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A Painting I Like: Van Gogh's "Self-portrait with Bandaged Ear"

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Updated: 29 March, 2024

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a painting i like short essay

a painting i like short essay

Visual Analysis: How to Analyze a Painting and Write an Essay

a painting i like short essay

A visual analysis essay is an entry-level essay sometimes taught in high school and early university courses. Both communications and art history students use visual analysis to understand art and other visual messages. In our article, we will define the term and give an in-depth guide on how to look at a piece of art and write a visual analysis essay. Stay tuned until the end for a handy visual analysis essay example from our graduate paper writing service .

What Is Visual Analysis?

Visual analysis is essential in studying Communication, English, and Art History. It's a fundamental part of writing about art found in scholarly books, art magazines, and even undergraduate essays. You might encounter a visual analysis as a standalone assignment or as part of a larger research paper.

When you do this type of assignment, you're examining the basic elements of an artwork. These include things like its colors, lines, textures, and size. But it goes beyond just describing these elements. A good analysis also considers the historical context in which the artwork was created and tries to understand what it might mean to different people.

It also encourages you to look closely at details and think deeply about what an artwork is trying to say. This kind of analysis makes you appreciate art more and teaches you how to explain your ideas clearly based on what you see in the artwork.

What is the Purpose of Visual Analysis?

The purpose of a visual analysis is to recognize and understand the visual choices the artist made in creating the artwork. By looking closely at different elements, analysts can learn a lot about how an artwork was made and why the artist made certain choices. 

For example, studying how colors are used or how things are arranged in the artwork can reveal its themes or the emotions it's trying to convey. Also, understanding the time period when the artwork was created helps us see how societal changes and cultural ideas influenced its creation and how people reacted to it.

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How to Write a Visual Analysis Step-by-Step

To create an insightful visual analysis, you should not only examine the artwork in detail but also situate it within a broader cultural and historical framework. This process can be broken down into three main steps: 

  • Identifying, describing, and analyzing the visual material
  • Situating the visual material in its context
  • Interpreting and responding to the content of the visual material.

Let’s discuss each of these steps in more detail.

Step 1: Identify, Describe, and Analyze the Visual Material

Begin by clearly identifying the visual material you will analyze. This could be a painting, photograph, sculpture, advertisement, or any other visual artwork. Provide essential information such as the title, artist, date, and medium. 

Next, offer a detailed description of the visual material. Focus on the key elements and principles of design, such as:

  • Composition

Describe what you see without interpreting its meaning yet. For instance, note the use of bright colors, the placement of objects, the presence of figures, and the overall layout. This descriptive part forms the foundation of your analysis, allowing your reader to visualize the artwork.

Afterward, consider how the artist uses elements like contrast, balance, emphasis, movement, and harmony. Analyze the techniques and methods used and how they contribute to the overall effect of the piece. 

Step 2: Situate the Visual Material in its Context

To fully understand a piece of visual material, you need to consider its historical and cultural context. Start by researching the time period when the artwork was created. Look at the social, political, and economic conditions of that time, and see if there were any cultural movements that might have influenced the artwork.

Next, learn about the artist and their reasons for creating the visual material. Find out about the artist's life, other works they have made, and any statements they have made about this piece. Knowing the artist’s background can give you valuable insights into the artwork's purpose and message.

Finally, think about how the visual material was received by people when it was first shown and how it has impacted others over time. Look for reviews and public reactions, and see if it influenced other works or movements. This will help you understand the significance of the visual material in the larger cultural and artistic context.

Step 3: Interpret and Respond to the Content of the Visual Material

Now, combine your description, analysis, and understanding of the context to interpret what the visual material means. Talk about the themes, symbols, and messages the artwork conveys. Think about what it reveals about human experiences, society, or specific issues. Use evidence from earlier steps to support your interpretation.

Afterward, consider your own reaction to the visual material. How does it personally resonate with you? What emotions or thoughts does it provoke? Your personal response adds a subjective aspect to your analysis, making it more relatable.

Finally, summarize your findings and emphasize the importance of the visual material. Highlight key aspects from your identification, description, analysis, context, and interpretation. Then, it concludes by reinforcing the impact and significance of the visual material in both its original setting and its enduring influence.

