what is a visual arts essay

Visual Analysis: How to Analyze a Painting and Write an Essay

A visual analysis essay is an entry-level essay sometimes taught in high school and early university courses. Both communications and art history students use visual analysis to understand art and other visual messages. In our article, we will define the term and give an in-depth guide on how to look at a piece of art and write a visual analysis essay. Stay tuned until the end for a handy visual analysis essay example from our graduate paper writing service .

What Is Visual Analysis?

Visual analysis is essential in studying Communication, English, and Art History. It's a fundamental part of writing about art found in scholarly books, art magazines, and even undergraduate essays. You might encounter a visual analysis as a standalone assignment or as part of a larger research paper.

When you do this type of assignment, you're examining the basic elements of an artwork. These include things like its colors, lines, textures, and size. But it goes beyond just describing these elements. A good analysis also considers the historical context in which the artwork was created and tries to understand what it might mean to different people.

It also encourages you to look closely at details and think deeply about what an artwork is trying to say. This kind of analysis makes you appreciate art more and teaches you how to explain your ideas clearly based on what you see in the artwork.

What is the Purpose of Visual Analysis?

The purpose of a visual analysis is to recognize and understand the visual choices the artist made in creating the artwork. By looking closely at different elements, analysts can learn a lot about how an artwork was made and why the artist made certain choices.

For example, studying how colors are used or how things are arranged in the artwork can reveal its themes or the emotions it's trying to convey. Also, understanding the time period when the artwork was created helps us see how societal changes and cultural ideas influenced its creation and how people reacted to it.

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How to Write a Visual Analysis Step-by-Step

To create an insightful visual analysis, you should not only examine the artwork in detail but also situate it within a broader cultural and historical framework. This process can be broken down into three main steps:

Identifying, describing, and analyzing the visual material
Situating the visual material in its context
Interpreting and responding to the content of the visual material.

Let’s discuss each of these steps in more detail.

Step 1: Identify, Describe, and Analyze the Visual Material

Begin by clearly identifying the visual material you will analyze. This could be a painting, photograph, sculpture, advertisement, or any other visual artwork. Provide essential information such as the title, artist, date, and medium.

Next, offer a detailed description of the visual material. Focus on the key elements and principles of design, such as:

Composition

Describe what you see without interpreting its meaning yet. For instance, note the use of bright colors, the placement of objects, the presence of figures, and the overall layout. This descriptive part forms the foundation of your analysis, allowing your reader to visualize the artwork.

Afterward, consider how the artist uses elements like contrast, balance, emphasis, movement, and harmony. Analyze the techniques and methods used and how they contribute to the overall effect of the piece.

Step 2: Situate the Visual Material in its Context

To fully understand a piece of visual material, you need to consider its historical and cultural context. Start by researching the time period when the artwork was created. Look at the social, political, and economic conditions of that time, and see if there were any cultural movements that might have influenced the artwork.

Next, learn about the artist and their reasons for creating the visual material. Find out about the artist's life, other works they have made, and any statements they have made about this piece. Knowing the artist’s background can give you valuable insights into the artwork's purpose and message.

Finally, think about how the visual material was received by people when it was first shown and how it has impacted others over time. Look for reviews and public reactions, and see if it influenced other works or movements. This will help you understand the significance of the visual material in the larger cultural and artistic context.

Step 3: Interpret and Respond to the Content of the Visual Material

Now, combine your description, analysis, and understanding of the context to interpret what the visual material means. Talk about the themes, symbols, and messages the artwork conveys. Think about what it reveals about human experiences, society, or specific issues. Use evidence from earlier steps to support your interpretation.

Afterward, consider your own reaction to the visual material. How does it personally resonate with you? What emotions or thoughts does it provoke? Your personal response adds a subjective aspect to your analysis, making it more relatable.

Finally, summarize your findings and emphasize the importance of the visual material. Highlight key aspects from your identification, description, analysis, context, and interpretation. Then, it concludes by reinforcing the impact and significance of the visual material in both its original setting and its enduring influence.

Who Does Formal Analysis of Art

Most people who face visual analysis essays are Communication, English, and Art History students. Communications students explore mediums such as theater, print media, news, films, photos — basically anything. Comm is basically a giant, all-encompassing major where visual analysis is synonymous with Tuesday.

Art History students study the world of art to understand how it developed. They do visual analysis with every painting they look it at and discuss it in class.

English Literature students perform visual analysis too. Every writer paints an image in the head of their reader. This image, like a painting, can be clear, or purposefully unclear. It can be factual, to the point, or emotional and abstract like Ulysses, challenging you to search your emotions rather than facts and realities.

6 Questions to Answer Before Analyzing a Piece of Art

According to our experienced term paper writer , there are six important questions to ask before you start analyzing a piece of art. Answering these questions can make writing your analysis much easier:

Who is the artist, and what type of art do they create? - To place the artwork in context, you should identify the artist and understand the type of art they create.
What was the artist's goal in creating this painting? - Determine why the artist created the artwork. Was it to convey a message, evoke emotions, or explore a theme?
When and where was this artwork made? - Knowing the time and place of creation helps understand the cultural and historical influences on the artwork.
What is the main focus or theme of this artwork? - Identify what the artwork is about. This could be a person, place, object, or abstract concept.
Who was the artwork created for? - To provide insight into its style and content, consider who the artist intended to reach with their work.
What historical events or cultural factors influenced this painting? - Understanding the historical background can reveal more about the significance and meaning of the artwork.

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Elements of the Visual Analysis

To fully grasp formal analysis, it's important to differentiate between the elements and principles of visual analysis. The elements are the basic building blocks used to create a piece of art. These include:

Art Element 🎨	Description 📝
✏️Line	A mark with length and direction, which can define shapes, create textures, and suggest movement.
🌗Value	The lightness or darkness of a color, which helps to create depth and contrast.
🔶Shapes	Two-dimensional areas with a defined boundary, such as circles, squares, and triangles.
🔲Forms	Three-dimensional objects with volume and thickness, like cubes, spheres, and cylinders.
🌌Space	The area around, between, and within objects, which can be used to create the illusion of depth.
🌈Color	The hues, saturation, and brightness in artwork, used to create mood and visual interest.
🖐️Texture	The surface quality of an object, which can be actual (how it feels) or implied (how it looks like it feels).

Principles of the Visual Analysis

The principles, on the other hand, are how these elements are combined and used together to create the overall effect of the artwork. These principles include:

Principle of Art 🎨	Description 📝
⚖️Balance	The distribution of visual weight in a composition, which can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
🌗Contrast	The difference between elements, such as light and dark, to create visual interest.
🏃‍♂️Movement	The suggestion or illusion of motion in an artwork, guiding the viewer’s eye through the piece.
🎯Emphasis	The creation of a focal point to draw attention to a particular area or element.
🔄Pattern	The repetition of elements to create a sense of rhythm and consistency.
📏Proportion	The relationship in size between different parts of an artwork, contributing to its harmony.
🔗Unity	The sense of cohesiveness in an artwork, where all elements and principles work together effectively.

Visual Analysis Outline

It’s safe to use the five-paragraph essay structure for your visual analysis essay. If you are looking at a painting, take the most important aspects of it that stand out to you and discuss them in relation to your thesis.

In the introduction, you should:

Introduce the Artwork : Mention the title, artist, date, and medium of the artwork.
Provide a Brief Description : Offer a general overview of what the artwork depicts.
State the Purpose : Explain the goal of your analysis and what aspects you will focus on.
Thesis Statement : Present a clear thesis statement that outlines your main argument or interpretation of the artwork.

The body of the visual analysis is where you break down the visual material into its component parts and examine each one in detail. This section should be structured logically, with each paragraph focusing on a specific element or aspect of the visual material.

Description: Start with a detailed description of the visual material. Describe what you see without interpreting or analyzing it yet. Mention elements such as color, line, shape, texture, space, and composition. For instance, if analyzing a painting, describe the subject matter, the arrangement of figures, the use of light and shadow, etc.
Analysis of Visual Elements: Analyze how each visual element contributes to the overall effect of the material. Discuss the use of color (e.g., warm or cool tones, contrasts, harmonies), the role of lines (e.g., leading lines, contours), the shapes (e.g., geometric, organic), and the texture (e.g., smooth, rough). Consider how these elements work together to create a certain mood or message.
Contextual Analysis: Examine how the context in which the visual material was created and is being viewed influences its interpretation. This includes historical, cultural, social, and political factors. Discuss how these contextual elements impact the meaning and reception of the visual material.
Interpretation: Discuss your interpretation of the visual material. Explain how the visual elements and contextual factors contribute to the meaning you derive from it. Support your interpretation with specific examples from the material.
Comparative Analysis (if applicable): If relevant, compare the visual material with other works by the same creator or with similar works by different creators. Highlight similarities and differences in style, technique, and thematic content.

The conclusion of a visual analysis essay summarizes the main points of the analysis and restates the thesis in light of the evidence presented.

Restate Thesis: Reiterate your thesis statement in a way that reflects the depth of your analysis. Show how your understanding of the visual material has been supported by your detailed examination.
Summary of Main Points: Summarize the key points of your analysis. Highlight the most important findings and insights.
Implications: Discuss the broader implications of your analysis. What does your analysis reveal about the visual material? How does it contribute to our understanding of the creator's work, the time period, or the cultural context?
Closing Thought: End with a final thought that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This could be a reflection on the significance of the visual material, a question for further consideration, or a statement about its impact on you or on a broader audience.

If you want a more in-depth look at the classic essay structure, feel free to visit our 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY blog.

Visual Analysis Example

In this section, we've laid out two examples of visual analysis essays to show you how it's done effectively. Get inspired and learn from them!

Key Takeaways

Visual analysis essays are fundamental early in your communications and art history studies. Learning how to formally break down art is key, whether you're pursuing a career in art or communications.

Before jumping into analysis, get a solid grasp of the painter's background and life. Analyzing a painting isn't just for fun, as you need to pay attention to the small details the painter might have hidden. Knowing how to do this kind of assignment not only helps you appreciate art more but also lets you deeply understand the media messages you encounter every day.

If you enjoyed this article and found it insightful, make sure to also check out the summary of Lord of the Flies and an article on Beowulf characters .

If you read the whole article and still have no idea how to start your visual analysis essay, let a professional writer do this job for you. Contact us, and we’ll write your work for a higher grade you deserve. All college essay service requests are processed fast.

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What are the 4 Steps of Visual Analysis?

How to write a formal visual analysis, what is the function of visual analysis.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Added new sections
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Duke University. (n.d.). Visual Analysis . https://twp.duke.edu/sites/twp.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/visual-analysis.original.pdf
Glatstein, J. (2019, December 9). Formal Visual Analysis: The Elements & Principles of Composition . Www.kennedy-Center.org. https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/articles-and-how-tos/articles/educators/visual-arts/formal-visual-analysis-the-elements-and-principles-of-compositoin/
MADA: Visual analysis . (n.d.). Student Academic Success. https://www.monash.edu/student-academic-success/excel-at-writing/annotated-assessment-samples/art-design-and-architecture/mada-visual-analysis

How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

Visual analysis essays aim to describe an image or a piece of art by analyzing its composition, meaning, historical relevance, and effectiveness in current times. Writing a visual analysis essay may sound difficult and confusing, but it’s simply about analyzing elements such as colors, ideas, form, themes, and concepts. What’s needed is to extract a thesis for an essay that incorporates all key elements and defend it.

However, If composing a visual analysis paper sounds intimidating or you have an urgent deadline, take a breather and ask a same day essay writer from a reputable online company like FastEssay to help you write it from scratch. They will compose a quick detailed analysis of your preferred visual element today. However, if you want to take on the challenge yourself, this post will give you precise details on how to write a visual analysis essay.

Effective steps for writing a visual analysis essay

Collect as much useful information as you can.

Before you start writing your visual analysis essay, you need to know what the artwork is about and who created it. This step involves collecting all the information you can. Aspects to consider to get useful information about a piece include:

Who is the creator?
What does the artwork represent?
When and where was the visual work created
Who was the intended audience?
Why was that medium important?
Where was the art displayed for the first time?

Describe the visual elements

Next, identify what the art depicts. This process entails summarizing all the elements you can observe in the piece, such as color, lines, focal point, texture, shape, and size. To know the essential elements to search for, ask yourself these questions:

What does it show?
What story is the artist trying to tell?
What characters are in the artwork, and what do they stand for?
What’s the primary setting?
What mood does it give off?
What’s the significance of the color combination?

Conduct a detailed analysis of the visual elements

A good visual analysis essay must include a deeper look at the design elements and principles. This step can be time-consuming but very crucial. It will give you content to say in the body of your essay. You may want to check with a professional essay writer before completing this step to speed up the process. Remember, each visual element is unique and can be interpreted differently by different people. So create an authentic original piece without copying someone else’s interpretation.

Develop a thesis statement

Visual analysis essays typically have a thesis statement that represents the main idea or interpretation you’ll convey in the essay. Make sure you write a thesis statement that aligns with what you observed and analyzed in the previous steps. The elements and principles you pick must support your thesis.

Create an outline

There are many aspects included in a visual analysis essay. But the best way to order them is to follow a five-paragraph format for each discussion. The structure of a visual analysis essay includes the following sections:

Introduction

This is where you provide background information about the piece and the creator. Introduce interesting facts that will hook your reader and highlight the main elements and principles you want to analyze. You will end the paragraph with a thesis statement.

The main body

The body section can have 3 or more paragraphs that explore the subject in detail. Choose the most significant elements you find during your research and analysis and discuss how they support your thesis statement. Present all details logically and explain how they relate to each other. Also, add a personal response or opinion about the visual argument made by the artist.

In the last section, mention the key points that strengthen your thesis. It includes a summary of the main points discussed in the body. End the conclusion by reflecting on the overall impact of the piece.

Write a draft essay

Follow your outline above to develop a complete essay. When writing the initial draft, focus on the substance instead of wanting to produce a specific style. Review the first draft by identifying weak points and addressing them to create a high-quality visual analysis essay.

Support arguments with references

Visual analysis papers must follow citation guidelines used in academic writing. Include citations of any external sources used in the text. Ensure you follow the correct citation style specific to the assignment guidelines, such as APA or MLA.

Proofread and edit

Your final visual analysis essay should be free of errors. Thus, proofread and edit the paper many times for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Also, delete any irrelevant details and confirm that you’ve correctly cited all sources. Keep in mind that you can get fresh eyes from a friend or professional editor.

Checklist when writing a visual analysis essay

Writing a visual analysis paper requires deep reasoning, critical thinking, and creativity skills. It’s not all about describing the image, art, or portrait. You have to extend the analysis by describing the meaning of the element. To make sure you craft a top-notch visual analysis essay, consider the following aspects:
Reflect on the claims made about the visual element by the creator and other reviewers. The information will help you identify the art’s statement. The claims could include a definition, fact, value claim, policy, or cause and effect.
Find out the genre of the visual element. Is it a poster, fine art, pamphlet, illustration, filmography, or caricature? The information will give you crucial information to use in the detailed description.
Concentrate more on identifying and analyzing the visual composition of the image. Look at the different elements and how they relate to the claim made in the thesis statement. For example, explain the key figure colors, themes, and symbols in the subject.
Another important item on your checklist is the caption used by the artist. Is there text on the image, and what do you think it depicts?
Consider the message that the artwork puts through. Is it trying to pass a cultural, educational, symbolic, or controversial message?
Look at the type of materials used and their significance.
How does the visual element interact with the surroundings? Consider the historical knowledge of the area.
Check whether there is a national or international significance of the element.
End by sharing your perceptions and impressions of the images or artwork. Add personal remarks and recommendations for improvement.

Writing a visual analysis essay doesn’t have to be daunting

As it’s rightly said, “A picture speaks a thousand words.” All you need to write a winning visual analysis essay is to uncover the message that a visual element is trying to pass. It’s a tough process, but the steps in this post will help you derive a good interpretation and present it in a stellar essay.

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Published: 31 October 2017

The visual essay and the place of artistic research in the humanities

Remco Roes 1 &
Kris Pint 1

Palgrave Communications volume 3 , Article number: 8 ( 2017 ) Cite this article

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What could be the place of artistic research in current contemporary scholarship in the humanities? The following essay addresses this question while using as a case study a collaborative artistic project undertaken by two artists, Remco Roes (Belgium) and Alis Garlick (Australia). We argue that the recent integration of arts into academia requires a hybrid discourse, which has to be distinguished both from the artwork itself and from more conventional forms of academic research. This hybrid discourse explores the whole continuum of possible ways to address our existential relationship with the environment: ranging from aesthetic, multi-sensorial, associative, affective, spatial and visual modes of ‘knowledge’ to more discursive, analytical, contextualised ones. Here, we set out to defend the visual essay as a useful tool to explore the non-conceptual, yet meaningful bodily aspects of human culture, both in the still developing field of artistic research and in more established fields of research. It is a genre that enables us to articulate this knowledge, as a transformative process of meaning-making, supplementing other modes of inquiry in the humanities.

Introduction

In Being Alive: Essays on Movement, Knowledge and Description (2011), Tim Ingold defines anthropology as ‘a sustained and disciplined inquiry into the conditions and potentials of human life’ (Ingold, 2011 , p. 9). For Ingold, artistic practice plays a crucial part in this inquiry. He considers art not merely as a potential object of historical, sociological or ethnographic research, but also as a valuable form of anthropological inquiry itself, providing supplementary methods to understand what it is ‘to be human’.

