Formal Analysis is a way to understand an artwork by examining its use of artistic techniques and characteristics to define its meaning. When we say formal analysis, we mean to examine an artwork and give visual descriptions of it by questioning what we see, what does it means, and how it was made. While examining an art we also look at the elements such as the line, value (light and dark in a design), shapes, composition, scale, forms, space and mass, color, and texture. It is more than just describing what we see in an artwork, it is more about understanding what’s the artist trying to convey, looking for the hidden message, and adding perceptive and our personal insight. The way we interpret an artwork is based on our personal perspective, experience, emotions, and own vision, therefore art has different meanings to different people.

Formal Analysis is a way that people evaluate various works of art. The goal when performing a session of formal analysis on work is to be able to decipher and/ or define the meaning of the piece artwork that is being observed. While doing formal analysis, its important to keep and open mind and let your imagination run free. It is also just as important to ask questions of the work. These questions should really be thought provoking questions, as if you were trying to get into the head of the artist who created the work. When describing the work in formal analysis it’s so important to show and not tell what is occurring in the work. When you show and not tell you are developing critical description skills ( the art of describing). Finally, its important to always keep a central focus on what the work is about.

In order to keep a central focus on what the work is about you must know the components of central Analysis.  The first component is formal properties. Formal Properties focuses on the physical aspect if the work. This includes, contrast, the size and scale of the items in the work, how everything is positioned, the composition, the colors used and illusions and mimesis. The second component of formal analysis is subject matter.  Subject matter focuses on the context, and story of the work. It’s important to consider what the message of the painting is and how every individual item contributes to the over all story. finally the last component of formal analysis is historical context. Every piece of work that you look at may not correspond to the times and social norms that you are currently used to. When analyzing work, its important to consider the time period it was created in. Know that time period may have influenced the artist as well as the people that observed their work at that time.