Mastering Art Description: Vocabulary and Critique Structure
Analyzing Artwork: Structure and Vocabulary Toolkit
Six Essential Elements for Painting Analysis
When describing a painting, focus on these six key elements:
- Composition
- Perspective
- Light and Shadow
- Color Palette
- Scale and Measure (Medida)
- Emotional Impact
Template for Describing a Painting
This artwork is a painting by the [Artist Name] and its title is [Artwork Title]. This oil on canvas (or other medium), which was painted in [Year], depicts a [Type of Scene] scene.
Compositional Analysis
- In the foreground we can see [Description]. The background [Description]. In the middle ground we can also see [Description], which seems to separate [Elements].
- The [Object/Figure] in the foreground, which is [Adjective], serves as the focal point.
Perspective and Line
- Although the effect of perspective is rather limited, we could place the vanishing point in the top right corner (or other location).
- The lines in the painting are mostly curving, and the contours are very well defined (or blurred).
Color and Symbolism
- The use of color seems to have a symbolic meaning.
- In the foreground, we can see colors suggesting purity and stillness, while in the background, the use of [Example Color, e.g., blue] transmits a strong [Feeling/Effect].
Spatial Descriptors for Composition
(Note: Replace ‘left’ with ‘right’ for descriptions on the opposite side.)
- Corners: In the top left corner / In the bottom-left corner
- Sides: On the left / To the left / On the left-hand side / Further to the left
- Vertical Placement: At the top of the image / In the upper part of the composition / Higher up / At the bottom / At the bottom of the image / In the lower part of the composition / Further down
- Center: Straight in the middle of the image
Technical Art Vocabulary
- PLANO: Flat
- CONTORNO BORROSO: Blurred Edges
- CONTORNO NÍTIDO: Sharp Edges
- LÍNEA HORIZONTAL: Horizontal Line
Structuring Arguments and Opinions
Expressing Personal Opinion
- In my opinion, I think that…
- I like / I do not like [this aspect].
- It sounds quite interesting.
- I have no problem [with this].
- I disagree [with the interpretation/cost].
Giving Facts and References
- Stating Facts:
- It is a fact that…
- It is widely known that… (Es ampliamente conocido)
- It is true that… (Es cierto que)
- Referring to Others:
- Many people say…
- Many people believe that…
Connectors: Reason, Result, and Addition
- Reason: This is because… (Esto se debe a) / My main reason is… (La razón principal es)
- Result: As a result… (Como resultado)
- Addition: In addition… (Además) / Also… / As well as… / As well
Concluding Statements
- To conclude… (Para concluir)
- In conclusion, it is [Adjective, e.g., impressive/improvable].
Adjectives for Art Critique
Positive Adjectives
Wonderful, Perfect, Successful, Elegant, Fabulous, Brilliant, Witty, Clever.
Contrasting Pairs
- Coarse – Light
- Wide – Low
- Pure – Narrow
- High – Disharmonious
- Thick – Asymmetrical
- Balanced – Imbalanced
- Crosswise – Transparent
- Convergent – Smooth
- Heavy – Filled/Full
- Static – Divergent
- Symmetrical – Dynamic
- Opaque – Thin
- Harmonious – Mixed
- Simple – Dim
- Diminishing – Complex
- Bright – Augmenting
- Empty – Lengthwise