In a similar vein, Mark Johnson’s The meaning of the body: aesthetics of human understanding (2007) offers a revaluation of art ‘as an essential mode of human engagement with and understanding of the world’ (Johnson, 2007 , p. 10). Johnson argues that art is a useful epistemological instrument because of its ability to intensify the ordinary experience of our environment. Images Footnote 1 are the expression of our on-going, complex relation with an inner and outer environment. In the process of making images of our environment, different bodily experiences, like affects, emotions, feelings and movements are mobilised in the creation of meaning. As Johnson argues, this happens in every process of meaning-making, which is always based on ‘deep-seated bodily sources of human meaning that go beyond the merely conceptual and propositional’ (Ibid., p. 11). The specificity of art simply resides in the fact that it actively engages with those non-conceptual, non-propositional forms of ‘making sense’ of our environment. Art is thus able to take into account (and to explore) many other different meaningful aspects of our human relationship with the environment and thus provide us with a supplementary form of knowledge. Hence Ingold’s remark in the introduction of Making: anthropology, archaeology, art and architecture (2013): ‘Could certain practices of art, for example, suggest new ways of doing anthropology? If there are similarities between the ways in which artists and anthropologists study the world, then could we not regard the artwork as a result of something like an anthropological study, rather than as an object of such study? […] could works of art not be regarded as forms of anthropology, albeit ‘written’ in non-verbal media?’ (Ingold, 2013 , p. 8, italics in original).

And yet we would hesitate to unreservedly answer yes to these rhetorical questions. For instance, it is true that one can consider the works of Francis Bacon as an anthropological study of violence and fear, or the works of John Cage as a study in indeterminacy and chance. But while they can indeed be seen as explorations of the ‘conditions and potentials of human life’, the artworks themselves do not make this knowledge explicit. What is lacking here is the logos of anthropology, logos in the sense of discourse, a line of reasoning. Therefore, while we agree with Ingold and Johnson, the problem remains how to explicate and communicate the knowledge that is contained within works of art, how to make it discursive ? How to articulate artistic practice as an alternative, yet valid form of scholarly research?

Here, we believe that a clear distinction between art and artistic research is necessary. The artistic imaginary is a reaction to the environment in which the artist finds himself: this reaction does not have to be conscious and deliberate. The artist has every right to shrug his shoulders when he is asked for the ‘meaning’ of his work, to provide a ‘discourse’. He can simply reply: ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I do not want to know’, as a refusal to engage with the step of articulating what his work might be exploring. Likewise, the beholder or the reader of a work of art does not need to learn from it to appreciate it. No doubt, he may have gained some understanding about ‘human existence’ after reading a novel or visiting an exhibition, but without the need to spell out this knowledge or to further explore it.

In contrast, artistic research as a specific, inquisitive mode of dealing with the environment requires an explicit articulation of what is at stake, the formulation of a specific problem that determines the focus of the research. ‘Problem’ is used here in the neutral, etymological sense of the word: something ‘thrown forward’, a ‘hindrance, obstacle’ (cf. probleima , Liddell-Scott’s Greek-English Lexicon). A body-in-an-environment finds something thrown before him or her, an issue that grabs the attention. A problem is something that urges us to explore a field of experiences, the ‘potentials of human life’ that are opened up by a work of art. It is often only retroactively, during a second, reflective phase of the artistic research, that a formulation of a problem becomes possible, by a selection of elements that strikes one as meaningful (again, in the sense Johnson defines meaningful, thus including bodily perceptions, movements, affects, feelings as meaningful elements of human understanding of reality). This process opens up, to borrow a term used by Aby Warburg, a ‘Denkraum’ (cf. Gombrich, 1986 , p. 224): it creates a critical distance from the environment, including the environment of the artwork itself: this ‘space for thought’ allows one to consciously explore a specific problem. Consciously here does not equal cerebral: the problem is explored not only in its intellectual, but also in its sensual and emotional, affective aspects. It is projected along different lines in this virtual Denkraum , lines that cross and influence each other: an existential line turns into a line of form and composition; a conceptual line merges into a narrative line, a technical line echoes an autobiographical line. There is no strict hierarchy in the different ‘emanations’ of a problem. These are just different lines contained within the work that interact with each other, and the problem can ‘move’ from one line to another, develop and transform itself along these lines, comparable perhaps to the way a melody develops itself when it is transposed to a different musical scale, a different musical instrument, or even to a different musical genre. But, however, abstract or technical one formulates a problem, following Johnson we argue that a problem is always a translation of a basic existential problem, emerging from a specific environment. We fully agree with Johnson when he argues that ‘philosophy becomes relevant to human life only by reconnecting with, and grounding itself in, bodily dimensions of human meaning and value. Philosophy needs a visceral connection to lived experience’ (Johnson, 2007 , p. 263). The same goes for artistic research. It too finds its relevance in the ‘visceral connection’ with a specific body, a specific situation.

Words are one way of disclosing this lived experience, but within the context of an artistic practice one can hardly ignore the potential for images to provide us with an equally valuable account. In fact, they may even prove most suited to establish the kind of space that comes close to this multi-threaded, embodied Denkraum . In order to illustrate this, we would like to present a case study, a short visual ‘essay’ (however, since the scope of four spreads offers only limited space, it is better to consider it as the image-equivalent of a short research note).

Case study: step by step reading of a visual essay

The images (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) form a short visual essay based on a collaborative artistic project 'Exercises of the man (v)' that Remco Roes and Alis Garlick realised for the Situation Symposium at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Melbourne in 2014. One of the conceptual premises of the project was the communication of two physical ‘sites’ through digital media. Roes—located in Belgium—would communicate with Garlick—in Australia—about an installation that was to be realised at the physical location of the exhibition in Melbourne. Their attempts to communicate (about) the site were conducted via e-mail messages, Skype-chats and video conversations. The focus of these conversations increasingly distanced itself from the empty exhibition space of the Design Hub and instead came to include coincidental spaces (and objects) that happened to be close at hand during the 3-month working period leading up to the exhibition. The focus of the project thus shifted from attempting to communicate a particular space towards attempting to communicate the more general experience of being in(side) a space. The project led to the production of a series of small in-situ installations, a large series of video’s and images, a book with a selection of these images as well as texts from the conversations, and the final exhibition in which artefacts that were found during the collaborative process were exhibited. A step by step reading of the visual argument contained within images of this project illustrates how a visual essay can function as a tool for disclosing/articulating/communicating the kind of embodied thinking that occurs within an artistic practice or practice-based research.

Figure 1 shows (albeit in reduced form) a field of photographs and video stills that summarises the project without emphasising any particular aspect. Each of the Figs. 2 – 5 isolate different parts of this same field in an attempt to construct/disclose a form of visual argument (that was already contained within the work). In the final part of this essay we will provide an illustration of how such visual sequences can be possibly ‘read’.

First image of the visual essay. Remco Roes and Alis Garlick, as copyright holders, permit the publication of this image under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Second image of the visual essay. Remco Roes and Alis Garlick, as copyright holders, permit the publication of this image under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Third image of the visual essay. Remco Roes and Alis Garlick, as copyright holders, permit the publication of this image under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Fourth image of the visual essay. Remco Roes and Alis Garlick, as copyright holders, permit the publication of this image under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Fifth image of the visual essay. Remco Roes and Alis Garlick, as copyright holders, permit the publication of this image under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Figure 1 is a remnant of the first step that was taken in the creation of the series of images: significant, meaningful elements in the work of art are brought together. At first, we quite simply start by looking at what is represented in the pictures, and how they are presented to us. This act of looking almost inevitably turns these images into a sequence, an argument. Conditioned by the dominant linearity of writing, including images (for instance in a comic book) one ‘reads’ the images from left to right, one goes from the first spread to the last. Just like one could say that a musical theme or a plot ‘develops’, the series of images seem to ‘develop’ the problem, gradually revealing its complexity. The dominance of this viewing code is not to be ignored, but is of course supplemented by the more ‘holistic’ nature of visual perception (cf. the notion of ‘Gestalt’ in the psychology of perception). So unlike a ‘classic’ argumentation, the discursive sequence is traversed by resonance, by non-linearity, by correspondences between elements both in a single image and between the images in their specific positioning within the essay. These correspondences reveal the synaesthetic nature of every process of meaning-making: ‘The meaning of something is its relations, actual and potential, to other qualities, things, events, and experiences. In pragmatist lingo, the meaning of something is a matter of how it connects to what has gone before and what it entails for present or future experiences and actions’ (Johnson, 2007 , p. 265). The images operate in a similar way, by bringing together different actions, affects, feelings and perceptions into a complex constellation of meaningful elements that parallel each other and create a field of resonance. These connections occur between different elements that ‘disturb’ the logical linearity of the discourse, for instance by the repetition of a specific element (the blue/yellow opposition, or the repetition of a specific diagonal angle).

Confronted with these images, we are now able to delineate more precisely the problem they express. In a generic sense we could formulate it as follows: how to communicate with someone who does not share my existential space, but is nonetheless visually and acoustically present? What are the implications of the kind of technology that makes such communication possible, for the first time in human history? How does it influence our perception and experience of space, of materiality, of presence?

Artistic research into this problem explores the different ways of meaning-making that this new existential space offers, revealing the different conditions and possibilities of this new spatiality. But it has to be stressed that this exploration of the problem happens on different lines, ranging from the kinaesthetic perception to the emotional and affective response to these spaces and images. It would, thus, be wrong to reduce these experiences to a conceptual framework. In their actions, Roes and Garlick do not ‘make a statement’: they quite simply experiment with what their bodies can do in such a hybrid space, ‘wandering’ in this field of meaningful experiences, this Denkraum , that is ‘opened up’: which meaningful clusters of sensations, affects, feelings, spatial and kinaesthetic qualities emerge in such a specific existential space?

In what follows, we want to focus on some of these meaningful clusters. As such, these comments are not part of the visual essay itself. One could compare them to ‘reading remarks’, a short elaboration on what strikes one as relevant. These comments also do not try to ‘crack the code’ of the visual material, as if they were merely a visual and/or spatial rebus to be solved once and for all (‘ x stands for y’ ). They rather attempt to engage in a dialogue with the images, a dialogue that of course does not claim to be definitive or exhaustive.

The constellation itself generates a sense of ‘lacking’: we see that there are two characters intensely collaborating and interacting with each other, while never sharing the same space. They are performing, or watching the other perform: drawing a line (imaginary or physically), pulling, wrapping, unpacking, watching, framing, balancing. The small arrangements, constructions or compositions that are made as a result of these activities are all very fragile, shaky and their purpose remains unclear. Interaction with the other occurs only virtually, based on the manipulation of small objects and fragments, located in different places. One of the few materials that eventually gets physically exported to the other side, is a kind of large plastic cover. Again, one should not ‘read’ the picture of Roes with this plastic wrapped around his head as an expression, a ‘symbol’ of individual isolation, of being wrapped up in something. It is simply the experience of a head that disappears (as a head appears and disappears on a computer screen when it gets disconnected), and the experience of a head that is covered up: does it feel like choking, or does it provide a sense of shelter, protection?

A different ‘line’ operates simultaneously in the same image: that of a man standing on a double grid: the grid of the wet street tiles and an alternative, oblique grid of colourful yellow elements, a grid which is clearly temporal, as only the grid of the tiles will remain. These images are contrasted with the (obviously staged) moment when the plastic arrives at ‘the other side’: the claustrophobia is now replaced with the openness of the horizon, the presence of an open seascape: it gives a synaesthetic sense of a fresh breeze that seems lacking in the other images.

In this case, the contrast between the different spaces is very clear, but in other images we also see an effort to unite these different spaces. The problem can now be reformulated, as it moves to another line: how to demarcate a shared space that is both actual and virtual (with a ribbon, the positioning of a computer screen?), how to communicate with each other, not only with words or body language, but also with small artefacts, ‘meaningless’ junk? What is the ‘common ground’ on which to walk, to exchange things—connecting, lining up with the other? And here, the layout of the images (into a spread) adds an extra dimension to the original work of art. The relation between the different bodies does now not only take place in different spaces, but also in different fields of representation: there is the space of the spread, the photographed space and in the photographs, the other space opened up by the computer screen, and the interaction between these levels. We see this in the Fig. 3 where Garlick’s legs are projected on the floor, framed by two plastic beakers: her black legging echoing with the shadows of a chair or a tripod. This visual ‘rhyme’ within the image reveals how a virtual presence interferes with what is present.

The problem, which can be expressed in this fundamental opposition between presence/absence, also resonates with other recurring oppositions that rhythmically structure these images. The images are filled with blue/yellow elements: blue lines of tape, a blue plexi form, yellow traces of paint, yellow objects that are used in the video’s, but the two tones are also conjured up by the white balance difference between daylight and artificial light. The blue/yellow opposition, in turn, connects with other meaningful oppositions, like—obviously—male/female, or the same oppositional set of clothes: black trousers/white shirt, grey scale images versus full colour, or the shadow and the bright sunlight, which finds itself in another opposition with the cold electric light of a computer screen (this of course also refers to the different time zones, another crucial aspect of digital communication: we do not only not share the same place, we also do not share the same time).

Yet the images also invite us to explore certain formal and compositional elements that keep recurring. The second image, for example, emphasises the importance placed in the project upon the connecting of lines, literally of lining up. Within this image the direction and angle of these lines is ‘explained’ by the presence of the two bodies, the makers with their roles of tape in hand. But upon re-reading the other spreads through this lens of ‘connecting lines’ we see that this compositional element starts to attain its own visual logic. Where the lines in image 2 are literally used as devices to connect two (visual) realities, they free themselves from this restricted context in the other images and show us the influence of circumstance and context in allowing for the successful establishing of such a connection.

In Fig. 3 , for instance, we see a collection of lines that have been isolated from the direct context of live communication. The way two parts of a line are manually aligned (in the split-screens in image 2) mirrors the way the images find their position on the page. However, we also see how the visual grammar of these lines of tape is expanded upon: barrier tape that demarcates a working area meets the curve of a small copper fragment on the floor of an installation, a crack in the wall follows the slanted angle of an assembled object, existing marks on the floor—as well as lines in the architecture—come into play. The photographs widen the scale and angle at which the line operates: the line becomes a conceptual form that is no longer merely material tape but also an immaterial graphical element that explores its own argument.

Figure 4 provides us with a pivotal point in this respect: the cables of the mouse, computer and charger introduce a certain fluidity and uncontrolled motion. Similarly, the erratic markings on the paper show that an author is only ever partially in control. The cracked line in the floor is the first line that is created by a negative space, by an absence. This resonates with the black-stained edges of the laser-cut objects, laid out on the desktop. This fourth image thus seems to transform the manifestation of the line yet again; from a simple connecting device into an instrument that is able to cut out shapes, a path that delineates a cut, as opposed to establishing a connection. The circle held up in image 4 is a perfect circular cut. This resonates with the laser-cut objects we see just above it on the desk, but also with the virtual cuts made in the Photoshop image on the right. We can clearly see how a circular cut remains present on the characteristic grey-white chessboard that is virtual emptiness. It is evident that these elements have more than just an aesthetic function in a visual argumentation. They are an integral part of the meaning-making process. They ‘transpose’ on a different level, i.e., the formal and compositional level, the central problem of absence and presence: it is the graphic form of the ‘cut’, as well as the act of cutting itself, that turns one into the other.

Concluding remarks

As we have already argued, within the frame of this comment piece, the scope of the visual essay we present here is inevitably limited. It should be considered as a small exercise in a specific genre of thinking and communicating with images that requires further development. Nonetheless, we hope to have demonstrated the potentialities of the visual essay as a form of meaning-making that allows the articulation of a form of embodied knowledge that supplements other modes of inquiry in the humanities. In this particular case, it allows for the integration of other meaningful, embodied and existential aspects of digital communication, unlikely to be ‘detected’ as such by an (auto)ethnographic, psychological or sociological framework.

The visual essay is an invitation to other researchers in the arts to create their own kind of visual essays in order to address their own work of art or that of others: they can consider their artistic research as a valuable contribution to the exploration of human existence that lies at the core of the humanities. But perhaps it can also inspire scholars in more ‘classical’ domains to introduce artistic research methods to their toolbox, as a way of taking into account the non-conceptual, yet meaningful bodily aspects of human life and human artefacts, this ‘visceral connection to lived experience’, as Johnson puts it.

Obviously, a visual essay runs the risk of being ‘shot by both sides’: artists may scorn the loss of artistic autonomy and ‘exploitation’ of the work of art in the service of scholarship, while academic scholars may be wary of the lack of conceptual and methodological clarity inherent in these artistic forms of embodied, synaesthetic meaning. The visual essay is indeed a bastard genre, the unlawful love (or perhaps more honestly: love/hate) child of academia and the arts. But precisely this hybrid, impure nature of the visual essay allows it to explore unknown ‘conditions and potentials of human life’, precisely because it combines imagination and knowledge. And while this combination may sound like an oxymoron within a scientific, positivistic paradigm, it may in fact indicate the revival, in a new context, of a very ancient alliance. Or as Giorgio Agamben formulates it in Infancy and history: on the destruction of experience (2007 [1978]): ‘Nothing can convey the extent of the change that has taken place in the meaning of experience so much as the resulting reversal of the status of the imagination. For Antiquity, the imagination, which is now expunged from knowledge as ‘unreal’, was the supreme medium of knowledge. As the intermediary between the senses and the intellect, enabling, in phantasy, the union between the sensible form and the potential intellect, it occupies in ancient and medieval culture exactly the same role that our culture assigns to experience. Far from being something unreal, the mundus imaginabilis has its full reality between the mundus sensibilis and the mundus intellegibilis , and is, indeed, the condition of their communication—that is to say, of knowledge’ (Agamben, 2007 , p. 27, italics in original).

