Assignment: Form and Principles
Learning how to explore and apply knowledge of the elements and principles of visual organization to conduct a formal analysis of an artwork is one of the learning outcomes of this course. This assignment prepares you to write about the formal elements and the principles of design of an artwork. Please be sure to read Chapters 1-5 and be familiar with the terms in those chapters before completing this assignment.
Learning objective of this assignment:
Explore and apply knowledge of the principles of visual organization to conduct formal analysis of artworks
Task 1: Select a work from the Form and Principle Image List.
Review the image list and find an image that appeals to you*. Note that each image will have a caption linking to where the work of art is located. Use this information to research the work and/the artist. Please keep in mind that research is only as good as the source, so be ruthless in your search for reputable information. Two sources are required. Please note: Wikipedia should only be considered a secondary source at best.
*Please note: you must analyze a work from this list. An analysis of an image not on this list will not be accepted.
Consider reviewing the video below How to Write and Talk about the Elements of Art and Principles of Design
I take issue with one thing in the clip. If an edge or a shape is created by value contrast and not an actual line, that is an edge not a line.
Task 2
Write a paper, including a labeled image of your chosen work, as detailed below:
In the first paragraph, describe the formal elements the artist uses in the work—line, shape, color, texture, space, light, value. Use specific vocabulary. Be specific. You need to use at least 3 specific terms in context related to formal elements (Chapter 4).
Then, discuss the principles of design—balance, emphasis and focal point, scale and proportion, repetition and rhythm, and unity and variety, emphasis and subordination, scale and proportion. Which of the principles of design stands out to you? You must use at least 2 terms related to principles of design (chapter 5). In this paragraph, be sure you do not talk about subject matter or content.
In an additional paragraph, first state the subject matter, then give your opinion of the content. Then research the content of the artwork and/or the artist briefly. Try to relate your research to your chosen image. Please write in your own words; you may include a brief quote, but the majority of what you write should be your words.
Please utilize scholarly sources, not student blogs or homework help websites—you will not receive credit for poor sources. If you have questions about citations, here is a good resource from your CPCC Library: How Citations Work opens in new window
Word count should be between 300 and 400 words.
Task 3
Before submit your work by uploading your file to the submission link, compare to the exemplary column of the Grading rubric.
Rubric link:
FORM & PRINCIPLES
Assignment link:
Submit: Module 4 Form and Principles assignment
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Formal Analysis Paper
Step 1: Read and Understand the Requirements
- Carefully review Chapters 1-5 in your textbook to familiarize yourself with key terms and concepts.
- Watch the provided video on writing about the elements of art and principles of design.
- Understand the grading rubric to ensure your work meets exemplary standards.
Step 2: Select Your Artwork
- Choose an artwork from the “Form and Principle Image List.”
- Research the artwork and artist using two reputable sources (Wikipedia can only be a secondary source).
- Take detailed notes on formal elements and design principles used in the artwork.
Step 3: Structure Your Paper
Introduction Paragraph
- Introduce the artwork (title, artist, date, medium, and location if available).
- Briefly explain why you chose this particular piece.
Body Paragraph 1: Formal Elements
- Describe how the artist uses formal elements such as:
- Line:* Is it bold, soft, implied?*
- Shape:* Geometric, organic, abstract?*
- Color:* Warm, cool, complementary?*
- Texture:* Smooth, rough, implied?*
- Space:* Perspective, depth, positive vs. negative?*
- Light and Value:* Highlights, shadows, contrast?*
- Use at least three specific terms from Chapter 4 in context.
Body Paragraph 2: Principles of Design
- Analyze how the artist applies principles of design, including:
- Balance:* Symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial?*
- Emphasis and Focal Point:* What draws attention first?*
- Scale and Proportion:* Large vs. small elements?*
- Repetition and Rhythm:* Patterns, movement?*
- Unity and Variety:* Does the artwork feel cohesive or dynamic?*
- Use at least two terms from Chapter 5 in context.
- Do not discuss the subject matter or content here.
Body Paragraph 3: Subject Matter and Content
- Clearly state the subject of the artwork.
- Provide your interpretation of the content—what message or emotion does it convey?
- Briefly research the artwork’s meaning, artist’s intent, or historical/cultural significance.
- Use your own words and limit direct quotes.
Step 4: Review and Cite Sources
- Ensure all information is cited properly using scholarly sources (avoid student blogs or homework help sites).
- Check that your paper is within the 300-400 word limit.
- Label and include an image of the chosen artwork.
Step 5: Final Review and Submission
- Compare your work to the “Exemplary” column in the grading rubric.
- Proofread for grammar, spelling, and clarity.
- Submit your assignment via the Module 4 Form and Principles assignment link.
By following this guide, you will create a well-structured, insightful, and academically sound formal anal
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Formal Analysis Paper
Step 1: Read and Understand the Requirements
- Carefully review Chapters 1-5 in your textbook to familiarize yourself with key terms and concepts.
- Watch the provided video on writing about the elements of art and principles of design.
- Understand the grading rubric to ensure your work meets exemplary standards.
Step 2: Select Your Artwork
- Choose an artwork from the “Form and Principle Image List.”
- Research the artwork and artist using two reputable sources (Wikipedia can only be a secondary source).
- Take detailed notes on formal elements and design principles used in the artwork.
Step 3: Structure Your Paper
Introduction Paragraph
- Introduce the artwork (title, artist, date, medium, and location if available).
- Briefly explain why you chose this particular piece.
Body Paragraph 1: Formal Elements
- Describe how the artist uses formal elements such as:
- Line:* Is it bold, soft, implied?*
- Shape:* Geometric, organic, abstract?*
- Color:* Warm, cool, complementary?*
- Texture:* Smooth, rough, implied?*
- Space:* Perspective, depth, positive vs. negative?*
- Light and Value:* Highlights, shadows, contrast?*
- Use at least three specific terms from Chapter 4 in context.
Body Paragraph 2: Principles of Design
- Analyze how the artist applies principles of design, including:
- Balance:* Symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial?*
- Emphasis and Focal Point:* What draws attention first?*
- Scale and Proportion:* Large vs. small elements?*
- Repetition and Rhythm:* Patterns, movement?*
- Unity and Variety:* Does the artwork feel cohesive or dynamic?*
- Use at least two terms from Chapter 5 in context.
- Do not discuss the subject matter or content here.
Body Paragraph 3: Subject Matter and Content
- Clearly state the subject of the artwork.
- Provide your interpretation of the content—what message or emotion does it convey?
- Briefly research the artwork’s meaning, artist’s intent, or historical/cultural significance.
- Use your own words and limit direct quotes.
Step 4: Review and Cite Sources
- Ensure all information is cited properly using scholarly sources (avoid student blogs or homework help sites).
- Check that your paper is within the 300-400 word limit.
- Label and include an image of the chosen artwork.
Step 5: Final Review and Submission
- Compare your work to the “Exemplary” column in the grading rubric.
- Proofread for grammar, spelling, and clarity.
- Submit your assignment via the Module 4 Form and Principles assignment link.
By following this guide, you will create a well-structured, insightful, and academically sound formal anal