Who Does Formal Analysis of Art

Most people who face visual analysis essays are Communication, English, and Art History students. Communications students explore mediums such as theater, print media, news, films, photos — basically anything. Comm is basically a giant, all-encompassing major where visual analysis is synonymous with Tuesday.

Art History students study the world of art to understand how it developed. They do visual analysis with every painting they look it at and discuss it in class.

English Literature students perform visual analysis too. Every writer paints an image in the head of their reader. This image, like a painting, can be clear, or purposefully unclear. It can be factual, to the point, or emotional and abstract like Ulysses, challenging you to search your emotions rather than facts and realities.

6 Questions to Answer Before Analyzing a Piece of Art

According to our experienced term paper writer , there are six important questions to ask before you start analyzing a piece of art. Answering these questions can make writing your analysis much easier:

  • Who is the artist, and what type of art do they create? - To place the artwork in context, you should identify the artist and understand the type of art they create. 
  • What was the artist's goal in creating this painting? - Determine why the artist created the artwork. Was it to convey a message, evoke emotions, or explore a theme?
  • When and where was this artwork made? - Knowing the time and place of creation helps understand the cultural and historical influences on the artwork.
  • What is the main focus or theme of this artwork? - Identify what the artwork is about. This could be a person, place, object, or abstract concept.
  • Who was the artwork created for? - To provide insight into its style and content, consider who the artist intended to reach with their work. 
  • What historical events or cultural factors influenced this painting? - Understanding the historical background can reveal more about the significance and meaning of the artwork.

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Elements of the Visual Analysis 

To fully grasp formal analysis, it's important to differentiate between the elements and principles of visual analysis. The elements are the basic building blocks used to create a piece of art. These include:

Art Element 🎨 Description 📝
✏️Line A mark with length and direction, which can define shapes, create textures, and suggest movement.
🌗Value The lightness or darkness of a color, which helps to create depth and contrast.
🔶Shapes Two-dimensional areas with a defined boundary, such as circles, squares, and triangles.
🔲Forms Three-dimensional objects with volume and thickness, like cubes, spheres, and cylinders.
🌌Space The area around, between, and within objects, which can be used to create the illusion of depth.
🌈Color The hues, saturation, and brightness in artwork, used to create mood and visual interest.
🖐️Texture The surface quality of an object, which can be actual (how it feels) or implied (how it looks like it feels).

Principles of the Visual Analysis

The principles, on the other hand, are how these elements are combined and used together to create the overall effect of the artwork. These principles include:

Principle of Art 🎨 Description 📝
⚖️Balance The distribution of visual weight in a composition, which can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
🌗Contrast The difference between elements, such as light and dark, to create visual interest.
🏃‍♂️Movement The suggestion or illusion of motion in an artwork, guiding the viewer’s eye through the piece.
🎯Emphasis The creation of a focal point to draw attention to a particular area or element.
🔄Pattern The repetition of elements to create a sense of rhythm and consistency.
📏Proportion The relationship in size between different parts of an artwork, contributing to its harmony.
🔗Unity The sense of cohesiveness in an artwork, where all elements and principles work together effectively.

Visual Analysis Outline

It’s safe to use the five-paragraph essay structure for your visual analysis essay. If you are looking at a painting, take the most important aspects of it that stand out to you and discuss them in relation to your thesis. 

Visual Analysis Outline

In the introduction, you should:

  • Introduce the Artwork : Mention the title, artist, date, and medium of the artwork.
  • Provide a Brief Description : Offer a general overview of what the artwork depicts.
  • State the Purpose : Explain the goal of your analysis and what aspects you will focus on.
  • Thesis Statement : Present a clear thesis statement that outlines your main argument or interpretation of the artwork.

The body of the visual analysis is where you break down the visual material into its component parts and examine each one in detail. This section should be structured logically, with each paragraph focusing on a specific element or aspect of the visual material.

  • Description: Start with a detailed description of the visual material. Describe what you see without interpreting or analyzing it yet. Mention elements such as color, line, shape, texture, space, and composition. For instance, if analyzing a painting, describe the subject matter, the arrangement of figures, the use of light and shadow, etc.
  • Analysis of Visual Elements: Analyze how each visual element contributes to the overall effect of the material. Discuss the use of color (e.g., warm or cool tones, contrasts, harmonies), the role of lines (e.g., leading lines, contours), the shapes (e.g., geometric, organic), and the texture (e.g., smooth, rough). Consider how these elements work together to create a certain mood or message.
  • Contextual Analysis: Examine how the context in which the visual material was created and is being viewed influences its interpretation. This includes historical, cultural, social, and political factors. Discuss how these contextual elements impact the meaning and reception of the visual material.
  • Interpretation: Discuss your interpretation of the visual material. Explain how the visual elements and contextual factors contribute to the meaning you derive from it. Support your interpretation with specific examples from the material.
  • Comparative Analysis (if applicable): If relevant, compare the visual material with other works by the same creator or with similar works by different creators. Highlight similarities and differences in style, technique, and thematic content.