And it is precisely this exploration of the mundus imaginabilis that should inspire us to understand artistic research as a valuable form of scholarship in the humanities.

We consider images as a broad category consisting of artefacts of the imagination, the creation of expressive ‘forms’. Images are thus not limited to visual images. For instance, the imagery used in a poem or novel, metaphors in philosophical treatises (‘image-thoughts’), actual sculptures or the imaginary space created by a performance or installation can also be considered as images, just like soundscapes, scenography, architecture.

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Roes, R., Pint, K. The visual essay and the place of artistic research in the humanities. Palgrave Commun 3 , 8 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-017-0004-5

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How to Write Visual Analysis Essay: Guide for Beginners

Table of contents

1 What Is a Visual Analysis Essay?
2 Selecting and Exploring a Visual Piece: Key Guidelines
3.1 Visual Composition
3.2 Emphasis on a Central Point
3.3 Symbolism
3.4 Design Elements
3.5 Surface Quality
3.6 Dimensions
4 Visual Principles of Design in Essays
5.1 Step 1. Choose Your Visual Subject.
5.2 Step 2. Observe and Describe.
5.3 Step 3. Identify the Context.
5.4 Step 4. Develop a Thesis Statement.
5.5 Step 5. Outline Your Research.
5.6 Step 6. Interpretation and Analysis.
5.7 Step 7. Address Counterarguments.
5.8 Step 8. Cite Your Sources.
6 Art Analysis Essay Topics
7 Conclusion

If you learn Art or Design, you’ll need to complete a good visual analysis essay, which may be challenging. This guide helps beginners step into the art of writing about pictures in a way that makes them come alive.

From this article, you will:

Understand what a visual analysis essay is;
Get insights on selecting an ideal visual piece for your research;
Explore the elements of this essay;
Consider the visual principles of design in creating an analysis essay;
Get step-by-step guidelines on how to write this assignment;
Receive the list of popular essay topics.

Take a trip into visual analysis, where words and images meet. Go on reading this guide and explore the fascinating world of visual storytelling.

What Is a Visual Analysis Essay?

It’s a form of academic writing that dissects and interprets visual content, including paintings, photographs, advertisements, or any visual artifact. Unlike a traditional essay, a visual analysis requires the writer to scrutinize the elements of the visual piece and delve into their significance. In essence, it’s an exploration of how visual elements contribute to the overall message and meaning of the artwork. The writer examines aspects like color, composition, symbolism, and context to uncover the artist’s intentions and the emotional impact on the viewer. Performing a visual analysis of a work of art goes beyond describing it, providing interpretations that deepen our understanding. This type of essay hones analytical skills and fosters an appreciation for the nuanced language of visuals in conveying ideas and emotions.

Selecting and Exploring a Visual Piece: Key Guidelines

After considering a visual analysis definition, let’s delve into the intricacies of exploring visual content. By closely examining the techniques and background of an artwork, we can appreciate its artistic qualities.

Discover some effective tips to help you do a visual analysis well:

Observation and Description: Choose the artwork that interests you carefully. When you decide to start your essay , examine every facet, ranging from its overall composition to the minutest details. Look for a connection between the artwork, your personal experiences, and the themes you want to investigate.
Attention to Details: Focus on the artwork’s specifics: delve into its colors, lines, shapes, and textures, taking note of any distinctive features that capture attention.
Analysis of Elements: Progress to a thoughtful consideration of how these graphic elements interact harmoniously. Reflect on the emotional impact of colors and shapes, discerning their contribution to the overall aesthetic.
Interpretation of Meaning: Explore the artwork’s thematic essence, uncovering concealed messages or symbols. Contemplate the temporal context of its creation and potential references to cultural or historical elements.
Research and Contextualization: Enhance the analysis by researching the artist, the artwork’s period, and the prevailing cultural milieu. This contextual exploration aids in writing an analytical essay and constructing a more profound understanding of the broader artistic landscape.
Formulation of Results: Synthesize the gathered observations, analyses, and contextual knowledge into a cohesive interpretation. Develop a clear thesis statement encapsulating your understanding of the artwork.

Elements of a Visual Analysis Paper

Research involves examining the visual parts of an artwork. These elements determine the image’s features and characteristics. Here, you’ll discover the typical visual elements integral to a painting analysis essay.

Visual Composition

Delve into the relationships among objects in an image. When looking at a picture, first find the main figure. Then, understand how the other elements are arranged. Lastly, notice if anything important is missing.

Emphasis on a Central Point

The focal point is the image’s area that captures the viewer’s attention. It’s essential for comprehending the overall image’s purpose.

It’s the incorporation of objects with specific symbolic meanings in the image. Ascertain whether the image includes such symbolic objects and discern their meanings.

Design Elements

Artists often blend various elements to compose an image, including size, lines, color, and shape. Exploring these elements is crucial for creating a well-thought-out art analysis essay.

Surface Quality

Texture pertains to the smoothness or roughness of an object, a characteristic applicable to both 2D and 3D art. Authenticity in representing texture is essential.

These encompass the overall dimensions of the image and depicted figures. Explain why the artist chose a certain image size in this part of your body essay paragraph . Also, talk about why the figure sizes change in the artwork.

It involves the portrayal of lines. Articulate how these lines guide the viewer’s focus towards specific elements in the artwork.

Form encompasses an examination of light and shading. This element allows the writer to transform 2D objects into a three-dimensional representation. Analyze the use of shading and light to accentuate specific work’s aspects.

It pertains to how the artist presents various shapes in the visual piece, including circles, ovals, rectangles, and squares. Elaborate on the use of these shapes and their meanings.

When writing visual analysis essays, describe the impact of colors on the image. Focus on understanding how colors influence the overall image’s mood and tone.

Value denotes how the artist uses dark and light elements in different parts of the work. Discuss how these elements are employed to convey specific nuances in an artwork.

Visual Principles of Design in Essays

When you describe a painting in an essay, it’s important to look beyond what you see. We need to understand design principles, which help us explain the details in the visual piece. This way, we better understand how the artwork is put together. The mix of elements and design principles makes the example of visual analysis essays more interesting. We can understand and appreciate the art even more.

Balance: Balance refers to how different graphic elements are distributed in a picture, including asymmetrical, symmetrical, and radical balance.
Emphasis: This pertains to the object capturing the audience’s attention, prompting discussion on how the artist strategically enhances specific parts of the image.
Movement: Involving the repeated use of objects or symbols, the principle of movement requires identification and analysis of recurring graphic elements.
Pattern: Describing how colors impact the image is vital when crafting an image analysis essay. Focus on the colors and their influence on the overall mood and tone.
Proportion: This principle delves into the realistic relationships between objects in the artwork, requiring an explanation of the artist’s intended message.
Variety: Analyze the artist’s use of elements to influence the audience’s perception, elucidating how diverse components create specific moods or meanings within the image.
Contrast: This principle demands a description of contrasting elements and their impact on the image’s quality.
Hierarchy: Reflecting the viewer’s ability to process an image, this principle underscores the significance of size, color, and other characteristics.
Symmetry: Centered on using spaces between repetitive components, this principle involves describing different types of symmetrical designs.
Layout: Examining the distribution and placement of objects and symbols, the principle of layout needs an explanation of how the artist strategically positions diverse elements within the image.

How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay: Step-by-Step Guidelines

Many students who learn Media and Communication, Art, or Design ponder how to start a visual analysis essay. Completing papers of this type requires us to understand the steps involved in exploring the details of an artwork or image. Let’s take a closer look at each step to discover the depth of this analytical process.

Step 1. Choose Your Visual Subject.

Selecting a visual piece is an essential stage when tasked to write an art analysis essay. When you write my essay for me , you get to decide on an artwork or image that you like that is connected with how you see things. For example, you could choose a famous painting like Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” or an impressive modern photo showing city life. It’s your chance to explore and understand art better. Consider what interests you, whether it’s the mysterious smile in an old painting or the lively scenes in a new photograph.

Step 2. Observe and Describe.

Let’s take a closer look at what you see. If you’re checking out a picture like Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” pay attention to the details. In your visual analysis example, describe the swirling lines that show movement. Also, mention the vibrant colors that create emotion. Don’t forget to discuss the texture of the paint strokes that enhance the overall composition.

Step 3. Identify the Context.

Now, let’s delve into the past and the world around your chosen picture when you’re doing your visual analysis of art. For example, if you’re looking at Edvard Munch’s “The Scream,” it’s like going back to 19th-century Norway. Imagine you’re an art detective uncovering clues about the artist’s life and what was happening back then. Explore what life was like, what people felt, and especially, the deep thoughts and worries people had during that time. This step helps you understand why the artwork was created and what it might mean.

Step 4. Develop a Thesis Statement.

Craft a thesis statement that acts as a beacon guiding your analysis. If you analyze Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica” painting, your thesis could focus on the strong anti-war message shown through chaotic imagery. For example, it may be, “ I’m going to talk about how this painting is showing us why war is not good, using all these chaotic images. ” Your thesis is like the captain of your analysis ship, telling everyone where you’re going. It helps you stay focused and lets your readers know what to expect.

Step 5. Outline Your Research.

Organize your thoughts systematically in the visual analysis essay outline. Each section could explore specific elements of the artwork. When writing about Salvador Dali’s painting “The Persistence of Memory,” you can divide it into sections. These sections can cover surrealism, the melting clocks, and Dali’s artistic intentions. It’s like breaking down the big picture into smaller parts so you can explore each one. Your outline is like a helper that keeps you on track and makes your essay clear and organized.

Step 6. Interpretation and Analysis.

It’s time to delve into the layers of interpretation in your visual analysis essay example. When you look at Salvador Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory,” it’s like exploring a world of melted clocks. Let’s figure out why he used these wobbly timepieces. Take your time to look closely and think about what they might mean. Maybe they’re saying time isn’t always steady and can feel a bit bendy. Dali shows us that time is not strict; it can differ for everyone. Your job is to conclude your work by analyzing how he arranged these melted clocks to tell us something special about time.

Step 7. Address Counterarguments.

Anticipate alternative perspectives. When analyzing a contemporary photo, consider different opinions on interpreting modern art. This step strengthens your essay by showing you’ve thought about different ideas.

Step 8. Cite Your Sources.

If you incorporate external sources, cite them meticulously. For instance, to better understand the emotions in Frida Kahlo’s “The Two Fridas,” look at art historians’ analyses.

These comprehensive steps for analyzing visual art provide a nuanced guide for your writing. If you’re just starting with such research papers, consider seeking support from PapersOwl’s essay writing service and getting expert recommendations. Our team of proficient writers is ready to assist you in crafting a persuasive artwork analysis example efficiently. With our help, you can acquire the skills to compose a well-organized and insightful analysis of images, videos, or artworks.

Art Analysis Essay Topics

Explore these examples to gain insights and inspiration. Each topic is diverse yet common, providing a foundation for your essay on a similar topic. These visual analysis essay examples hold global significance and are utilized by students worldwide.

Detailed Analysis of Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, 1907-1908.
How Visual Elements Are Used in Almond Blossom by Vincent van Gogh, 1888-1890.
Identity and Seated Harlequin by Picasso, 1901.
The Themes Used in Paul Klee’s The Tree of Houses, 1918.
The Key Message of Lindsay Key by Robert Mapplethorpe, 1985.
Description of Two Boys with Fish by Mario Macilau, 2018.
Explanation of Kevin Carter’s Starving Child and Vulture, 1993.
Philippe Halsman’s Dali Atomicus (1948): The Story Behind This Photo.
Modern Art and Couple on Seat by Lynn Chadwick, 1984.
Explanation of the Biblical Context of Pieta by Michelangelo.

Learning how to write a visual analysis essay is like getting a special key to understanding artwork better. With the help of this guide, students can confidently break down graphic pieces, find hidden stories, and explain what they see in a way that makes static images come alive. Writing visual analysis papers helps to connect with the deeper meanings in pictures. By taking on the challenge of understanding artworks, we get a deeper insight into how images and meanings work together. So, when you pick up your pen, let your curiosity and careful observation guide you on this interesting journey.

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Visual Analysis Essay

Complete Visual Analysis Essay Writing Guide by Experts

20 min read

Published on: Sep 5, 2022

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

What is a Visual Analysis Essay?

A visual analysis essay is a type of analytical writing that asks the reader to examine a work of art. This style of writing analyzes different aspects of art through the use of images.

A common misconception about this type of essay is that it is just a text with pictures and captions. However, its unique form requires you to present your point with visual images. So, a reader can fully understand what you're trying to explain.

These essays are creative and engaging, which allows you to analyze the visual elements of literature. It gives you an in-depth look at various aspects of art pieces such as paintings and sculptures.

It is important to use descriptive words if you want your essay to be interesting and engaging.

How to Conduct Visual Analysis?

By closely examining the elements, techniques, and context of an artwork, we can uncover its hidden messages and appreciate its artistic qualities.

Here are some steps to help you conduct a visual analysis effectively:

Observe and Describe

Start by carefully observing the artwork. Take your time to look at every detail, from the overall composition to the smallest elements.

Pay attention to the colors, lines, shapes, textures, and any other visual elements that stand out.

Analyze the Elements

Next, analyze the visual elements of the artwork and how they interact with each other. Consider the use of color and its emotional impact.

Examine the lines and shapes and how they contribute to the overall composition.

Interpret the Meaning

Consider the subject matter and any symbolism or metaphors used. Look for clues in the context of the artwork, such as historical, cultural, or social references.

Think about the artist's intention and what they might be trying to convey through their work.

Research and Contextualize

Conduct research to learn more about the artist, the art movement or period it belongs to, and the historical or cultural context in which it was created.

Formulate Your Analysis

Finally, synthesize your observations, analysis, and research into a coherent analysis of the artwork. Develop a thesis statement that encapsulates your interpretation of the artwork and support it with evidence and examples from your analysis.

Elements of a Visual Analysis Essay

The most important concepts to know when writing a visual analysis essay are the essay's visual elements. These elements offer a good visual display of its visual characteristics.

A student cannot analyze an image or visual display without mentioning how these elements relate to the subject's characteristics.

A list of common visual elements used in writing visual analysis essays is given below.

Visual composition explains how objects are related to one another. When studying an image, concentrate on answering composition-related questions. Such questions involve what the main figure is, how the other figures are arranged, and what is missed.

A focal point is the part of the image where the artist attracts the audience's attention. Grasping the focal point helps you to understand the imageâs overall purpose.

Symbolic elements are the usage of objects that have symbolic meaning in the picture. You must determine whether or not the image contains symbolic objects and what those objects portray.

In most cases, artists combine several elements to make a picture. It's necessary to become acquainted with these elements before writing a visual analysis essay. Size, lines, color, shape are examples of these elements.

It refers to the softness or harshness of an object. A texture has to be genuine in both 2D and 3D art.

It is the whole size of the picture, as well as the size of the figures in the image. In this part, you must describe why the artist chose a specific picture size and why the sizes of figures differ.

This pertains to the actual lines depicted in the image. You must explain how lines help draw the audienceâs attention to particular parts of the picture.

It involves an examination of shading and light. The writer can use this element to create 2D objects into 3D. Pay attention to understand how the writer has used shading and light to improve or enhance certain aspects of work.

It is about how the artist has displayed different shapes in the picture. Ovals, circles, squares, and rectangles are all included. You must explain how the artist used the shapes and what they portrayed.

You must describe how colors affect the picture while writing a visual analysis essay. Concentrate on the colors to know how they affect the whole mood and tone of the picture.

Value reflects how the artistâs used dark and light elements in various parts of the work. You must talk about how the artist presents these elements in their work.

Design Principles of a Visual Analysis Essay

For a great visual analysis essay, you must recognize design principles in addition to visual elements.

These principles assist you in highlighting and describing the visual characteristics.

A pattern describes how colors affect the image when composing a visual analysis essay. Concentrate on the colors and how they affect the mood and tone of the whole picture.

Contrast relates to the use of opposite elements. You must have contrasting elements in your essay to tell if they affected the quality of the whole picture or not.

The layout is primarily concerned with the distribution and placement of objects and symbols within the picture. You must describe how the artist presents various objects and symbols and how they are arranged in the picture.

Balance relates to how different visual elements are distributed in the picture. You must define pictures in terms of radical, symmetrical, and asymmetrical balance.

Proportion determines whether or not the relationship between objects in visual display or picture is authentic. Describe what the artist wanted to say through their artwork.

Hierarchy emphasizes the significance of size, color, and other elements of the picture. It relates to the way in which people view a picture and interpret it.

Movement relates to the repeated use of objects in a visual display or picture. Identify the symbols or objects that repeatedly appear how in the picture.

How incorporated elements in the picture influence the audience's perception? You must describe how various elements are used in a picture to create a specific mood or meaning.

Emphasis refers to the object that catches the viewer's eye when they see it. You must talk about how the artist used different elements to make different parts of the picture look better.

The use of spaces between repetitive elements is the subject of this principle. There are various types of rhythms, and you should explain how the writer presented them in the picture.

How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay?

Here are six steps you must take to write a visual analysis essay.

