An artwork is a visual representation that has been intentionally created by an artist for the purpose of conveying ideas, emotions or feelings. Artworks can be a form of expression, or they may represent real events or scenes from history. Artworks can also be symbolic, or they can contain references to certain historical, literary or philosophical themes and motifs. An artwork can be a painting, sculpture, drawing or print. The subject of an artwork can range from landscapes and portraits to still lifes, religious works and abstract forms.
Traditional definitions of art assume that all artworks can be characterized by a set of properties that are shared by all works of art. These properties include representational or mimetic properties, expressive or emotive properties and formal or geometrical properties.
A different approach to defining art has been taken by Monroe Beardsley, who defined an artwork as “an arrangement of conditions that is capable of affording an experience with marked aesthetic character.” This definition is similar to the Deweyan conception of an aesthetic experience: it is a complete, unified and intense experience of the way things appear to us (see the entry on Dewey’s aesthetics).
What are the overall colors in this work? How do the colors combine to create the mood? How is the composition arranged (i.e., symmetrical; balanced; asymmetrical)? Does the use of different shapes, sizes and textures enhance the meaning or emotional impact of the work?
Is the subject matter something that would be known or recognized by a significant percentage of people who see the work? Does it have some kind of significance for the artist, the culture in which it was created or its viewers?
Does the artwork have any illustrative features, such as anachronisms; idiosyncratic stylistic devices; allusions to literature or philosophy; or symbolic meanings that can be deciphered?
Do any of the elements captivate an instinctual response from viewers? Heap map tracking has shown that some objects elicit this response, such as a dangerous environment; abnormally positioned items; human faces; moving subjects; and text.
What is the effect of light on this artwork? Does it create a sense of mystery, drama or emotion? Does the artist use shadows to create a sense of depth or highlight key features?
How are the edges of this work treated (i.e., do they blur and dissolve into sketchy lines or paint strokes; are they crisp and distinct; ripped and torn; or are they a combination of these)? Does the work feature any three-dimensional or relief elements such as carved pieces or protruding sculptural materials?