The conclusion of a visual analysis essay summarizes the main points of the analysis and restates the thesis in light of the evidence presented.

  • Restate Thesis: Reiterate your thesis statement in a way that reflects the depth of your analysis. Show how your understanding of the visual material has been supported by your detailed examination.
  • Summary of Main Points: Summarize the key points of your analysis. Highlight the most important findings and insights.
  • Implications: Discuss the broader implications of your analysis. What does your analysis reveal about the visual material? How does it contribute to our understanding of the creator's work, the time period, or the cultural context?
  • Closing Thought: End with a final thought that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This could be a reflection on the significance of the visual material, a question for further consideration, or a statement about its impact on you or on a broader audience.

If you want a more in-depth look at the classic essay structure, feel free to visit our 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY blog.

Visual Analysis Example

In this section, we've laid out two examples of visual analysis essays to show you how it's done effectively. Get inspired and learn from them!

Key Takeaways

Visual analysis essays are fundamental early in your communications and art history studies. Learning how to formally break down art is key, whether you're pursuing a career in art or communications.

Before jumping into analysis, get a solid grasp of the painter's background and life. Analyzing a painting isn't just for fun, as you need to pay attention to the small details the painter might have hidden. Knowing how to do this kind of assignment not only helps you appreciate art more but also lets you deeply understand the media messages you encounter every day. 

If you enjoyed this article and found it insightful, make sure to also check out the summary of Lord of the Flies and an article on Beowulf characters .

If you read the whole article and still have no idea how to start your visual analysis essay, let a professional writer do this job for you. Contact us, and we’ll write your work for a higher grade you deserve. All college essay service requests are processed fast.

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What are the 4 Steps of Visual Analysis?

How to write a formal visual analysis, what is the function of visual analysis.

Adam Jason

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

a painting i like short essay

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  • Duke University. (n.d.). Visual Analysis . https://twp.duke.edu/sites/twp.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/visual-analysis.original.pdf  
  • Glatstein, J. (2019, December 9). Formal Visual Analysis: The Elements & Principles of Composition . Www.kennedy-Center.org. https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/articles-and-how-tos/articles/educators/visual-arts/formal-visual-analysis-the-elements-and-principles-of-compositoin/  
  • MADA: Visual analysis . (n.d.). Student Academic Success. https://www.monash.edu/student-academic-success/excel-at-writing/annotated-assessment-samples/art-design-and-architecture/mada-visual-analysis  

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Student Essays

Essay on Painting

4 Well Written Essays on Painting & Its Importance [ 2024 ]

Painting is a constructive art. It is the human passion to draw something out of the heart. Read the following essay that sheds light upon the meaning and purpose of painting, painting as a hobby, and benefits of painting essay for children & students. This essay is quite helpful for children & students for their school exams preparation etc.

Essay on Painting | Painting as hobby | Types, Purpose & Importance of Painting Essay for Students

Painting is an art form that surfaces images to canvas or other materials by applying paints, pigments, and other mediums. There are several different media used for painting like oils, acrylics, watercolor, etc.

Painting is a beautiful art of colors . It requires creative skills to paint images on canvas or any other surface. There are various stages of painting that include preparing the surface, under-painting or blocking in colors, laying the paint, and blending colors. Additional layers of paint are applied to the surface in order to build up complex colors.

Essay on Painting

The history lies in cave paintings, which are considered as the first ever paintings. These paintings were done to depict life in those times.   It was then that people realized the power of expression in art. Following are the important types of painting:

  • Minimalist paintings
  • Abstract expressionism paintings
  • Postmodern paintings

Some of the famous painters of the world who made their contribution to art include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Raphael, Vincent van gogh, Pablo Picasso, etc. Some of the paintings that are famous worldwide include Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the night watch by Rembrandt, the awakening conscience by Raphael, etc.