Provide Basic Information

To start the creative writing process, you must first collect information on the following elements.

Who wrote the piece?
A piece created for whom?
What medium was chosen?
Why was that medium significant?
Where was this art originally shown for the first time?
Who or what does the artwork reflect?
What elements were used?
When and where was the work created?
Describe the Painting

The following step is to determine what the image portrays. This part is similar to an abstract in which you must summarize all the observable elements. The following are the essential characteristics to search for.

Identify the story on which the artwork is based if you are examining a classical painting.
Discuss the primary setting.
Highlight the characters and what they stand for?
Describe the painting's overall vibe that the artist intends to communicate.
Examine Thoroughly

Every piece of art is unique; consider what art elements and design principles you will apply in your writing.

This section takes the most time. Because here, you have to examine the artwork elements as well as its design concepts thoroughly.

Make an Outline

For your visual analysis essay, the five-paragraph style is recommended. Find out significant elements of the artwork and create your thesis statement around it.

Visual analysis papers must follow standard citation guidelines. Include a source citation page with a list of all your references used.

Edit & Revise Your Essay

After you've finished writing your essay, revise and proofread it to ensure it's free of grammatical mistakes.

For a detailed guide, you can also check out this video:

Visual Analysis Essay Outline

Below outlines the fundamental structure for a visual analysis essay.

Visual Analysis Essay Introduction

This is the opening paragraph of a visual analysis essay, and this is where you should make your reader interested. It should provide some basic information about the subject. After the introductory part, offer brief information on the following points.

Give an overview of the painting and the artist.
Explain the painting's main elements.
Include intriguing information about the artistâs intent on the picture.
Remember to add the first sentence that grabs attention.
Add thesis statement

The thesis statement should be included at the ending of the essay introduction . The thesis statement for a visual analysis essay provides the points you intend to cover in your essay.

Visual Analysis Essay Body Paragraphs

You must analyze the artwork in-depth in the body part of your essay. Provide three or more suggestions to support your thesis. Write and examine the entire piece, including the method used, form, colors, and everything else that backs up your thesis.

Only discuss the parts of the artwork that support your argument. Present all of the facts rationally and describe the elements and their relationship with each other. You should evaluate your ideas about the artwork under examination in response to a visual argument created by the artist.

Visual Analysis Essay Conclusion

This is the essay's final paragraph, so it should be powerful and well-written. Here, you must reinforce your thesis statement once again and make it effective.

Top Visual Analysis Essay Examples

Below are samples of different types of visual analysis essays for you to improve your understanding of this type of essay.

Visual Analysis Essay of a Painting

Conducting a visual analysis essay of a painting involves four key steps:

Carefully observe the artwork, noting its composition, brushwork, color palette, and symbolic elements.
Analyze the artist's techniques and choices, such as brushstrokes, use of light and shadow, and perspective.
Interpret the artwork, considering its emotional impact, themes, and potential messages.
Evaluate the painting's overall effectiveness, considering its artistic value, innovation, and ability to engage the viewer.


	Mystic Dreams" is a captivating contemporary oil painting that merges reality and imagination. With its ethereal dreamscape, vibrant colors, and symbolic elements, this enigmatic artwork explores the depths of the human psyche, inviting viewers to embark on a personal journey of contemplation.
	Mystic Dreams" presents a mysterious nocturnal scene with swirling, luminescent hues and celestial blue backdrop. The interplay of warm and cool tones creates a harmonious yet tension-filled atmosphere, captivating the viewer's attention.
	The artist employs bold brushstrokes and an impasto technique, adding dimensionality and texture to the composition. Skillful blending of colors and interplay of light and shadow enhance the sense of depth and movement. The composition guides the viewer's gaze through horizontal and vertical elements, suggesting different realms and creating a dialogue between the tangible and intangible.
	Mystic Dreams" delves into the liminal spaces between reality and fantasy, inviting contemplation of the human experience. The vibrant bursts of color convey emotional intensity, while the dreamlike quality transports viewers to a realm beyond time and space, encouraging introspection.
	Mystic Dreams" is an exceptional work that transcends traditional representation. The artist's bold brushwork and understanding of color create a visual language that resonates on an intellectual and emotional level, making it a profound piece of contemporary art.
	Mystic Dreams" exemplifies the enduring power of art to evoke the imagination. With its expressive style, vibrant colors, and mysterious symbolism, this painting leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the artist's unique vision and contributing to the realm of contemporary art.

Visual Analysis Essay of a Photograph

For conducting a visual analysis essay of a photograph, follow these three key steps.

First, closely examine the composition, lighting, and subject matter of the image.
Second, interpret the emotions, themes, and narratives conveyed by the photograph.
Finally, evaluate the overall effectiveness of the photograph in engaging the viewer and conveying its intended message.


	"Lost in Time" is a captivating black and white photograph that captures a solitary figure on a weathered dock, evoking a sense of contemplation and nostalgia.
	The photograph showcases soft, diffused lighting, casting shadows on the dock and creating depth. The composition follows a diagonal line, guiding the viewer's gaze and adding dynamism.
	"Lost in Time" invites reflection on solitude, the passage of time, and the longing for connection. The black and white treatment intensifies the emotional impact and timeless quality of the image.
	This remarkable photograph skillfully combines composition, lighting, and subject matter, creating a visually stunning image that elicits emotions and prompts personal introspection.
	"Lost in Time" captures a poignant moment frozen in eternity, leaving a lasting impression with its evocative narrative and skillful execution.

Visual Analysis Essay of a Sculpture

Conducting a visual analysis essay of a sculpture involves three essential steps.

First, carefully observe the sculpture's form, materials, and spatial arrangement.
Second, interpret the sculpture's symbolism, themes, and artistic intent.
Finally, evaluate the sculpture's aesthetic value, technical craftsmanship, and its ability to evoke emotional responses.


	"Eternal Dance" is a captivating bronze sculpture that depicts two figures in a graceful, intertwined pose, symbolizing unity and the cyclical nature of life.
	The sculpture's fluid lines and polished bronze material create a sense of movement and depth. The figures' outstretched arms convey a yearning for transcendence, inviting contemplation on the transient beauty of existence.
	Eternal Dance" is an exceptional sculpture that showcases the sculptor's technical skill and conceptual depth. Its symbolism and aesthetic appeal make it a thought-provoking and visually engaging artwork.
	Through its form, material, and symbolic elements, "Eternal Dance" captivates viewers, inspiring reflection on interconnectedness and the eternal cycle of life.

Visual Analysis of an Advertisement

Conducting a visual analysis of an advertisement involves several key steps.

First, carefully observe the advertisement, noting its visual elements such as imagery, colors, typography, and layout.
Second, analyze how these elements work together to convey the message and appeal to the target audience.
Third, interpret the intended meaning and the emotions evoked by the advertisement.
Finally, evaluate the effectiveness of the advertisement in terms of engagement, communication, and marketing objectives.


	The advertisement titled "Infinite Possibilities" captivates viewers through a vibrant composition featuring diverse individuals engaged in dynamic activities, conveying a sense of boundless potential.
	Bold colors, modern typography, and energetic poses create an aspirational atmosphere. The advertisement emphasizes inclusivity and aims to evoke a positive emotional response.
	The visually striking composition and persuasive elements effectively engage the target audience, encouraging them to explore the product or service being advertised.
	"Infinite Possibilities" successfully communicates its message of limitless potential, utilizing visual elements to create an aspirational and engaging advertisement.

Here are some more samples of visual analysis essays:

Rhetorical and Visual Analysis Essay Sample

Art History Visual Analysis Essay Sample

Political Cartoon Visual Analysis Sample

Visual Analysis Essay Advertisement

Visual Analysis Essay Format

Visual Analysis Essay Template

Mona Lisa Visual Analysis Essay Example

Visual Analysis Essay Thesis Example

Visual Analysis Essay Topics

Following are some excellent visual analysis essay ideas from which you can start your own writing.

What impact does advertising have on our lives?
Discuss the forms of emotional appeals shown in web advertisements.
Review your favorite movie and analyze the visual arts in it.
What is the importance of historical context?
Discuss the action involved in television ads.
Colors are used in marketing and advertising.
What makes Oscar awards unique from other awards?
How has art evolved in the past 50 years?
Explain how digital media campaigns display brand names?
What role do art and culture have in our lives?

Tips For Writing the Visual Analysis Essay

Here are some tips on how to write a great essay, so take a look at them and make your writing process easy.

Your visual analysis essay should be written in a clear and organized way. The audience will not stick around if the ideas are not presented in an organized way.
If the essay is written in an appropriate format, the data will be easy for the audience to understand.
You need to rely on your thesis statement when writing your essay. You also need to do research before making any arguments.
The emotions we feel when looking at artwork often counter the artist's argument. The writer should be aware of how the audience perceives the artwork.
When you write the visual analysis essay, proofread it carefully to make sure there are no mistakes. Any errors in grammar or context will count against you in the final grade.

Working on your visual analysis essay and need help? Luckily you can rely on a writing service like CollegeEssay.org and get your essay within the set deadline.

We provide the best essay-writing service for students . No matter if it is a simple college essay or a complete research paper , we are here to help you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is visual analysis.

Visual analysis is a method of understanding the visual elements of an artwork. Elements such as color, line, texture, and scale are frequently used in historical art writing.

What is a visual rhetorical analysis?

The visually rhetorical analysis mainly interacts via images or the engagement of image and text. The author of such visual documents thinks in the same way as writers do. They select the elements of the images and organize them and their thoughts based on rhetorical considerations.

What is the purpose of visual literacy?

Visual literacy aims to allow a person to effectively interpret, evaluate, find, use, and create images and visual media.

How do you write a visual analysis conclusion?

The conclusion should be the strongest part of your paper because it's where you can leave a lasting impression. Don't just restate what you said in the thesis statement but strengthen and form those thoughts by adding an interesting fact that will make it more convincing and credible to readers.

What is a visual text example?

Visual texts are those in which pictures and shapes communicate rather than words. Photographs, illustrations, pictures in books, DVDs, web pages, billboards, advertisements, cartoons, artworks, book covers are examples of visual texts.

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

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Understanding Visual Analysis Essays

A written analysis allows writers to explore the discrete parts of some thing—in this case, several visual artifacts—to better understand the whole and how it communicates its message.

We should also consider how the image(s) appeal to ethos, pathos, and logos, and why. Consider, for example, how most advertisements rely on an appeal to pathos--or emotion--to persuade consumers to buy their project. Some ads will use humor to do so. Others will evoke patriotism to persuade consumers to purchase a product (suggesting buying a certain product will make them a good American).

This particular analysis will allow students to focus on visual materials relating to their career of interest to better understand how messages related to their field are composed and presented. This project will grant students the means to evaluate qualitative and quantitative arguments in the visual artifacts as well as interpret the claims made and supporting reasons. The project also will allow students to research discipline-specific and professional visual resources.

The audience for the analysis is an audience with comparable knowledge on the topic. Students should define and explain any terminology or jargon used that may be difficult for a general audience to understand.

Instructions:

Begin the essay by finding at least two examples of images relating to your intended future field of study (or a field that you are interested in learning more about). Use the Visual Analysis Planning Sheet to record your observations about the images. You will describe the images in great detail.

You will also need to research and find out who made the images, when, why and for what purpose. (This is called the rhetorical situation).

The essay should also explain what the purpose and intent of the images is and if there are any implicit messages (hidden messages) as well. An ad for Coca-Cola sells soda, but it also might imply something about family values. A public service announcement about hand-washing might also imply a sense of fear about pathogens and the spread of viruses from abroad. You should explore such obvious and hidden messages in your essay.

After describing all the key components, you’ll consider whether or not the images succeed at their goal or purpose and what these images suggest about how the field communicates its messages. See the Visual Analysis Planning Sheet for more help: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HUa4_XZ84svJPJ2Ppe5TTIK20Yp7bd-h/edit

Suggested Organization of Visual Analysis Essay

I. Introduction (1 paragraph) - should contain a hook (attention-grabber), set the context for the essay, and contain your thesis statement (described below).

a. Thesis statement : State what two images are being analyzed and what your overall claim is about them. The thesis should make a claim about the images such as whether they are effective or ineffective at communicating their message.

II. Explain the Rhetorical Situation of both images: (2 paragraphs) Begin by discussing what is being advertised or displayed, who made it (company, artist, writer, etc.), who is the target audience, where and when the image was published and shared, and where the image was made (country). Provide these details for both images being discussed and analyzed.

III. Description of both images (4-8 paragraphs). Discuss each image in full detail, providing the following details about both:

a. Describe what appears in the image. Be as detailed as possible.

b. Discuss the primary color choice used and what mood these colors create.

c. Explain the overall layout and organization of each image.

d. Discuss the use of wording in the visual image. What font is used, what color, and size is the font.

e. Explain what the message in the visual actually says and what this message means/indicates/asks of viewers and readers.

F. Discuss any other relevant information (from the planning worksheet or anything you think is noteworthy.

IV. Discussion and Evaluation (2-4 paragraphs) - Synthesizing your findings,and analyze what you think the smaller details accomplish.

Discuss if the images appeal to ethos, pathos, or logos and provide evidence to back up your claim.
Discuss what sociological, political, economic or cultural attitudes are indirectly reflected in the images. Back up your claims with evidence. An advertisement may be about a pair of blue jeans but it might, indirectly, reflect such matters as sexism, alienation, stereotyped thinking, conformism, generational conflict, loneliness, elitism, and so on.
Assert what claims are being made by the images. Consider the reasons which support that claim: reasons about the nature of the visual's product or service, reasons about those responsible for that product or service, and reasons which appeal to the audience's values, beliefs, or desires.

V. Conclusion (1 paragraph) - should contain both a recap of your response, as well as a closing statement in regards to your overall response to the chosen essay. Include a conclusion that reviews the messages the images make and offer a conclusion that combines the results of your findings and why they matter.

Drafting/Research Strategies:

To write a visual analysis, you must look closely at a visual object—and translate your visual observations into written text. However, a visual analysis does not simply record your observations. It also makes a claim about the images. You will describe the images in detail and then offer an analysis of what the images communicate at the surface level. You will also highlight any implicit messages that the images communicate. (Use Visual Analysis Planning Sheet). Students should begin the project by taking detailed notes about the images. Review every component of each image. Be precise. Consider the composition, colors, textures, size, space, and other visual and material attributes of the images. Go beyond your first impressions. This should take some time—allow your eye to absorb the image. Making a sketch of the work can help you understand its visual logic.

Good to Know

Below are some helpful resources to aid in creating your Visual Analysis Essay.

Visual Analysis essay sample
Photos and Illustrations
Visual Elements: Play, Use, and Design
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Search this Guide Search

Extended Essay: The Arts: Visual Arts

Step 1 - Choosing a Subject
Step 2 - Choosing a Topic
Step 3 - Draft a Research Question
Step 4 - Finding Sources
Step 5 - Evaluating Information
Step 6 - Bibliography & Citation
Step 7 - Organizing Information
The Arts: Visual Arts
Individuals & Societies: Business Management
Individuals & Societies: History
Individuals & Societies: Psychology
Language Acquisition
Language and Literature
Sciences: Biology
Sciences: Sports, Exercise, and Health Sciences
Interdisciplinary Papers: World Studies
Assessment Criteria
Research Questions
Investigation

Extended Essays in the Arts

Extended Essays in the Visual Arts

Choosing a Topic

The visual arts are here broadly defined also to include architecture, design and contemporary forms of visual culture. The outcome of a student's research should be a coherent piece of writing that effectively addresses a particular research question appropriate to the visual arts, and including any relevant images or illustrations.

The research may be generated or inspired by the student’s direct experiences of creating visual artworks, or by their interest in the work of a particular artist, style or period. This might be related to the student’s own cultural context or another cultural context.

Personal contact with artists, curators and other active participants in the visual arts is encouraged, as is the use of local and primary sources.

Students can choose an extended essay topic related to an area of their visual arts course, but students can also choose to explore other areas of the subject. Crucially, the topic must reflect their particular interest and enthusiasm within the visual arts.

		Kehinde Wiley,
		Kehinde Wiley,

Ronald Jackson, .	Installation art	The extent to which Grady Gerbracht’s assertion that the role of the artist is “to become the embodiment of a person, a citizen, a metaphor” is particularly embodied in interactive artworks
	The art of Native North American people	The artistic significance of recent poles raised by the First Nations of Haida-Gwai
	Damien Hirst’s and Gunther von Hagens’s representation of death	The extent to which the manipulation of cadavers can be considered art: an investigation of the interdependence of science, art and the representation of death in the works of Damien Hirst and Gunther von Hagens

Approaches to Research

It is vital that the methodology of the EE is tailored to the research question and allows for an in-depth exploration. Many different approaches to the research question can be appropriate. Students will often use a combination of primary and secondary research to answer their research questions.

Primary research in the arts is when students make original analyses or interpretation of artworks, such as:

In secondary research, students may use secondary source material (academic articles, etc.) in order to explore, explain, or justify parts of their original analyses.

	Cultural influences on Pablo Picasso’s work		The impact of immigration on an artist’s work
	Picasso: individual genius or cultural thief?		What is the impact of transcultural experience on the art of Gu Xiong?
	An investigation of the extent to which selected images in Picasso’s work may have been appropriated from other cultural sources.		An investigation into the effects of migration, from China to Canada, on a selected artist’s work.

