FORMAL ANALYSIS

Pagaduan, Jennelyn A.

BCAED 3-1
– Formal analysis is the examination of the “form” of the artwork,
meaning its visual elements. Just as there are element of a
short story, there are also elements of art. These elements are
those characteristics that you can observe with your own eyes. 
– Remember that formal analysis is all about visual
characteristics. You are not being asked what you think is the
message of the work; you are being asked to convey how
elements and principles make you feel or what effect they have
on you as the viewer.
– Formal Analysis is the method of analyzing the art by
explaining the visual elements. The method explains the
work of art as perceived through human eyes. The visual
elements of the art like line, form, shape and color are
explained in detail in Formal Analysis.
–  it is not meant to evoke the work in the reader’s mind.
Instead it is an explanation of visual structure, of the ways
in which certain visual elements have been arranged and
function within a composition. Strictly speaking, subject is
not considered and neither is historical or cultural context. 
 ELEMENTS OF ART

• COLOR
• COMPOSITION
• LINE
• SHAPE
• TEXTURE
• SPACE
• LIGHT & SHADOW
 PRINCIPLE OF DESIGN

• BALANCE
• PROPORTION
• MOVEMENT
 WRITING THE FORMAL
ANALYSIS
1. Examine the work
2. Think about the artwork’s effect on you
3. Write your thesis statement. 
4. Expand your thesis
5. Write your conclusion
Tips about Formal Analysis

– One helpful tip in writing formal analysis is to think of it as

somewhat similar to a cause and effect essay.
– Note : The elements and the principles are the causes, while
the way they affect the artwork and make you feel are the
effects.
– Your job, therefore, is to explain the relationship between
the artwork’s characteristics and its effect. Having an idea
of how to write a cause and effect essay will help you with
this assignment.
– Note that not all elements and principles apply to an
– How to Write a Formal Art Analysis | CustomEssayMeister.com
– Formal Analysis - Writing About Art