A Guide to Looking at Art

PAINTING:
Identification of the painting
Title of the work, subject depicted
Name of the artist (if known)
Date
Culture/Style
Medium
oil, tempera, fresco
surface-canvas, wood, wall, paper
how is paint applied? in smooth strokes, visible brush strokes, impasto
Composition
geometric or organic forms, or a combination
how are the forms or major movement within the painting organized?
how do these forms relate to the field or frame?
are they symmetrical or asymmetrical, spaced far apart or crowded, closed or open, angular
or curved?
are any significant forms repeated; how and why?
Space and Light
Is there a consistent source of light; if so from what direction--inside or outside the painting?
both?
Are contrasts of light and shadow strong or muted?
What are the functions of the light and shadows- do they emphasized parts of the composition?
help create solidity of form?
clarify space?
generate a mood?
SCULPTURE:
Identification of the sculpture
Title of the work, subject depicted
Name of the artist (if known)
Date
Culture/Style
Medium
stone (limestone, marble, etc), metal, terracotta, combination of materials
What technique did the artist employ (carving, drilling, modelling, casting etc?)
Has the surface been polished, glazed, colored, left unfinished?
How do the color and texture of the material affect the appearance of the sculpture?
Composition
What kinds of forms are basic to the sculpture--

geometric (cones cubes, pyramids, spheres)?

organic (akin to natural objects)
How are the forms organized?
What role do symmetry, balance, and weight play?
How does the composition reflect the works intended setting?
How does the composition indicate the artists attitude toward the subject?

Space
How does the work relate to the space around it?
self-contained (closed composition)
does it penetrate the space around it (open composition)?
From how many points-of-view is the work intended to be seen?
Does the artist make adjustments for the intended point of view? how?
Can the full meaning of the work be grasped from only one point-of-view?
In relief sculpture, does the artist attempt to create the illusion of space? how?
Light
What is the effect of light on the sculpture?
Are the forms treated to obtain a particular effect of light and shadow? Is the impact of the
work dependent on these light effects?
In what kind of light was the work intended to be seen?
Subject Matter
How does the title, if any, relate to the subject depicted?
Is the representation realistic or abstract? traditional or innovative?
Does the artist idealize or distort the subject?
How do the composition and material enhance the theme or subject?

ARCHITECTURE:
Identification of the Building
Name of the structure, location
Name of the architect (if known)
Date
Culture/Style
Function of Building
place of worship? residence? civic structure?
How does function determine form, movement around and through building?
What is the impression on the viewer? Is this determined by function? How is it cultivated by
architecture and read by patron?
Site
Relation of building to surrounding space--situated on a hill, in a valley, on a flat expanse
How does the work relate to natural or manmade landmarks?
Sanctity or important of location--compass orientation, solar orientation, etc
Plan
Individual Building

 symmetry or imbalance?
position of axes and entrances?
paths and means of movement through or around building--corridors, stairs, elevators, etc.
focal point or points
Group of Related Buildings
physical relationship between and among the buildings
formal (stylistic) relationship among buildings
symmetry or imbalance?
axes and entrances?
access routes from one building to next
focal point or points
Structure
type of construction-post and lintel? vaulting? cantilever?
materials (masonry, brick, concrete, etc)
What determined the type of construction and choice of materials?
Are the materials displayed or disguised?
Form of Building
regular or irregular
Is there a predominating form or shape identified by size or repetition?
Is there a repetition of forms that established a rhythm?
Is the rhythm varied?
Is the repetition at the same level or different levels?
What are the proportions of the parts in relation to the whole?
Has more emphasis been given to a particular part of the building? why?