Visual Arts Sources

Even students doing primary research will still need to reference secondary sources. These may include established artistic interpretations or criticisms, biographical and/or historical information.

databases offer topic pages and the Topic Finder search feature.

This video will show you .

databases have two features to help you find search words as well as topics and sub-topics.

Use the "subject guide search" feature in databases to help you find good search terms. .

Use the "topic finder" to help you find good topics and sub-topics

Encyclopedia Britannica has lots of information, like any encyclopedia, but it also has a lot of information about sports and recreation, specifically.

Britannica also offers an extensive database of biographical information that is searchable based on era, nationality, field of work, and gender.

WikiArt is an expansive database of artworks that is searchable by artist, genre, time period, nationality, and more.

Writing the Essay

Beyond individual interpretations, students should also demonstrate awareness of other issues surrounding the artworks they study such as:

Considering the origin and purpose of an artwork to discuss its value and limitations
Contextualizing the research question to demonstrate good artistic understanding

Relevant outcomes of this analysis should be integrated into a well-substantiated argument.

Using primary or secondary evidence to justify the argument
Ensuring that cited evidence is relevant, well founded, and not simply based on preconceptions

The emphasis of the EE should always be on written analysis, interpretation, evaluation and the construction and development of a sound argument.

Visual Reference Material

It is required that students include visual references to any artworks they discuss, provided it is relevant to the analysis or argument. Images should be appropriately presented and acknowledged and should appear in the body of the essay, as close as possible to the first reference.

In order to promote personal involvement in the EE, the use of local and primary sources should be encouraged wherever possible. (i.e. a picture of the artwork taken by the student themself). In the case where students do not have access to the artwork they may rely on high-quality reproductions or images.

Students are expected to evaluate critically the resources consulted during the process of writing the EE by asking themselves the following questions:

Which sources are vital to the support of my ideas, opinions and assertions?
Which sources do not contribute to the analysis?

Assessed Student Work

Marina Abramovic and her audience: An investigation into her diverse techniques to connect with her public.
To what extent did Japanese aesthetics and fashion have an influence on contemporary Danish fashion?
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2 Visual and Contextual Analysis

J. Keri Cronin and Hannah Dobbie

A hazy scene showing a bridge over a body of water. There are buildings in the background indicating that this is a cityscape. Blues and pinks convey the fog that covers the golden light from the sun.

The study of visual culture relies on two key skill sets: visual analysis and contextual analysis.

Visual Analysis

Visual Analysis is just a fancy way of saying “give a detailed description of the image.” It is easy to assume that visual analysis is easy or that it isn’t necessary because anyone can just look at the image and see the same thing you see. But is it really that simple?

As individual viewers we all bring our own background, perspective, education, and ideas to the viewing of an image. What you notice right away in an image may not be the same thing your classmate (or your grandmother or your neighbour) notices. And this is perfectly fine!

What do you see when you look at the images below?

In all three cases we have pictures of cows, but there are some important similarities and differences. What do you think is important to note about these images?

a black and white graphic image of a very large cow. The cow is impossibly big, in real life the cow’s legs probably couldn’t support her body. The animal has horns and behind her is a grove of trees

Reflection Exercise

Take a 5-10 minutes to jot down a detailed description (visual analysis) for each of the images above.

What do you notice?
What do you see?
What part of the image is your eye drawn to first?
How are these images similar? How are they different?

Contextual Analysis

Contextual analysis is another very important skill for studying images. This is a fancy way of saying “we need more information about this picture.” You will often have to do external research to build and support your contextual analysis. There is an old saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” but we need to think carefully and critically about this. A picture can not tell us everything we might want to know about it! Sometimes it is very important to dig deeper through research to learn more about an image in order to understand how it participates in the meaning making process.

Here is a list of some questions that are useful for guiding contextual analysis. This is not an exhaustive list and not all questions will apply in all cases:

Who made this image? Why?
Where was the image made? (In a different part of the world? In a laboratory? On the beach?)
Who was the intended audience for this image?
Where was the image meant to be viewed? (A textbook? A gallery? As part of a movie set? In a family photo album?)
When was this image made? How do you know?
What kinds of technologies were used to make this image? What kinds of limitations were there on this technology at this time?
Is there text in the image? If so, how does it shape our understanding of what we are looking at? What about the image caption? How does it shape our understanding of what we are looking at?

Sometimes you can get clues from the image that can help you answer these kinds of questions, but often you will have to branch out and turn to books, articles, websites, documentary films, and other resources to help build and develop your contextual analysis.

In our examples above the captions give us quite a bit of information. We learn, for instance, who made the pictures (and, in one case, we learn that this information isn’t known). We learn when the images were made and the type of pictures they are–although we may need to look up what an etching , stereograph , or an albumen print is. The titles are fairly descriptive in that they provide us some basic information about what we are looking at.

Reflection Exercise – Part II

The visual analysis we just did combined with the information provided in the image captions gives us a place to start with our investigation into these images. But are many things that we still don’t know about these pictures.

What other things might we want to know if we were going to write about these pictures? Take a few moments and jot down a list of questions you have about these images.

As we generate questions based on these images and then start to do the research to find out the answers to those questions we are starting to build our contextual analysis. Through research we would learn, for instance, that the firm of Underwood & Underwood was a leading manufacturer of stereograph cards in the 19th century and that stereograph cards had a massive public and commercial appeal . The two images, when viewed through a special device known as a stereoscope , merge together to form an image that looks 3-D. Imagine how exciting this would be for viewers in an age before television, movies, and video games. Some have even described this as an early form of virtual reality !

Further research will show us that Edward H. Hacker was a printmaker in Britain in the 19th century and that he was best known for creating engravings of animal pictures. In an era when it wasn’t easy to reproduce paintings, this allowed multiple copies of an image to be shared and circulated. In our example, above he is reproducing a painting by William Henry Davis , an artist who specialised in portraits of livestock.

Today it might seem odd to us that people would want pictures painted of their cows and we might even wonder why someone would hire a printmaker to make reproductions of these images. Why would people want images of their cows? And further, why does the cow in the first picture above look so strange? She is so enormous that her little tiny, skinny legs couldn’t possibly support her body. What is going on here? Did Davis now know how to paint cows?

In fact, Davis was a well-respected artist. The answer to this question can be discovered through a bit of research (more contextual analysis). As we dig into this investigation, we would soon learn that this type of picture was part of a larger 19th trend for creating images of livestock that exaggerated their features as a way to advertise certain breeds and breeders . In other words, the farmers that were commissioning these images were using these pictures to try and prove that their animals were better than the animals owned by competing farmers. These pictures can not be separated out from the economics of 18th and 19th century British farming practices.

In 2018 the Museum of English Rural Life posted a photograph of a very large ram with the words “look at this absolute unit.” This Twitter post went viral and brought a lot of attention to the history behind these kinds of images. Having a picture like this circulate on social media brought a new layer of meaning to the photograph . It didn’t replace the original context, but it added to the discussions about it.

When an image is taken out of its original context new meanings can be generated. Take, for example, a controversial advertising campaign launched in the spring of 2023 by the Italian government . It features the very recognizable central figure from Sandro Botticelli’s 15th century painting known as “ Birth of Venus .” But in this campaign she is out and about enjoying the tourist sites in Italy, playing the role of Instagram influencer. This campaign provoked a strong reaction and many people criticised what they saw as trivialising and making a mockery of a beloved work of art. The associations people have with this painting–that it is a “masterpiece” to be admired and venerated–have fueled this criticism. If the central figure in these advertisements was not a recognizable figure it is unlikely that there would have been any controversy at all. By taking this figure out of context and putting her in AI generated scenes of Italian tourism, some feel it changes the meaning of the original picture. Love it or hate it, the one thing everyone agrees on is that this campaign has generated much discussion!

Visual and Contextual Analysis Exercise

Find a picture that you think expresses something about who you are. It can be from your childhood, a photograph of your dorm room, or a picture of the aunt who taught you how to read. Perhaps it is a picture of you cheering on your favourite sports team or of a special dinner shared with close friends. It doesn’t matter what the subject is as long as it is an example of a picture that you think says something about you.

Step 1 (Visual Analysis): Write a description of this picture. Try to stick to only description in this step, really look at the picture carefully and consider things like:

What medium is it (e.g.: is it a photograph, a painting, etc.)?
What colours are used?
How is it composed? How big is it?
Are there people in the image?
Is the image dark or light?
What is in the background?
Is there anything blurry or unclear?

*Note: This is not an exhaustive list of questions. Rather, they are given as examples to help you think about what kinds of things to focus on.

Step 2 (Contextual Analysis): Imagine you are going to show this picture to a complete stranger, someone who doesn’t know you at all. Make a list of everything you think that person needs to know about the picture in order to learn a bit about you? What information might help that person understand why this picture is meaningful for you? For example, was this photograph taken on your birthday? Is it a picture of your first pet? Is the person who is blurry in the background your best friend who moved away when you were 11? Then think about why these things are important to you. In other words, what do you know about this picture that wouldn’t be obvious to someone else?

a faded, vintage photograph of a little kid in a red snowsuit and a pink and white winter hat. She wears white shoes. She is standing face-to-face with a fluffy white dog who has his tongue out. A man stands between the child and the dog, one hand on each, to make sure that the interaction remains friendly and safe. The man wears brown shoes, blue jeans, a dark jacket and sunglasses. His sandy blonde hair is shaggy. These figures stand on concrete and the sun casts shadows on the ground. In the background are trees and a sign that is blurry and out of focus.

If I were doing this exercise with this photograph, in step #1 I would focus on things like the colour of the child’s clothing, the size of the dog, and the way the adult, child, and dog are posed, including that the man has one hand on the child, one hand on the dog. I would talk about it being a photograph and how the faded tones suggest that this is an old photograph. I would note that the photograph was taken outside and that these three are standing on what appears to be pavement but that there are trees in the background. There is also what appears to be a wooden sign in the background but it is too blurry to read. I would also point out that the shadows on the ground indicate that it was a sunny day, but the type of clothing the two human figures are wearing suggests that it was also a cold day.

If I were to continue on and complete step #2 I would list that this was a photograph taken in the mid-1970s by my mother and that it is a picture of me (Keri) and my uncle with a dog we happened to meet in the parking lot of Mount Robson Park while our family was moving from British Columbia to Alberta. This was not our dog. We had never met him before nor did we ever see him again. But he was friendly, and I was absolutely enthralled by how fluffy he was. My uncle took me over to introduce me to the dog, staying close to make sure the dog didn’t hurt me.

This picture holds meaning for me for a number of reasons. First of all, it is an early example of my love of animals. Secondly, Mount Robson Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and was often a destination for family vacations. These trips shaped my interest in nature and outdoor activities in spaces like Provincial and National Parks. This led to me deciding to write my MA thesis on the visual culture of these kinds of places, a document that was eventually turned into a book . And lastly, this picture has taken on a new layer of importance for me lately as my uncle pictured here recently died of cancer. Even though it isn’t a great picture in terms of technical quality, it is a picture that I have framed in my house because it holds a lot of meaning for me.

By doing this exercise you are slowing down the process of meaning making and thinking about how the visual elements of the image relate to the larger context that helps to shape why this picture holds meaning for you. You can see how the two types of analysis–visual and contextual–work together. You need both halves of this equation. By slowing down and doing some deep noticing in our visual analysis, we can notice things that become significant when we switch over to contextual analysis. And our contextual analysis can provide us a starting place for further research if needed.

With this exercise you were working with an image that you are already very familiar with. But this same process can get repeated with any image. When you are working with an image that isn’t from your own personal life, there will likely be more steps needed to arrive at a contextual analysis–research, further reading, etc.–but the process itself remains the foundation for critical thinking about images.

Look Closely: A Critical Introduction to Visual Culture Copyright © 2023 by J. Keri Cronin and Hannah Dobbie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Write a Visual Arts Essay explained.

Do you know how to write a great essay on visual arts? Some students have no idea how to write it correctly and thus they seek some essay writing services. However, with our complete guide, you will be aware of how to write it successfully.

Visual Arts Essay: How to Reveal the Topic Correctly

Visual art essays is a creative way of representing art in a word form. It is a way of explaining what is really in the art . It talks about art in painting, sculpture, drawings, and portraits. The main aim is to make people understand the art better by painting a visual image in words. It is a way of enhancing creativity as students paint a picture of a certain image vividly in words.

When writing visual art essays, use simple words to describe it. These are easy to understand. Look at the object in question keenly, slowly, carefully and repeatedly. If the art is made up of many parts, sort the parts out in the order of their importance. You do not have to dwell on all the parts. Look at each part carefully. Then now you can put this information into writing.

“And if you’re struggling with writing visual art essays, you can find a lot of useful sites that provide essay help at any time.”

In order to write about visual arts, you have to understand the art better. The following are top tips to guide you through writing.

The work context

In order to describe an art, you need to have a clear understanding of it. You need to have all the information about the given painter or photographer. You need to know his styles, the issues he is dealing with and what influences him/her to draw. Then you look at that particular work and familiarize yourself with. How does it look? What is its title? When was the art done? Such kind of questions will provide you with answers which will give you a better understanding of the essay.

The style and technique used

Like every other form of creative work, visual arts have a certain style and technique. This is particular for each person. The aim of the style is to improve the way the message will be sent. It enhances the message on the art. Every designer has their own way of style. In order to understand the art better, then you must identify the style and understand it too. Show how these styles have been used in the specific art.

What intrigues you about the art

Writing is a passion. Especially for visual art writers. Before you settle on describing any form of art, there is always a drive. This is the most important part of the essay. What particularly interests you in this type of art. Why do you want to write an essay about it? Describe what you want others to learn about the particular art. Arouse the curiosity of the reader.

Personal interests

Follow your personal interests. It is easier to write what you as a writer love. Narrow down the topics to areas you are familiar with. This way you dwell on a topic you have vast knowledge in. You are able to express yourself out well.

Hidden context of the art

In this section, you tell us the hidden bit about the art. The hidden meaning which we are not able to see. The aim of these essays is to explain out the meaning behind the art Carefully examine the painting and look at the objects on it. In most cases, best images contain vague images. It takes a careful observer to pick out such. These values images are what gives the art a deep meaning. It reveals the artist’s emotions and feelings behind the art. When you pinpoint this part of the art, then you now have a clear understanding of the art.

Interpretation

This is where you start your essay. After the careful observation, tell us what you feel about the art. Interpretation differs from each and every one. It depends on how they have personally viewed the art. In your own way, describe your feelings in the best possible way. What do you see, which you wish others should see. Describe it.

During visual essay writing, you encounter some pitfalls. It is not an easy writing assignment. It requires a lot of research and preparation. It needs a lot of creativity and logic. You have to understand the art first before writing it. The major task is understanding the art.

There are a lot of sources to use when writing visual essays. If you have no idea on how to write your essay, you can check out Essay Zoo samples .

Visual Arts Essay Topics

There are plenty of visual essay topics. They include:

Leonardo Da Vinci
Ancient Roman structures
The Pieta of Michelangelo
Flemish Baroque in the 17th century
The graphics of modern day art
Impressionism era of art in the Netherlands
Differences between Bernini and Borromini
Insinuations behind ‘The Thinker’
The Mona Lisa
The inspiration behind famous painting
The history of art in the Netherlands
The sculpture of nude women

Final steps

When you are through with writing the essay, proofread it. This aims at removing all grammatical errors. Ensure that the sentence structure is good, the language used is the required one and the outline is up to standards. Ensure that you have followed a good art essay structure . To grasp a general understanding of how it should look like, you can go through free essay examples .

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How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay: Examples & Template

A visual analysis essay is an academic paper type that history and art students often deal with. It consists of a detailed description of an image or object. It can also include an interpretation or an argument that is supported by visual evidence.

In this article, our custom writing experts will:

explain what a visual analysis is;
share useful tips on how to write a good visual analysis essay;
provide an essay sample.
🎨 Visual Analysis Definition
🏺 Artwork Analysis Tips
✅ Visual Analysis Writing Guide
📑 Example & Citation Tips

🎨 What Is a Visual Analysis?

The primary objective of visual analysis is to understand an artwork better by examining the visual elements. There are two types of visual analysis: formal and contextual.

A formal analysis focuses on artwork elements such as texture, color, size, and line. It aims to organize visual information and translate it into words. A formal analysis doesn’t interpret the piece.
Unlike formal analysis, contextual analysis’ primary goal is to connect artwork to its purpose or meaning within a culture. A contextual analysis includes formal analysis. Additionally, it discusses an artwork’s social purpose and significance.

Usually, students deal with formal visual analysis. Before starting to work on your essay, make sure to ask your professor whether to include contextual analysis or not.

The Purpose of Analyzing Images

Why is visual analysis important? What does it help to learn? There are several things that visual analysis helps with:

It allows students to enhance their appreciation of art.
It enables students to develop the ability to synthesize information.
It encourages students to seek out answers instead of simply receiving them.
It prompts higher-order critical thinking and helps to create a well-reasoned analysis.
By conducting visual analysis, students learn how to support and explain their ideas by studying visual information.

What Is Formal Analysis: Art History

When we look at an artwork, we want to know why it was created, who made it, and what its function was. That’s why art historians and researchers pay special attention to the role of artworks within historical contexts.

Visual analysis is a helpful tool in exploring art. It focuses on the following aspects:

Interpretation of subject matter ( iconography). An iconographic analysis is an explanation of the work’s meaning. Art historians try to understand what is shown and why it is depicted in a certain way.
The analysis of function. Many works of art were designed to serve a purpose that goes beyond aesthetics. Understanding that purpose by studying their historical use helps learn more about artworks. It also establishes a connection between function and appearance.

