How to Write an Art Analysis Essay: An Ultimate Guide

There are many wonderful professions to choose from, and many creative youngsters prefer the art industry. It’s exciting to study this subject, especially when you have real talent. However, it doesn’t mean that a talented painter or designer may not write academic papers. Art students are also obliged to write all kinds of essays, research papers, dissertations, and so on. That’s why you should learn how to write an art analysis essay.

Lauren Bradshaw, a professional essay writer from CustomWritings.com, has an interesting opinion about art analysis. Here is her quote: “Art analysis doesn’t hugely differ from other analysis types. You still have to carry in-depth research, define all the elements, reveal them to the audience, and explain them. In the meanwhile, certain differences are crucial, and you must fulfill them properly to write a perfect essay analysis”. This ultimate guide provided by an essay writing company will help to write a great art analysis paper regardless of the topic.

Decide What Issue to Analyze

Your first move is to define the topic. The selection of a topic is a very important stage in preliminary writing. It must be something relevant and helpful for potential readers. Therefore, you ought to study current trends, as well as try to understand what your readers need. Here are a few good topics ideas to cover:

  1. The importance of art in our lives.
  2. Art therapy is a powerful tool to calm down our anger.
  3. The major similarities between the architecture in Germany and the Czech Republic.
  4. My favorite painter.
  5. The modern problems in the fashion industry.
  6. Do architects have a bright future?
  7. Crucial differences between the art of the 20th and 21st centuries.
  8. The history of art development in the United States of America.
  9. Street art: Pros and cons.
  10. The most impressive picture.

You can find multiple topic lists with similar and different ideas on the Internet. If you have a good topic, half of the project is done. You already know the main direction, and it’s only necessary to give your thoughts a catchy shape.

Gathering General Information

Once you have a topic, research it. Aim at trustworthy information sources in paper and digital formats. Although you should express your opinion about the masterpiece you have chosen, some general background is also required. Typically, it can be found in any standard gallery guidebook. You are to reveal the following essentials:

  • Who or what is represented in the masterpiece?
  • When and where was it created?
  • Who has created it?
  • Where is it now?
  • For what purpose was it created?
  • Are there any people? Why?
  • What genre is it?
  • What does it illustrate?
  • The value of the masterpiece for world culture.

Answer these and similar questions. Thus, you will meet all possible interests of the target audience. Double-check the data when you investigate the questions.

What Else Must Be Mentioned?

When you write an analysis essay in arts, it’s related to the description of a certain masterpiece. It may be a picture, monument, building, interior, photograph, and so on. No matter what you’ve aimed for, be sure to mention the next elements:

  • Lines and shapes;
  • Light and tone;
  • Time and motion;
  • Textures and patterns;
  • A color palette, etc.

Principles of Design

It is also vital to mention the principles of design of the chosen artwork. It makes the image fuller. Be sure to highlight:

  • Unity;
  • Variety;
  • Balance;
  • Scale;
  • Proportion;
  • Function, etc.

Art Analysis Tips

After you identify and clarify all the elements, begin to write the text. The process is quite common for an art analysis essay, as well as for other essay types. Here are a few useful tips:

  • Create an outline. It’s supposed to include the introduction, main plot, and conclusion. Set deadlines for every stage to control your time advancement.
  • Justify what you say. Art assignments are not based only on descriptions. A writer is supposed to explain his or her choice and vision of the artwork in general. You cannot simply write “I like or dislike it.” Use arguments to explain your choice.
  • Add visual analysis. As you are studying art, you surely have talent in drawing and painting. Use it to support what you say. It’s good if you use strong and precise words to reflect the feelings you have when you look at the artwork. Nonetheless, it’s better to add visual proofs. These are sketches, images, drawings, etc., of separate elements you want to underline. If you think that the left edge of the monument contains something relevant, create a sketch and underline the necessary lines and shapes.
  • Be straight to the point. It would be best if you didn’t dance long around the theme. Once you provide general facts and introduce the thesis statement, write on the subject. Don’t write watery sentences that simply tell that art is important and beautiful, etc. You have concrete artwork, and you should write only about it.
  • Be concise and logical. It’s necessary to make your analysis readable. If you write overly long sentences and paragraphs, your readers will find them hard to read. Shorten them where you can, use the active voice, strong words, and logical transitions from one subtopic to another one. If it’s possible, replace several words with one. For example, use “request” instead of “ask for.”
  • Edit and improve. No matter how confident you are, it’s always wiser to revise your analysis essay several times. Use various methods to receive reliable results. Read in your head, aloud, and from the last line to the first one. Don’t forget to ask other people to read it.

 

Memorize the tips, tricks, and ideas we have provided in our guide. They will enrich your knowledge to avoid potential mistakes and enjoy success in writing an art analysis essay. By following them, you have great chances to get an A+ grade and improve your academic score.