Senior Writing November 2010

Examining Art Work 1

Art work on Daedalus and Icarus

Analysis

Artwork title:______Artist: ______

Medium______

Examine the artwork carefully.

1.  What is the first thing you notice in the artwork?

2.  List adjectives that describe any emotions you feel while looking at this art.

3.  Fill in the following chart for every section of the art.

People / Objects, Buildings / Activities

4.  Examine the color in the artwork. Is it realistic (color looks real), expressionistic (color emphasizes a certain feature) or symbolic (color is used to structure the composition)? Is their contrast? Does the color blend? Explain your answer.

5.  How does the artist use line? Are forms linearly arranged or disordered? Are there geometric shapes implied by the forms in the piece?

6.  How is light used? Does it appear artificial? Is it soft, harsh? What is the apparent source of the light? What does it emphasize?

7.  Examine the human beings in the artwork. How do the human beings relate to one another? Do they link with each other or contrast; are they active or passive? Who are the most important figures? Follow the eyes? Do they point to a significant object or person? Do they look out at the viewer? Are the humans in proportion? Who are they?

8.  What is the relationships of the figures to the background? Is the background a landscape or architecture? Is there a sense of balance? How does your eye move around the format?

9.  How does this piece of artwork portray the story of Icarus? What does the artist’s work tell you about the artist’s interpretation of this myth? What message about life does the artist convey in his portrayal of the story of Icarus? How? Be specific.

10.  Do you agree with the artist’s interpretation of the story of Icarus? What has the artist made you think about?