Formal Analysis: Art Glossary

Now, let’s look at some visual elements and principles and learn how to define them.

Visual Elements :

Element	Definition
Line	Lines can be obvious, or they can be formed by the placement of objects. They can vary in length, width, and direction.
Shape	Shapes are two-dimensional. They can be geometric or organic. Familiar shapes help us focus on particular parts of an artwork.
Form	Forms are three-dimensional. Such figures as cylinders, pyramids, and spheres are forms.
Color	Color is light that reflects off of objects. Its main characteristics are hue, value, and intensity. Colors can also be warm or cool.
Texture	A texture is a feel, appearance, or quality of a surface of an object. It can be used in two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks.
Space	Space is a feeling of depth. It also refers to the artist’s use of the area within the painting. Space can be positive or negative.

Visual Principles :

Principle	Definition
Balance	Balance is the distribution of visual elements and weights of objects, colors, textures, and space. Balance can be symmetrical and asymmetrical.
Emphasis	Emphasis defines the center of interest in a painting and catches the viewer’s attention. It’s usually different from the rest of the work.
Subordination	Subordination supports the center of interest. It is a part of an artwork that is played down to let the emphasis stand out.
Rhythm	Rhythm is the relationship between elements. It creates a visual tempo and establishes a sense of harmony by repeating certain features.
Movement	Movement is the path the viewer’s eyes follow, coming to the focal points of a work. The movement is usually directed by the lines, shapes, and colors of an art piece.

🏺 How to Analyze Artworks: Different Types

Writing a formal analysis is a skill that requires practice. Being careful and attentive during the pre-writing stage is essential if you want to create a good and well-structured visual analysis. 

Visual analysis essay mainly consists of two components:

Description of the selected image or object,
Interpretation built on the visual evidence.

During the pre-writing stage:

Collect general information about an artwork. Describe it briefly. Pay special attention to visual elements and principles:

✔️		What do you notice first? Why?
✔️		What colors are used? How are they arranged?
✔️		Are the figures abstract or realistic?

Develop an interpretation. Think critically. What does the information in your notes imply? How can it be interpreted?
Support your ideas. To do it, refer to the visual elements directly. Avoid generalizing art and double-check your prompts.

How to Analyze a Painting Using the Elements of Art

To write an excellent formal visual analysis, you need to consider as many visual principles and elements as you can apply. In the formal analysis part:

Target your description;
Address only those elements relevant to your essay;
Pay attention to visual elements and principles;
Introduce the subject of the painting and describe it;
Explain why you have decided to discuss specific elements;
Discuss the relationship between visual elements of the artwork;
Use the vocabulary terms.

If you are asked to do a contextual analysis , you may want to:

Focus on the historical importance of an artwork;
Explore the style or movement associated with an artwork;
Learn about the historical context and the public’s reaction to the artwork;
Learn about the author and how they’ve created the piece of art.

Painting Analysis Essay Example & Tips

Here is a template you can use for your essay.

	Give a brief description of the painting. What do you see? What areas of the artwork grab your attention?
	In the analysis part, pay attention to visual elements and principles. Describe them and say how they all come together.
	Look at the artwork from a cultural perspective. What does the author express? What does it mean to the viewer?
	Finally, state your personal opinion. What do you feel when you look at the art piece?

Now, let’s take a look at an essay example.

	(1889) is a Vincent van Gogh oil painting of a night landscape brimmed with whirling clouds, luminous stars, and a bright crescent moon. The artist uses a mix of warm, cold, and neutral colors. Yellows on top of blues create a clear contrast, making the stars and crescent moon stand out.
	In , van Gogh uses his unique thick brush strokes. The technique adds depth and rich texture to the painting. The use of whites and yellows draws more attention to the sky. Vertical lines in the form of a cypress tree and a church tower break up the composition.
	Through his painting, van Gogh contrasts life and death, brightly shining stars, and a gloomy yet peaceful village.
	is a painting that reflects Vincent van Goh’s inner world. It embodies his unique style and personality. The piece has a major influence on modern art.

How to Analyze a Photograph

Analyzing photos has a lot in common with paintings. There are three methods on which photo visual analysis relies: description, reflection, and formal analysis. Historical analysis can be included as well, though it is optional.

Description . It implies looking closely at the photo and considering all the details. The description needs to be objective and consists of basic statements that don’t express an opinion.

Good description	Bad description
The girl in the middle is the tallest one. She wears a white linen dress.	The girl in the middle is the most beautiful among the three.

Reflection. For the next step, focus on the emotions that the photograph evokes. Here, every viewer will have a different opinion and feelings about the artwork. Knowing some historical context may be helpful to construct a thoughtful response.
Formal analysis . Think of the visual elements and principles. How are they represented in the photograph?
Historical analysis. For a contextual analysis, you need to pay attention to the external elements of the photograph. Make sure that you understand the environmental context in which the photo was taken. Under what historical circumstances was the picture made?

Photo Analysis Essay Tips

Now that we’ve talked about analyzing a photograph let’s look at some helpful tips that will help you write an essay.

✔️ Dos	❌ Don’ts

Visual Analysis Essay on a Sculpture: Writing Tips

A sculpture analysis consists of the following parts:

Description . Include specific details, such as what the sculpture may represent. For instance, the human figure may be an athlete, an ancient God, a poet, etc. Consider their pose, body build, and attire.
Formal analysis . Here, visual elements and principles become the focus. Discuss the color, shape, technique, and medium.
Contextual analysis . If you decide to include a contextual analysis, you can talk about the sculpture’s function and how it conveys   ideas and sentiments of that period. Mention its historical and cultural importance.

When it comes to sculpture analysis, you may also want to collect technical data such as:

The size of the sculpture
Medium (the material)
The current condition (is it damaged, preserved as a fragment, or as a whole piece)
Display (Was a sculpture a part of an architectural setting, or was it an independent piece of work?)

For instance, if you were to do a visual analysis of Laocoön and His Sons , you could first look up such details:

Location: Discovered in a Roman vineyard in 1506
Current location: Vatican
Date: Hellenistic Period (323 BCE – 31 CE)
Size: Height 208 cm; Width 163 cm; Depth 112 cm
Material: Marble
Current condition: Missing several parts.

Visual Analysis Essay: Advertisement Analysis

Visuals are used in advertisements to attract attention or convince the public that they need what is being advertised. The purpose of a visual argument is to create interest. Advertisements use images to convey information and communicate with the audience.

When writing a visual analysis of an advertisement, pay attention to the following:

text elements,
illustrations,
composition.

All of this influences how the viewer perceives the information and reacts to it.

When you write about an advertisement, you conduct a rhetorical analysis of its visual elements. Visual rhetoric is mainly directed at analyzing images and extracting information from them. It helps to understand the use of typography, imagery, and the arrangement of elements on the page.

Think of the famous visual rhetoric examples such as the We can do it! poster or a Chanel №5 commercial. Both examples demonstrate how persuasive imagery has been used throughout history.

How to Write a Visual Analysis Paper on an Advertisement

The presentation of visual elements in advertising is essential. It helps to convince the audience. When you analyze visual arguments, always keep the rhetorical situation in mind. Here are some crucial elements to focus on:

	Who is the advertisement targeted at?
	What does the image try to convey to the audience?
	How is the information presented? What colors are used? Are there any highlights or repetitions?
	Does the image use any humor, celebrities, or cultural references to make the point?
	Is there any text within the picture? If so, how does it work together with the image to create an intended effect?
	Who are the characters of an advertisement? Where are they?
	What are the implications behind the words used in the picture?

✅ How to Write a Visual Analysis Paper: Step by Step

Now, we’ll focus on the paper itself and how to structure it. But first, check out the list of topics and choose what suits you best.

Visual Analysis Essay Topics

There are a lot of artworks and advertisements that can be analyzed and viewed from different perspectives. Here are some essay topics on visual analysis that you may find helpful:

Analyze Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss (1907-1908.)
The theme of humanity and The Son of Man (1964) by René Magritte.
The use of visual elements in Almond Blossom by Vincent van Gogh (1888-1890.)
Identity and Seated Harlequin (1901) by Picasso .
Explore the themes of Paul Klee ’s The Tree of Houses , 1918.
Objectives, activities, and instructions of Pietro Perugino’s fresco The Delivery of the Keys to Saint Peter .
Reflection on social issues of the time in Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo and Untitled by Ramses Younan.
Analyze the importance of Mural (1943) by Jackson Pollock.
The political message in John Gast’s painting American Progress (1872).
Describe the visual techniques used in Toy Pieta by Scott Avett .
The interpretation of the painting Indian Fire God by Frederic Remington.
Explore the historical significance and aesthetic meaning of Ognissanti Madonna by Giotto di Bondone .
Analyze different interpretations of The Three Dancers by Pablo Picasso .

Photography:

The idea behind Lindsay Key (1985) by Robert Mapplethorpe.
Explore the mythical appeal of Robert Capa’s photograph The Falling Soldier (Spain,1936) from Death in Making photobook.
Describe Two Boys with Fish (2018) from Faith series by Mario Macilau.
Kevin Carter’s Starving Child and Vulture (1993) as the representation of photojournalism.
The story behind Philippe Halsman’s Dali Atomicus , 1948.
Describe The Starving Boy in Uganda photograph by Mike Wells
Analyse the view of a historic disaster in San Francisco photograph by George R. Lawrence.
The statement behind Eddie Adams’s photo Shooting a Viet Cong Prisoner .
How is Steve McCurry’s perception of the world reflected in his photo Afghanistan Girl .
Analyze the reflection of Ansel Adams’s environmental philosophy in his photo Moon and Half Dome (1960).
Describe Girl on the Garda Lake (2016) by Giuseppe Milo.
Combination of internal geometry and true-to-life moments in Behind the Gare Saint Lazare by Henri Cartier-Bresson .
Modern art and Couple on Seat by Lynn Chadwick (1984.)
Analyze the biblical context of Pieta (1498-1499) by Michelangelo.
The use of shapes in Louise Bourgeois’ Spider (1996.)
Analysis of the symbolism behind The Thinker (1880) by Rodin.
The historical meaning of Fountain (1917) by Duchamp .
Analyze the Miniature Statue of Liberty by Willard Wigan
The combination of Egyptian culture and classical Greek ideology in statue of Osiris-Antinous.
Reflection of the civilization values in emperor Qin’s Terracotta Army .
The aesthetic and philosophical significance of Michelangelo’s David .
Explore the controversial meaning of Damien Hirst’s sculpture For the Love of God (2007).
Analyze the elements of art and design used in The Thinker by August Rodin .
Symbolic elements in the Ancient Greek statues of Zeus .
Depiction of the fundamental aspects of Buddhism in The Parinirvana of Siddhartha/Shakyamuni.

How Volkswagen : Think Small (1960) ad changed advertising.
Analyze the use of figures in California Milk Processor Board: Got Milk? (1993) ad campaign .
Analyze the use of colors in Coca-Cola — The Pause that Refreshes (1931.)
Explore the historical context of We Can Do It! (1942) campaign.
The importance of a slogan in 1947: A Diamond Is Forever by De Beers.
Examine the specifics of visual advert: dogs and their humans.
Describe the use of visual techniques in Kentucky Fried Chicken company’s advertisement.
Analyze the multiple messages behind the print ad of JBL .
Discuss the methods used in Toyota Highlander advertisement .
Elucidation of people’s dependency on social networks in the advertising campaign Followers by Miller Lite.
The use of the visual arguments in Schlitz Brewing Company advertisement .
The role of colors and fonts in Viva la Juicy perfume advertisement .

Visual Analysis Essay Outline

You can use this art analysis template to structure your essay:

The picture shows the main steps in writing a visual analysis essay: introduction, main body, conclusion.

How to Start an Art Essay

Every analysis starts with an introduction. In the first paragraph, make sure that:

the reader knows that this essay is a visual analysis;
you have provided all the necessary background information about an artwork.

It’s also important to know how to introduce an artwork. If you’re dealing with a panting or a photograph, it’s better to integrate them into the first page of your analysis. This way, the reader can see the piece and use it as a reference while reading your paper.

Art Thesis Statement Examples & Tips

Formulating a thesis is an essential step in every essay. Depending on the purpose of your paper, you can either focus your visual analysis thesis statement on formal elements or connect it with the contextual meaning. 

To create a strong thesis, you should relate it to an artwork’s meaning, significance, or effect. Your interpretation should put out an argument that someone could potentially disagree with. 

For instance, you can consider how formal elements or principles impact the meaning of an artwork. Here are some options you can consider:

Focus on interpreting how formal elements and principles give meaning to the artwork.	In , the village is painted with dark colors, but the brightly lit windows create a sense of comfort.
Comment on the overall organization of an art piece.	Van Gogh’s swirling sky directs the viewer’s eye around the painting.
Another option is to relate the painting to the other artworks you have studied or seen before.	If we compare Munch’s to van Gogh’s  , we can see that a similar swirling technique was used to paint the sky.

If your focus is the contextual analysis, you can find the connection between the artwork and the artist’s personal life or a historical event.

How to Write Visual Analysis Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs of formal analysis consist of two parts—the description and the analysis itself. Let’s take Klimt’s The Kiss as an example:

	The painting shows an embracing couple concealed behind a large golden cloak. Two distinct parts constitute the image. First, the part of the cloak covering the man has a repeating geometric black and white motif. Meanwhile, the second part of the cloak, covering the woman, has flowers and circles on it.
	The author uses predominantly warm shades such as gold and bronze brown. Spatial flatness using two-dimensional patterns was deliberately employed except at the couple’s exposed skin. Klimt was heavily influenced by the art of Japan, ancient Egypt, and Byzantine Ravenna, which preferred two-dimensional perspective styles to emphasize human subject matter.

The contextual analysis includes interpretation and evaluation.

	Gustav Klimt’s  is the reflection of tenderness and passion Klimt was working on   during his Golden Phase. Within the paintings of that period, Klimt treats the human figures as two-dimensional. They are also all surrounded by flat, brightly composed, and highly ornamental decorations.
	is a very significant piece for several reasons. It represents the apex of Klimt’s Golden Period and shows his distinctive style. The piece is also a fantastic example of the Art Nouveau movement.

Visual Analysis Essay Conclusion

When you work on the conclusion, try to conclude your paper without restating the thesis. At the end of your essay, you can present an interesting fact. You can also try to:

Compare an artwork to similar ones;
Contrast your own ideas on the piece with the reaction people had when it was first revealed.
Talk about an artwork’s significance to the culture and art in general.

📑 Visual Analysis Essay Example & Citation Tips

In this section of the article, we will share some tips on how to reference an artwork in a paper. We will also provide an essay example.

How to Reference a Painting in an Essay

When you work on visual analysis, it is important to know how to write the title of an artwork properly. Citing a painting, a photograph, or any other visual source, will require a little more information than citing a book or an article. Here is what you will need:

Size dimensions
Current location
Name of the piece
Artist’s name
Date when artwork was created

If you want to cite a painting or an artwork you saw online, you will also need:

The name of the website
Website URL
Page’s publication date
Date of your access

How to Properly Credit an Artwork in APA

Works you see in person	Works you see online
[Description of material].  Example: Picasso, P. (1905). [Oil canvas]. Metropolitan Museum Of Art, New York City, NY.	[Description of material]. Example: Picasso, P. (1905). [Oil canvas]. Metropolitan Museum Of Art, New York City, NY. The Met (n.d.). Retrieved from:

How to Properly Credit an Artwork in MLA

Works you see in person	Works you see online
or description. Example: Monet, Claud. 1882, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago	or description. , URL. Example: Monet, Claud. 1882, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago.

How to Properly Credit an Artwork in Chicago Format

Works you see in person	Works you see online
Example: Bacon, Francis. . 1953. Oil on canvas. 153cm x 118cm. Des Moines Art Center, Iowa.	Example: Bacon, Francis. . 1953. Oil on canvas. 153cm x 118cm. Des Moines Art Center, Iowa. Accessed July 24, 2020.

Finally, here’s a sample visual analysis of Rodin’s sculpture The Thinker in APA format. Feel free to download it below.

Many people believe that works of art are bound to be immortal. Indeed, some remarkable masterpieces have outlived their artists by many years, gaining more and more popularity with time. Among them is The Thinker, a brilliant sculpture made by Auguste Rodin, depicting a young, athletic man, immersed deep into his thoughts.

You can also look at the following essay samples to get even more ideas.

The Protestors Cartoon by Clay Bennett: Visual Analysis
Visual Analysis – Editorial Cartoon
Visual Analysis: “Dust Storm” Photo by Steve McCurry
Visual, Aural, Read & Write, Kinesthetic Analysis
Schlitz Brewing Company Advertisement: Visual Arguments Analysis

Thanks for reading through our article! We hope you found it helpful. Don’t hesitate to share it with your friends.

❓ Visual Analysis FAQs

To write a visual argument essay, you need to use rhetorical analysis. Visual rhetoric is directed at analyzing images and extracting the information they contain. It helps to analyze the visuals and the arrangement of elements on the page.

A well-though contextual analysis will include:

1. formal analysis, 2. some information about the artist, 3. details on when and where the piece was created, 4. the social purpose of the work, 5. its cultural meaning.

It is better to include pictures in the introduction part of your paper. Make sure to cite them correctly according to the format you’re using. Don’t forget to add the website name, the URL, and the access date.

