The broad and varied forms of art include paintings, drawings, sculptures, architecture, prints and photographs, digital images, musical compositions, dance, theatre, film, video, and ephemeral creations such as installation and performance art. In addition, ephemeral works such as preparatory sketches and models of unfinished architectural projects may be classified as artworks, as may a variety of other immaterial and intangible creations. This definition is often controversial, and scholars frequently debate what exactly qualifies a work to be classed as an artwork.
Identify key elements that are important to the meaning of an artwork (i.e. a central figure or scene; recognizable symbols and signs; juxtaposition of contrasting or balancing elements; abstract shapes and lines)
What materials and mediums did the artist use in creating this artwork? How were these chosen? What effect do they have on the artwork?
Did the artist use a wide range of techniques in creating this artwork? Did the artist combine several techniques and mediums in this artwork?
How does the subject matter of this artwork reflect the cultural and historical context in which it was created? How does it communicate a particular message, evoke emotions or explore a theme?
Does the subject of this artwork capture an instinctual response in humans (i.e. items that are informative, shocking or threatening to human survival; objects that evoke feelings of beauty, disgust or empathy; movement; the gaze of human faces)? Does this artwork convey deeper, conceptual themes in a more symbolic or metaphorical way (i.e. allegory; iconographic elements; signs; satire)
Is this artwork associated with an art movement? An art movement is a group of artists that share a similar style, aim or philosophy over a period of time. For example, many of Claude Monet’s paintings are associated with Impressionism, a movement that arose in the second half of the nineteenth century.
Can you identify the balance or imbalance of weight and scale in this artwork? Does it have a primary axis of symmetry, or is the balance deliberately asymmetrical (to create tension or unease)?
What visual devices does the artwork employ to imply order and structure? Does the artwork use repetition of form; a grid-like layout; frames, borders and patterned edgings; overlapping or clustered objects; dispersed or scattered items; and so on? What effect does this have on the viewer’s experience of the artwork?
How does the artwork interact with space – in and around it? Does it appear closed off; open and inviting; self-contained; a part of the environment in which it is found; reaching outward to connect with the world around it?
The best way to learn about an artwork is to visit it in person. This will allow you to make sketches directly from the work itself – an ancient, centuries-old practice that will help you see and interpret it in ways that you might not otherwise have noticed. Seeing the work in person will also help you understand why an element, for instance, is positioned where it is.