• Objects, figures, colors, shapes, objects, background, etc.
• Imagine you are describing it to a blind person. Do this in as much detail as possible and use art terms.

• What types of shapes are used in this artwork (i.e. rounded, curved, straight-edged or geometric shapes)?
• Is there a mixture of different types of shapes or are all the shapes similar?
• Are some parts of the composition full of shapes and some parts empty, or are the shapes spread evenly across the artwork?
• Are some shapes repeated or echoed in other parts of the artwork?
• Does the whole composition look full of energy and movement, or does it look still and peaceful? How did the artist create this movement/stillness?
• What is the center of interest in the composition?
• How does the artist draw your attention to it?

Use the elements/principles to reflect upon the art form

• Determination of subject matter through naming iconographic elements, e.g., historical event, allegory, mythology, etc.
• Selection of most distinctive features or characteristics whether line, shape, color, texture, etc.
• Analysis of the principles of design or composition, e.g., stable,
• repetitious, rhythmic, unified, symmetrical, harmonious, geometric, varied, chaotic, horizontal or vertically oriented, etc.
• Discussion of how elements or structural system contribute to appearance of image or function
• Analysis of use of light and role of color, e.g., contrasty, shadowy,
• illogical, warm, cool, symbolic, etc.
• Treatment of space and landscape, both real and illusionary (including use of perspective), e.g., compact, deep, shallow, naturalistic, random
• Portrayal of movement and how it is achieved
• Effect of particular medium(s) used
• Your perceptions of balance, proportion and scale (relationships of each part of the composition to the whole and to each other part) and your emotional
• Reaction to object or monument

• What do you think the artist is trying to say in this artwork? What does it mean?
• What is the main theme or idea behind this piece?
• If you were inside this artwork, what would you be feeling/ thinking?
• Does the artwork have a narrative (tell a story)? Is it a religious artwork?
• Is it abstract? Is it realistic? Why?
• How would you explain this artwork to someone else?
• Evidence: What evidence inside or outside the artwork supports your interpretation?

• Use aesthetic theories to help evaluate
• Is it a good artwork?
• Criteria: What criteria do I think are most appropriate for judging the artwork?
• Evidence: What evidence inside or outside the artwork relates to each criterion?
• Judgment: Based on the criteria and evidence, what is my judgment about the quality of the artwork?
• “Franz Marc has created an effective expressive painting, because the hot colors and lively brush marks he has used add to the overall feeling of energy and excitement his is trying to create.”
• “The overall mood of this drawing would be improved if Kathe Kollowitz had used strong, dramatic shadows, instead of pale tones. Dark tones would develop the feeling of fear and loneliness in this image.”

Example:

 This artwork contains a sad little girl that is bleeding from the nose and holding a teddy bear, all while she is standing in a landscape of rubble. There are five people in the background that are looking directly at the little girl; two men are photographing her, a woman with a clip board and headphones has her arm extended that prevents two men wearing red crosses from interfering with the sad event that is occurring.