Analyze a Work of Art
Assignment Overview
Observe and analyze the principles of design and motion in a work of art for this project. You may select any work of visual art, including paintings, photography, film, animation, or multimedia. If using motion picture media, focus on a scene that embodies the principles at work in the whole. You may use a sculpture, a scene from a graphic novel, or even a single magazine cartoon or advertising image that you feel exemplifies the principles in a signature way.

Assignment Directions
If you have access to the original image by visiting a museum or watching a high definition DVD of motion picture content, you will be able to better assess the artist’s use of the principles. Choose the highest quality rendering you can access of your chosen art in order to observe the truest original colors and textures.

Take your time observing and reflecting before you begin to formulate your analysis. Look at the work from different distances, at different angles, and with different light in the room if you can. Make notes as you observe to use in your project presentation. This project should be presented in visual format:

Submission Requirements
This project can be presented in visual format, with multimedia elements. You could videotape your analysis and show the work itself. You can choose your presentation format, whether you present still images from acceptable sources, or recorded video on your smartphone or other device. If you use sources from a museum, or downloaded website content, be sure the images are high quality and good resolution, and that the terms of use allow your inclusion of it in a student project. Cite your sources.

You may use multimedia elements.
You may videotape your analysis and show the work itself.
You may present still images from acceptable sources.
You may record video on your smartphone or other device.
You may use sources from a museum.
You may downloaded website content. If you do, be sure the images are high quality and good resolution, and that the terms of use allow your inclusion of it in a student project.
In your analysis, give detailed information on these principles of design and motion:

form (medium)
size
materials
subject
textures
composition
balance
light (and shadow)
color
tonality
movement
emotional resonance
statement
context (historical, personal)
and why you chose it
You may include other specific design and motion principles in your analysis. Your goal is to demonstrate your knowledge of the principles of design and motion as well as your interest in the particular work you select. Write 3-5 pages and be sure to cite your sources.