To analyze means not only to describe but also to evaluate and synthesize visual information. To do that, you need to learn about visual elements and principles and see how and why they are used within artworks.

🔍 References

Art History: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Visual Analysis: Duke University
Writing a Formal Analysis in Art History: Hamilton College
Contextual Analysis: Pine-Richland School District
How to Analyze an Artwork: Student Art Guide
Introduction to Art Historical Analysis: Khan Academy
Guidelines for Analysis of Art: University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Elements of Art: Getty.edu
Formal or Critical Analysis: LibreTexts
Analyzing a Photograph: University of Oregon
Picture Composition Analysis and Photo Essay: University of Northern Iowa
Visual Analysis Guidelines: Skidmore College
How to Analyze Sculpture: NLA Design and Visual Arts: WordPress
Visual Rhetoric: Purdue University
Formal Visual Analysis: The Elements & Principles of Composition
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How to Write a Reflection Paper: Example & Tips

Want to know how to write a reflection paper for college or school? To do that, you need to connect your personal experiences with theoretical knowledge. Usually, students are asked to reflect on a documentary, a text, or their experience. Sometimes one needs to write a paper about a lesson...

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Prof. Sosa-Tzec publishes sketchnotes exploring the visual essay as an academic object of study

Sketchnote defining the visual essay as an academic product by Omar Sosa-Tzec

Associate Professor Omar Sosa-Tzec, along with other design faculty in the United States, participated in the first AIGA Design Educators Community (DEC) Design and Writing Fellowship in 2022. The AIGA DEC published a book comprising the visual essays developed by these scholars during this fellowship, all available at https://doi.org/10.3998/mpub.14495980 .

Prof. Sosa-Tzec's essay (starting on page 249 in the book) comprises sketchnotes where he explores the idea of a visual essay and humanistic approaches to develop and peer-review it. Below is one of Prof. Sosa-Tzec's sketchnotes (page 253), where he explores and defines the visual essay as a multimodal argument and research-through-design outcome.

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Members of the public view artwork by Damien Hirst entitled: The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living - in the Tate Modern art gallery on April 2, 2012 in London, England. (see notes) (1991) Tiger shark, glass, steel

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Humanities LibreTexts - Introduction to Art - Design, Context, and Meaning
Art in Context - Types of Art - A Brief Exploration of the Different Kinds of Art
Boise State Pressbooks - Introduction to Art
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - The Definition of Art
Official Site of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, United States

art , a visual object or experience consciously created through an expression of skill or imagination. The term art encompasses diverse media such as painting , sculpture , printmaking , drawing , decorative arts , photography , and installation.

(Read Sister Wendy’s Britannica essay on art appreciation.)

The various visual arts exist within a continuum that ranges from purely aesthetic purposes at one end to purely utilitarian purposes at the other. Such a polarity of purpose is reflected in the commonly used terms artist and artisan , the latter understood as one who gives considerable attention to the utilitarian. This should by no means be taken as a rigid scheme, however. Even within one form of art, motives may vary widely; thus a potter or a weaver may create a highly functional work that is at the same time beautiful—a salad bowl, for example, or a blanket—or may create works that have no purpose beyond being admired. In cultures such as those of Africa and Oceania, a definition of art that encompasses this continuum has existed for centuries. In the West, however, by the mid-18th century the development of academies for painting and sculpture established a sense that these media were “art” and therefore separate from more utilitarian media. This separation of art forms continued among art institutions until the late 20th century, when such rigid distinctions began to be questioned.

Particularly in the 20th century, a different sort of debate arose over the definition of art . A seminal moment in this discussion occurred in 1917, when Dada artist Marcel Duchamp submitted a porcelain urinal entitled Fountain to a public exhibition in New York City . Through this act, Duchamp put forth a new definition of what constitutes a work of art: he implied that it is enough for an artist to deem something “art” and put it in a publicly accepted venue . Implicit within this gesture was a challenge to the established art institutions—such as museums, exhibiting groups, and galleries—that have the power to determine what is and is not considered art. Such intellectual experimentation continued throughout the 20th century in movements such as conceptual art and minimalism . By the turn of the 21st century, a variety of new media (e.g., video art ) further challenged traditional definitions of art.

Art is treated in a number of articles. For general discussions of the foundations, principles, practice, and character of art, see aesthetics . See also art conservation and restoration .

For the technical and theoretical aspects of traditional categories of art, see drawing ; painting ; printmaking ; sculpture . For technical and historical discussions of decorative arts and furnishings, see basketry ; enamelwork ; floral decoration ; furniture ; glassware ; interior design ; lacquerwork ; metalwork ; mosaic ; pottery ; rug and carpet ; stained glass ; tapestry . See photography for a complete history of that medium.

For treatments of the various arts as practiced by specific peoples and cultures, see , for example, African art ; Central Asian arts ; Egyptian art and architecture ; Islamic arts ; Oceanic art and architecture ; South Asian arts .

How to Write a HSC Visual Arts Essay Using a Scaffold

Artist surrounded by portraits - Visual Arts Essay Scaffold Featured Image

When it comes to HSC Visual Arts there’s lots of ways to practice and prepare for your exams, but writing an essay for it can be difficult — if only there was a scaffold you could use to make things easier…

Even if you know you want to memorise an essay, or just go in with key points, knowing how to actually write your response is the most important factor.

Fortunately we’ve come up with this awesome article that lets you know exactly how to use a Visual Arts essay scaffold to write a strong essay!

So follow along, figure it out and then give it a go and you’ll be on your way to a Band 6 in no time!

What Is Scaffolding? Introduction Body Paragraph 1a Body Paragraph 2a Body Paragraph 1b Body Paragraph 2b Conclusion

What Is Scaffolding in the HSC Visual Arts Essay?

Scaffolding basically involves laying out the individual elements of an essay one by one so that you can see exactly what you need to include .

Throughout high school you probably filled out a scaffold or two for different class tasks and assignments.

Essentially they work by making you aware of exactly what you need to be including in any given response and how to make sure you create the best essay possible.

For the purpose of our scaffold, we’ll be going through and breaking down each paragraph of a Visual Arts extended response/essay. We’ll identify the individual points or ideas you need to include, as well as the best ways to work them into your response.

That way you’ll be bale to go into any art essay knowing exactly what you need to write.

We’ve included example sentences for our introduction and conclusion , as well as one body paragraph to show you exactly what kind of things you should and could be writing.

Download your very own Visual Arts Essay Scaffold

Introduction of the HSC Visual Art Essay

Step 1: thesis sentence responding to the question.

This should be concise and to the point, as you want your thesis to be super clear to whoever is reading your essay. Make sure that whatever you’re saying is answering/responding to the question being asked and try to avoid overly long or complex theses.

Example Question: Art is about reflecting reality. Thesis sentence: “While art may reflect reality, it also acts as an expression of imagination.”

Step 2: Context about artists and artworks

First of all you’ll have to introduce each of your artists and at least two of their artworks, as you’ll be analysing these in your essay. You may then want to add some brief context – even if it’s just one or two descriptors, such as mentioning that one artist is Australian, or that both are women. Whatever context you do mention should be relevant to or play a role in your thesis or main ideas.

Example “Del Kathryn Barton is one such artist, who uses symbolism and decorative patterns to convey concepts of femininity and imagination in her works That’s when I was another tree 2 and She appeared as a lover might. On the other hand artists such as Barbara Kruger, who uses boldly coloured text in her works Untitled (Pro-life for the unborn/Pro-death for the born) and Untitled (Your body is a battleground) , show how reflecting reality can be pivotal to an artwork.”

Step 3: Signpost the main ideas of the essay

Signposting is the art of telling the reader what you’re going to talk about without actually starting to talk about it. This means you’ll want to briefly name or mention the key ideas or arguments you’ll focus on in your essay, but don’t go into any detail yet! That’s for your body paragraphs.

Example “These two artists despite their differences in style and subject matter both show a respect for that which is real and imagined in their artworks and practice. Hence they reveal through their works that art may reflect reality, but it expresses imagination as well.”

Body Paragraph 1a

Step 1: introduce the first idea you signposted.

It’s time to start detailing your main ideas or arguments from your introduction. You want to use your strongest idea first, so pick the one you know the best or can argue the best and explain it here in a little more detail. Make sure your sentence also makes it clear how this idea links to your thesis and/or the question.

Example “ That’s when I was another tree 2 is one of Barton’s works that uses visual language to express the abstract concept of femininity, using line and symbolism to express an imaginative interpretation of the idea.”

Step 2: Introduce Artist 1 and the artwork you’re analysing

Bring in your first artist by giving some more context on them as is relevant to the idea you’re writing about. This may include their nationality, when they lived, their social background, etc. You’ve already named the artwork you plan to analyse for this paragraph so briefly describe it for the audience. You don’t need to get too in-depth in your descriptions, but make sure the reader knows enough for the rest of your paragraph to make sense.

Example “Barton’s own role in society as a woman clearly influenced both her experiences of reality and her choice to create imaginative, expressive works about it. The image shows a nude girl holding a cat and looking upward, with ribbon wrapped around her arms and hair.”

Step 3: Analyse the artwork using the principles and elements of design, the frames and the conceptual framework

This is the trickier part – actually analysing. You need to make sure you know and understand the artwork and how it relates to or proves the ideas you’re trying to argue.

Analysing how the work interacts with the elements and principles of design, the frames and the conceptual framework is usually the best way to do this. Brush up on analysing the principles of design, the frames, and conceptual framework of art !

Example “The use of thin, jagged line work in the outlines and details of the image create a sense of sharpness and fragility, reminiscent of the edges of broken glass. Meanwhile the inclusion of the ribbons tied to and around the naked figure acts as a symbol for being trapped; trapped by society, trapped by reality and trapped by the expectations of young women in modern times. The cat also acts as a symbol, often tied to the idea of female manipulation, however the dark pink of it paws contrasted with its white claws highlight the way it cuts into the girl’s hand, yet another symbol of physical entrapment.”

Step 4: Explain how Artist A reflects the idea

Usually most of these connections will be made in your analysis, but you need to really drive home the point you’re making about why this idea is relevant to your artist and vice versa. Do this with a simple sentence stating exactly how the two are linked.

Example “In this work Barton uses imaginative imagery to create an image that expresses an idea without being rooted in reality, thus she is able to accurately and interpretively reveal the abstract idea of femininity.”

Step 5: Sum up the idea and link back to your thesis

You need to end your paragraph solidly, so make sure your concluding sentence brings your idea, analysis and thesis all together. Make sure to use high modality words like “proves”, “exemplifies”, etc.

Example “Therefore Barton and her work That’s when I was another tree 2 act as evidence that while art may reflect reality, it is also an expression of imagination.”

Body Paragraph 2a

Step 1: reiterate the first idea you signposted.

Restate the idea from your last paragraph but this time focus on how it links to your second artist. You may want to throw in some simple comparative language as well to begin the contrasting between your two artists, such as “on the other hand”, “in contrast to”, etc.

Step 2: Introduce Artist 2 and the artwork you’re analysing

Do this in the same way as you did in paragraph 1a, making sure to point out any relevant context that may be relevant for your analysis. Also make sure to comment on any important similarities or differences between this artist/artwork and the first artist/artwork.

Just as you did in paragraph 1a you now need to analyse the artwork. Remember you’re analysing comparatively, so comment on whether this artwork is similar or different to the first artwork you looked at, or if it has both different and similar elements.

Step 4: Compare and contrast Artist 1 with how Artist 2 reflects the idea

Really drive home your comparison here by stating how your idea is relevant to this new artist, then comparing and contrasting with how it was relevant to your first artist. This just makes sure you’re covering all bases and making sure your comparative analysis is on point.

Do the same as what you did for paragraph 1a, just make sure to add in a little mention of your comparison. Sentence starters such as “Similar to Artist 1, Artist 2 has proven…” are a great way to do this.

Body Paragraph 1b

Step 1: introduce the second idea you signposted.

Even though your first idea was the stronger one, you want to make sure your second idea is argued and analysed just as well. Introduce the idea in more detail just like you did before, making sure to mention how it connects to your thesis of your HSC Visual Arts Essay.

Step 2: Reintroduce Artist 1 and the artwork you’re analysing

Add any extra context we may need for this artist and then get into naming and describing the new artwork you’re analysing. You have less to write here this time around so don’t worry if you feel you’ve written a little less.

Do this just as you did for paragraph 1a, focusing on the elements and principles of design, the frames and the conceptual framework. Try to avoid analysing all the artworks in the same way, so if you focused on colour symbolism last time, try analysing the use of line or the materials used this time round.

Step 4: Explain how Artist 1 reflects the idea

Again, this is just as you did it in paragraph 1a. One thing you can add would be a comment on how the different or similar ways in which the artist reflects each of the ideas you’ve presented. For example maybe their exploration of your first idea was very obvious, whereas the second was more subtle.

This is the same as you did the first time – make it punchy and powerful and you’re good to go.

Body Paragraph 2b

Step 1: reiterate the second idea you signposted.

Take the idea from paragraph 2a and restate it focusing on your second artist/artwork, including some comparative language for extra punch.

Step 2: Reintroduce Artist 2 and the artwork you’re analysing

Do this just like you did in paragraph 1b – you’ll totally have the hang of this by now.

At this point you’ll be an analysis whiz, so keep it up like you did in paragraph 1b by analysing and comparing at the same time for the best effect.

Step 4: Compare and contrast Artist 2 with how Artist 1 reflects the idea

Smash that comparative analysis out of the park with some final summary on how the two artists/artworks relate in regards to the idea you’re looking at.

This is your last body paragraph so sum it up superbly and you’re almost at the finish line. Make sure to really drive home your idea and how it links to your thesis as well, just to make sure your essay is super cohesive and clear.

hsc visual arts essay example of painting with sky

Conclusion for the HSC Visual Arts Essay

Step 1: summarise and restate your thesis responding to the question.

Your conclusion is just reminding readers of what they’ve read, so create a punchy sentence that reminds them what your thesis was and how it was responding to the question posed.

Example “While art may reflect reality, the fact of the matter is that it also acts as an expression of imagination, as proven in the works of Barton and Kruger.”

Step 2: Sum up the ideas you originally signposted

Grab those ideas you signposted in the beginning and sum them up succinctly in 1-2 sentences, making sure it’s super clear how and why you argued/proved them. Make mention of your artists and artworks here as well just to sum everything up at the end of your HSC Visual Arts Essay!

Example “While Barton and Kruger are two contrasting artists with vastly different art styles and practices, looking at both demonstrates that reality and imagination may both be explored by any artist. Though each may appear more skewed towards either reality or imagination, their works prove that both ideas play an important role in their artmaking.”

Step 3: Conclude the essay with a strong, snappy sentence

Go out with a bang by creating an awesome finishing line that totally sums up what you’ve said in your essay. This may be a reiteration of your thesis with an “I proved it” twist, or you can use a suitable quote from one of your artists if you’re feeling fancy!

Example “Thus there can be no argument that both reality and imagination are pivotal aspects of both the art world and the worlds and lives of artists themselves.”

And there you have it! By following the steps we’ve laid out in our scaffold it’s totally simple to create your own awesome HSC Visual Arts Essay.

Make sure to focus on the key elements we identified and you’ll be heading straight for those top marks!

Looking for some inspiration for your Visual Arts Major Work ? We’ve created an article to get the ideas flowing!

On the hunt for other HSC Visual Arts resources?

Check out some of our other articles/guides below!

The Master List of HSC Visual Arts Practice Papers

How to Write Effective HSC Visual Arts Study Notes
How to Nail HSC Visual Arts Section 1 by Using a Scaffold

Looking for some extra help with using this scaffold for your Visual Arts essay?

We pride ourselves on our inspirational hsc visual arts coaches and mentors.

We offer tutoring and mentoring for Years K-12 in a variety of subjects, with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at one of our state of the art campuses in Hornsby or the Hills!

To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor get in touch today!

Give us a ring on 1300 267 888, email us at [email protected] or check us out on TikTok !

Maddison Leach completed her HSC in 2014, achieving an ATAR of 98.00 and Band 6 in all her subjects. Having tutored privately for two years before joining Art of Smart, she enjoys helping students through the academic and other aspects of school life, even though it sometimes makes her feel old. Maddison has had a passion for writing since her early teens, having had several short stories published before joining the world of blogging. She’s currently deferring her studies until she starts her Bachelor of Communication at UTS in the spring.

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Defining ‘Art’

For a practice that has followed humanity since the dawn of consciousness, the question ‘What is Art?’ is notoriously difficult to answer. The Oxford English Dictionary, typically an authority when it comes to definition, calls art “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”

When asked to ‘think of an artwork’ there’s a pretty good chance that Oxford’s definition covers what you imagined. Oxford’s definition establishes some crucial distinctions: art is created by humans, so a beautiful tree is not art unless a human has applied their creativity to it, as with a bonsai tree. Also, art may be appreciated for its beauty or emotional power. While many artworks are visually pleasing, ugly or disturbing work is valid, and can be appreciated for its emotional power. So if Oxford has the definition nailed, why have generations of aestheticians, philosophers, writers, artists and academics defined and redefined what they think art is? First, some examples. We’ll begin with the pragmatic. In 1957, the architect Frank Lloyd Wright wrote: “Art is a discovery and development of elementary principles of nature into beautiful forms suitable for human use.” Another practical definition comes to us from Charles Eames: “Art resides in the quality of doing; process is not magic.”

