this will, of course, come from your analysis.