An artwork is a pictorial object that is intended to convey meaning. This meaning can be abstract or refer to specific events, places or persons, or it may relate to a particular ideology or belief system. The way in which this meaning is conveyed is determined by the visual characteristics of the work, which include shape, line, space, color and form. In addition to these elements, the way in which the work was produced and by whom is also important when interpreting it.
What types of lines are used in the work (thick or thin; long or short; straight or curved)? How does their use influence the composition and atmosphere of the work? Are there any interrupted, suggested or implied lines (lines that the viewer’s brain connects but can’t see)? How do these lines evoke atmosphere, emotion and ideas?
Is the composition symmetrical, asymmetrical or balanced? Does the balance of forms within the work contribute to harmony or tension? Are any of the shapes emphasized or dominating over others?
Does the painting or sculpture have a foreground, middle-ground or background? Does it have a depth of field or create the illusion of space by overlapping, foregrounding or layering objects? Does the artist use shadows to anchor the foreground, highlight or defocus elements and create dramatic contrasts? Do the sculptural protrusions or relief elements create pockets of shadow and light upon the surface?
Are the shapes outlined clearly or softly sketched, or are they more detailed and defined? How does the artist’s style influence the work? Does it evoke a sense of action, movement, energy or serenity? Does the art reflect an artistic trend, movement or time period?
Is this artwork an allegory or a symbol? If so, what does it symbolize? What types of symbols are used in the artwork and how do they combine? What is the purpose of the allegory or symbolism? Is it a statement about the artist’s experience, ideology or view of the world?
How does the artist use color in the work to convey atmosphere, emotion and idea? How does the hue, saturation and brightness of color contribute to the mood or theme of the artwork? Does the artist use color to create a sense of depth or atmosphere?
Was the artwork designed to be a permanent format or has it been changed, modified or adjusted over time? What caused these changes – weather and environmental factors, interaction with viewers, or intentional change by the artist?
Does the artwork incorporate the concept of Hegelian idealism, where beauty is the sensory/perceptual expression of absolute truth?
Can you identify the historical context in which this artwork was created – natural events; social movements like feminism; political or economic conditions; historic or religious settings, and cultural events? How does this history inform the work and its interpretation?