For many artists and writers art is an intensely personal and difficult act, with Oscar Wilde calling art a mode of individualism , the French writer André Gide saying it’s “the point where resistance is overcome” and Italian film director Federico Fellini called art “autobiography . “

For Leo Tolstoy art was something greater than the individual. In his essay What is Art he wrote: “Art is not, as the metaphysicians say, the manifestation of some mysterious idea of beauty or God; it is not, as the aesthetical physiologists say, a game in which man lets off his excess of stored-up energy; it is not the expression of man’s emotions by external signs; it is not the production of pleasing objects; and, above all, it is not pleasure; but it is a means of union among men, joining them together in the same feelings, and indispensable for the life and progress toward well-being of individuals and of humanity.” And this is the crux of why art is difficult to define. The Oxford English defines art as an object created with intention, but generations of artists have seen art as many things. And they are all correct, because art is as complicated, diverse and contentious as human nature. No one definition will ever properly encapsulate what art is. So here, in no particular order are Obelisk’s definitions of art:

— Art is a process — Art is communication — Art is an expression of humanness

Reed Enger, "Defining ‘Art’," in Obelisk Art History , Published August 15, 2019; last modified October 12, 2022, http://www.arthistoryproject.com/essays/defining-art/.

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Free Visual Arts Essay Examples & Topics

Visual arts are the works of art we see with our eyes. It is a broad definition that includes a large number of disciplines and elements. From Wassily Kandinsky to Jackson Pollock, from sculptures and paintings to filmmaking and interior design – the term covers it all.

If you are writing an essay about visual arts, the chances are that you will find yourself a bit lost for words. After all, the subject matter may seem contradictory to the task at hand. However, there is no need to panic.

In this article, our experts have outlined the best way to write your very own visual arts essay step-by-step. You will see that your academic paper can be a work of art in itself. We have also included 19 outstanding visual arts essay topics from which you can choose.

Even a brief essay about visual arts can be overwhelming. It’s usually the case when you don’t know where to begin and how to organize your thoughts. That’s why creating an outline is so crucial. In this section, we have listed what can help you in writing your visual arts essay.

Try following these steps:

Choose your topic . Of course, it’s the most critical step for your paper. The idea you pick should be narrow enough for a detailed analysis. Yet, it should not prevent you from doing extensive research. Try browsing through visual arts essay collections. For example, check Bending Concepts by Walter Benn Michaels et al. There, you can get ideas on what to write about.
Finding relevant art. Unsurprisingly, essays on visual arts require you to interact with the artwork. To offer proper art critique, you might want to conduct a visual analysis of your subject. Besides, it is a great idea to look into art history surrounding your topic. Figure out the context of the work and incorporate it into your paper.
Brainstorming. Jotting down all your feelings and ideas can be an excellent exercise. Everything that you think on the topic may come in handy. So, write down your thoughts about the style and technique of the artist, what message the work is trying to send, etc. When you’re done, make sure to look at your assessment criteria. Compare them to what you have thought of so far.
Grouping information. Here is where you might want to begin thinking of a thesis statement. Begin by grouping all the information you’ve gathered so far by themes. These will later become the foundation for the outline. Sort through all your findings and decide what ideas fit well with your topic. With this in mind, write down an excellent thesis by formulating your message in one sentence. Or our thesis generator can do that for you!
Writing the outline. Now that everything is organized, create a structure of your paper using your ideas and thesis. Begin by making an introduction to visual arts. Explain what you will be talking about in your essay. Your research and formal analysis go into the main body. Finally, your final reflection about visual arts should be left for the conclusion. This is where you get to sum up your interpretation of the work and what you see in it.
Browse through samples. Before you begin your essay writing, you might want to spend some time looking at examples. This can give you further ideas for your outline. Besides, good samples can inspire writing your very own visual arts essay. After all, art appreciation isn’t easy!

Whether you are writing a brief response piece or an entire extended essay, following these steps will improve the quality of your work. With enough practice, you will be composing visual arts essays with your eyes closed.

Visual Art Essay Topic

Still uncertain whether to write about Pablo Picasso or The Color Theory ? Take a quick look at this list! Or allow our title generator to create an idea for you.

Here are 19 visual arts essay topics we have compiled just for you:

From painting to filmmaking: a brief history.
Leonardo da Vinci and the Golden Ratio.
Baya Mahieddine – the girl that inspired Picasso.
What do we mean by ‘contemporary art’?
Victorian beauty standards and their depiction in art.
How World War I gave birth to Dadaism.
The symbolism in Frida Kahlo’s paintings.
Cave paintings as very first artworks.
What is the difference between art and design?
Bollywood: how cinema evolved in India.
How the Edo period in Japan defined its arts and culture.
Salvador Dali’s influence on the surrealist movement.
Perpetuation of stereotypes in modern art.
Women in art: why are female artists often overlooked or forgotten.
Is graffiti a legitimate form of art?
The history and evolution of graphic novels.
Greek and Roman sculptures: similarities and differences.
Iconoclasm during the French revolution and its impact on art.
The evolution of Islamic Arts.

Thank you for reading! We hope that you will find inspiration among these visual arts topic ideas. Check out our visual arts essay examples that you will find below.

360 Best Essay Examples on Visual Arts

Arguments for graffiti as art, modern, modernism, and modernization, the “great pyramid of giza” and the “terracotta army”, the islamic and mughal arts.

Words: 1346

Nudity vs. Pornography When Used in Artwork

Artist’s role in society: cultures, traditions, ideas, and moral responsibilities, sculpture and painting, 3d animation: main inspirations and personal experience, graffiti “season’s greetings” by banksy, gender roles set in stone: prehistoric and ancient work of arts, art and society: goals and duties of artists.

Words: 1752

Shakespeare’s “King Lear” Adaptation by Ian Pollock

Words: 1431

Western Influences on the Japanese Animation Industry

Words: 2467

Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night”

Words: 1544

A Shark in the Mind of One Contemplating Wilderness

Art styles: naturalism, idealization, stylization, modernism in art and painting, visual culture understanding in modern society.

Words: 1161

Revolutionary Art in America: Society and Artists

Manga: “naruto” by masashi kishimoto, impact of digital technologies on contemporary art.

Words: 1934

Phenomenon of Embroidery Stitches

Comparison of indian and chinese art.

Words: 1675

Visual and Performance Arts in Creative Process

Words: 1031

Kitsch – under the Title of Taste and Ethics

Words: 3420

Theories of Art

Words: 1077

Formal Analysis of Two Photos

Chapter 2 in “understanding comics” by scott mccloud, enigma’s “return to innocence” music video, shaun gladwell’s art: materials and techniques.

Words: 1642

Magical Realism as a Literary Genre

Words: 1098

The Save Water, Save Life Picture Analysis

Is graffiti vandalism or art, the influence of conceptual image on modern art and design.

Words: 1504

Tile: Design and Architectural Structure

Words: 1155

Concept of the Acceptable Range of Variations in Work

The development of art and architecture in cameroon.

Words: 1931

Modern Art: Condensation Cube by Hans Haacke

Words: 1389

Egyptian style art piece – The Turin Erotic Papyrus

Words: 1394

Definition of Art

Aspects of graffiti as art therapy, chapters 7-9 in “understanding comics” by mccloud, visual and performing arts, art and nursing in different periods.

Words: 1128

Art and Design Analysis

“notes on camp” by susan sontag.

Words: 1669

The Early Forms of African Art

Words: 1633

Rococo and Neoclassical Art

Words: 1267

National Indian Museum

Words: 1732

The University Campus Picture Analysis

Albert namatjira: teaching activities and methods.

Words: 2037

Chicano Art as a Form of Identity Expression

Michelangelo’s artwork, analisis of work “american gothic”, chicago’s “the dinner party” and da vinci’s “the last supper”, andy warhol’s iconic artwork “32 campbell’s soup cans”, “adoration of the magi” analysis, chapter 1 in “understanding comics” by scott mccloud, “ghost world”: clowes’s comics and zwigoff’s film.

Words: 1159

Private Art, Public Exposure

Words: 2825

The Peculiarities of the Golden Griffin-Headed Bracelets from the Oxus Treasure

Chinese art’s definition, influence and history.

Words: 1926

African Art and Cultural Heritage

The power of female characters in horror stories: “nosferatu” and “coraline”, “the eco artists turning trash into treasure” by webster, discussion of postmodernism in modern world, trend on the parody of “the mona lisa” by davinci, visual analysis of nature in modern art.

Words: 1701

Concept of the Ancient Artwork: Seated Goddess with a Child and the Winged Deity

The symbolism of dragons in chinese art.

Words: 1641

Interrelationships in Art and Humanities Studies

A venn diagram: characteristics of what is art and what is not art, art analysis: daumier’s past, present, and future lithograph, the artwork “pieta” by michelangelo, reflection on virtual field trip: the british museum and the women of nasa, discussion of importance art education, history of art in early civilization, collingwood’s distinction between art and craft, art and history of textiles: one of the oldest forms of human self-expression.

Words: 1355

The Link Between Realism and Impressionism in Art

Words: 1484

Graffiti: Is a Form of Art or Vandalism?

Emblazoned on history: the fleur de lis.

Words: 2269

Yue Minjun’s Self-Portraits As Modern Art

Words: 2604

Crafts and Fine Arts.

Contribution of modernity to photography and film movements.

Words: 1369

Ancient Art. Tarantine Grave Relief and Kouros

“why not sneeze, rose sélavy” by marcel duchamp.

Words: 2097

Sand Animation Works by Kseniya Simonova

Words: 1671

The Correlation of Art and Human Values

Critique of the artwork secret language ii by conrad botes, art and aesthetics: art in public space.

Words: 2199

The Artwork “The Virgin Mary” by Chris Ofili

Analyzing visual rhetoric: images analysis.

Words: 2892

Comparison of Color Themes

Words: 1201

Four Scenes from the Life of Buddha

Visual art: evolution and origins, arts in the community: the american museum of natural history, the painter van loo’s rococo revolution, the art piece “the sacred heart” by damien hirst, deaf art in the modern society, the power of color and black & white in art and design, simplified shaping in visual arts, lighting in painting, film, and photography, ambiguity of unicorn rests in a garden tapestry by jane beal.

Words: 1702

Chauvet Cave Paintings: Unraveling the Cultural Tapestry of Paleolithic Society

The “spiral jetty” work by robert smithson.

Words: 1212

The Early Renaissance Artworks

Words: 1136

The Painting Styles of the Roman Domes

Baroque painting: history, commissioning, and functions, picture observations and their meaning.

Words: 1105

Mark Bradford on Reimagine Modernist Art

Visual analysis of objects of islamic art, the google art project analysis, illustrations to “inferno” by dante alighieri, art: definition and components, botticelli’s and doré’s illustrations to dante’s inferno, gazebo and “study for hotel by a railroad”: artwork connection, material movements of paper as an artistic material, eduardo kobra’s graffiti as a form of art, graphic memoirs and forney’s marbles.

COMMENTS

Visual Analysis: How to Analyze a Painting and Write an Essay
A visual analysis essay is an entry-level essay sometimes taught in high school and early university courses. Both communications and art history students use visual analysis to understand art and other visual messages.
How to Make a Visual Essay
Starting Your Visual Essay. Visual essays are a different format from written ones, but they require many of the same processes to make. Just like when you write, you will need to decide what you want to explain or argue. Choose a topic and then decide what kind of essay you are writing. Here is a list of types:
How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide
Visual analysis essays aim to describe an image or a piece of art by analyzing its composition, meaning, historical relevance, and effectiveness in current times. Writing a visual analysis essay may sound difficult and confusing, but it's simply about analyzing elements such as colors, ideas, form, themes, and concepts.
PDF visual analysis
Visual analysis is the basic unit of art historical writing. Sources as varied as art magazines, scholarly books, and undergraduate research papers rely on concise and detailed visual analyses. You may encounter a visual analysis as an assignment itself; or you may write one as part of a longer research paper.
The visual essay and the place of artistic research in the ...
The visual essay is an invitation to other researchers in the arts to create their own kind of visual essays in order to address their own work of art or that of others: they can consider their ...
How to Write Visual Analysis Essay: Guide for Beginners
Art Analysis Essay Topics. Explore these examples to gain insights and inspiration. Each topic is diverse yet common, providing a foundation for your essay on a similar topic. These visual analysis essay examples hold global significance and are utilized by students worldwide. Detailed Analysis of Gustav Klimt's The Kiss, 1907-1908.
Visual Analysis Essay: A Complete Guide for Beginners
A visual analysis essay is a type of analytical writing that asks the reader to examine a work of art. This style of writing analyzes different aspects of art through the use of images. A common misconception about this type of essay is that it is just a text with pictures and captions.
Visual Analysis Essay
Suggested Organization of Visual Analysis Essay. I. Introduction (1 paragraph) - should contain a hook (attention-grabber), set the context for the essay, and contain your thesis statement (described below). a. Thesis statement: State what two images are being analyzed and what your overall claim is about them. The thesis should make a claim ...
The Arts: Visual Arts
The visual arts are here broadly defined also to include architecture, design and contemporary forms of visual culture. The outcome of a student's research should be a coherent piece of writing that effectively addresses a particular research question appropriate to the visual arts, and including any relevant images or illustrations.
What is an Art Essay? Tips to Elevate Your Art Essay Writing
An art essay is a literary composition that analyzes different aspects of artwork, including paintings, sculpture, poems, architecture, and music. These essays look at the visual elements of different artworks. An art essay, for example, might look at the optical elements and creative approaches utilized in particular works of art.
Visual and Contextual Analysis
2 Visual and Contextual Analysis. 2. Visual and Contextual Analysis. J. Keri Cronin and Hannah Dobbie. Claude Monet, Waterloo Bridge, London, at Sunset (oil on canvas, 1904) Image Source: National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.) (Public Domain) The study of visual culture relies on two key skill sets: visual analysis and contextual analysis.
How to Write a Visual Arts Essay explained.
Visual Arts Essay: How to Reveal the Topic Correctly. Visual art essays is a creative way of representing art in a word form. It is a way of explaining what is really in the art. It talks about art in painting, sculpture, drawings, and portraits. The main aim is to make people understand the art better by painting a visual image in words.
How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay: Examples & Template
Visual analysis is a helpful tool in exploring art. It focuses on the following aspects: Interpretation of subject matter (iconography). An iconographic analysis is an explanation of the work's meaning. Art historians try to understand what is shown and why it is depicted in a certain way. The analysis of function.
1.2: What is Visual Art?
1.2.1.2 Communication. A later attempt at defining art comes from the nineteenth-century Russian author Leo Tolstoy. Tolstoy wrote on many subjects, and is the author of the great novel War and Peace (1869). He was also an art theorist. He proposed that art is the communication of feeling, stating, "Art is a human activity consisting in this ...
Visual Arts Essay
A visual arts essay is a conduit for this power, facilitating a deeper engagement with the artwork and fostering a richer understanding of its manifold dimensions. The initial part of a visual arts essay typically focuses on the formal analysis of the artwork, meticulously describing its visual elements such as color, composition, form, line ...
Prof. Sosa-Tzec publishes sketchnotes exploring the visual essay as an
Prof. Sosa-Tzec's essay (starting on page 249 in the book) comprises sketchnotes where he explores the idea of a visual essay and humanistic approaches to develop and peer-review it. Below is one of Prof. Sosa-Tzec's sketchnotes (page 253), where he explores and defines the visual essay as a multimodal argument and research-through-design outcome.
Art
art, a visual object or experience consciously created through an expression of skill or imagination. The term art encompasses diverse media such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, decorative arts, photography, and installation. (Read Sister Wendy's Britannica essay on art appreciation.) memorial board. Memorial board, wood.
How to Write a HSC Visual Arts Essay Using a Scaffold
Step 1: Reiterate the first idea you signposted. Restate the idea from your last paragraph but this time focus on how it links to your second artist. You may want to throw in some simple comparative language as well to begin the contrasting between your two artists, such as "on the other hand", "in contrast to", etc.
Defining 'Art'
First, some examples. We'll begin with the pragmatic. In 1957, the architect Frank Lloyd Wright wrote: "Art is a discovery and development of elementary principles of nature into beautiful forms suitable for human use.". Another practical definition comes to us from Charles Eames: "Art resides in the quality of doing; process is not ...
Free Visual Arts Essay Examples & Topic Ideas
364samples. Visual arts are the works of art we see with our eyes. It is a broad definition that includes a large number of disciplines and elements. From Wassily Kandinsky to Jackson Pollock, from sculptures and paintings to filmmaking and interior design - the term covers it all. If you are writing an essay about visual arts, the chances ...
Essay On Visual Arts
The visual arts are the art forms or creations that we see. This category usually includes things like paintings, drawings, photography, architecture, sculpture, crafts, film and printmaking. "Visual Arts" is a modern term for a broad category of art which includes many artistic disciplines such as performing arts, fine arts, decorative ...
Essay On Art in English for Students
Answer 2: Art is essential as it covers all the developmental domains in child development. Moreover, it helps in physical development and enhancing gross and motor skills. For example, playing with dough can fine-tune your muscle control in your fingers. Share with friends. Previous.
Visual Arts Essays
Visual Art Essay 1900 Words | 4 Pages. Introduction Visual art is a term that is broad in meaning and describes an array of different elements that make up the category of what is depicted as art and what Americans transcend from art to be of philosophical value. Throughout American history, humans have been fascinated with the aesthetics ...