UNIT 2 Analyzing and Evaluating Visual Art
Different Levels of Evaluating Visual Art
1. Literal Description
This kind of process involves the gathered factual information
regarding an artwork. You are required to provide your own observation
and well-thought description of the characteristics of an artwork.
This focuses on the direct description of an artwork. In the process of
describing, much concentration and time for observation is required to
create a sensible description. A critical evaluation is not needed for this
process; this merely requires a keen eye for factual details.
The following are usually evaluated at this type of level:
a. What is the kind of art or artistic category (architecture, painting,
sculpture)?
b. What is the medium used (metal, paint, clay)?
c. description of the line, color, shape and other related elements
Example:
The painting depicts rotating objects, stars, buildings, rolling
mountains, the moon, large trees and churches. It appears to
be a night scene painted in a vantage point. There is a town
in the front or lower part, there are hills in the middle and stars
in the back part.
2. Comprehensive Feeling
At this level, you are given the opportunity to express your feelings
and thoughts freely about the artwork as means of
communication.
Example:
From the color used, it shows sadness and a cold atmosphere.
It can also be calm and relaxed
3. Formal Analysis
The basis for this stage is from the literal description and general
sense of the work of art. At this level, you should evaluate the skill of
creating, using or manipulating tools, and the compositions or visual and
visual validity of an artwork. Answer the question, "How did the artist do it?"
The following are usually evaluated at this type of level:
a. defining the subject
b. defining the unique nature of art
c. analysis of the structure and relationship of art elements
d. analysis of the effects of using different mediums
Example:
The creator used cool blue, green, and purple, with
complementary orange and yellow lights and stars. There is a
difference in the thickness and direction of the brush strokes
and colors. There are different shapes of houses and the
organic shape of the surrounding landscapes. The motion motion is
created by rotating the sky and the brushstroke used. Trees create the
sense of movement that can be seen in winding lines.
4. Interpretation
It relates the information obtained from literal description, formal
analysis and knowledge derived from real events or contextual
knowledge of a work of art. It answers the question "why did the artist do it
and what does it mean?"
The following are usually evaluated at this type of level:
a. basic art concept
b. overall meaning of art
c. message and idea of art in a specific cultural context
d. socio-cultural context that conforms to the creation coherence of the
artwork
Example:
The color of this artwork creates a feeling of serenity. But the
orange and yellow of the moon create a sense of excitement.
The painting shows a strong sense of hope through the bright colors and
the stars shining over the landscape and night. The color lines and
coatings used add calmness reminiscent of rolling water.
5. Value Judgement
At this level, you should develop rational, emotional and
comprehensive decisions related to the entirety of the artwork from earlier
levels.
The following questions are answered:
a. Is this a good kind of art?
b. What is the appropriate standard to use in the analysis?
c. What are the proofs that all the elements of art are related?
d. What can be said about the quality of art based on these standards
and proof?
Example:
This artwork has successfully used the elements and principles
of art to create a painting that expresses emotion and life by
expressing the brushstroke. The subject evokes a calm or sad
feeling while the colors are successfully used and contrasts to
create a feeling of joy and hope at night. This is a very good
impressionist painting.