Some of the major art galleries of the world include The Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, National Gallery, Tate Modern London, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, National Galleries of Scotland, etc.

Purpose of Painting

Painting is the great colorful depiction of Art . The main functions of paintings are that they can transport you to a different time and place, evoke varied emotions from within the society, provide inspiration to people who love creative arts, etc. Following are the important functions of paintings: –

  • To express an idea or a thought
  • Beautiful view of nature and objects
  • Memories and different emotions associated with the painting
  • Helps in relaxation and meditation
  • Inspiration for creative people
  • Acquisition of knowledge about history, culture etc. through paintings
  • Invention of new form-styles and themes
  • Aesthetically pleasing paintings and pictures
  • Visual learning and knowledge about things around us through photographs.

Joys of Painting

Painting is fun when you don’t give it the kind of importance that you give your studies or any other work. This way it can be enjoyed like a break from your regular stressful routine. Paint whenever you feel like, for no reason at all and see how it helps you unwind.

Painting in Modern Times: Artworks have been produced by computers for a long time now. In the beginning, it was mostly used to generate technical drawings and research papers by scientists and engineers. However, with the advent of digital photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Corel Draw, artists started using computers to make their paintings look more realistic, to create various effects like colors blending in the air.

Nowadays, many artists use 3D software like Maya and Z-Brush to create their artworks. Maya is used by many 3D animators, video game developers and VFX (Visual effects) artists, etc. Z-Brush is a digital sculpting software which allows artists to create 3D models from scratch.

Benefits of Painting

Painting has been a pleasure.  It has the following benefits: –

  • Visual learning and knowledge about things around us through photographs i. Provides inspiration to creative people
  • Memories and different emotions

Painting for Children

Painting is a very nice hobby, so students should definitely be encouraged to follow painting. Painting develops the skills of creative thinking and expression which are necessary for everyone.

Painting has been used as a form of art since centuries. Painting has been and will continue to be used as a way to express thoughts and experiences, depict memories and different emotions associated with the painting, provide inspiration to people who love creative arts etc.

There is nothing wrong with painting, if it is done by children. Painting can help them to develop their creativity, imagination and hand-eye coordination. They can even learn to paint by numbers once they are familiar with the various painting tools. Then they can paint on their own. Children don’t waste time while painting, instead they learn to make the best use of their idle time.

Learn to Develop an Interest into Painting

Anyone can learn how to paint. Painting is a very nice hobby that everyone should try at least once in their life.  It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, you can always try your hand at painting.

It is true that some people just naturally seem to be better than others in terms of skill and creativity, but there are many artists who have not even received formal training, yet they paint very beautifully. According to me anyone can learn how to paint.

You should always begin with small canvases, until you get used to handling paints, brushes etc. You should be able-bodied enough to carry out all of your painting activities without getting tired too soon which might lead to your paintings being sloppy. Try different styles and themes. There is no end to creativity and imagination, so don’t limit yourself with a particular style or theme. You can always try your hand at something new.

Essay on Painting My Hobby:

Painting is an activity that I have loved since childhood. It is not just a hobby for me, but also a way to express my creativity and emotions. Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed, painting acts as a therapeutic outlet for me. In this essay, I will discuss my love for painting in 200 words.

I remember being fascinated by colors and shapes as a child. I would spend hours drawing and coloring in my sketchbook, creating my own imaginary world. As I grew older, painting became a frequent hobby that I turned to whenever I needed an escape from reality.

What I love most about painting is the freedom it gives me to express myself without any limitations. There are no rules or boundaries when it comes to art, and that is what makes it so special to me. I can use any color, any stroke, and create whatever I want on the canvas.

Apart from being a creative outlet, painting has also taught me patience and perseverance. It takes time and effort to bring an idea or concept to life through art. As I continue to paint, my skills improve, and I am able to create more complex and meaningful pieces.

I have also found solace in painting during difficult times. Whenever I am feeling down or struggling with my emotions, I turn to my paintbrushes and canvas. The process of creating something beautiful from a blank canvas is therapeutic for me.

In conclusion, painting is not just a hobby for me, but an essential part of who I am. It allows me to express myself, relax my mind, and continuously improve my skills. I am grateful for having this hobby, and I hope to continue painting for the rest of my life. So why not pick up a paintbrush and canvas yourself? You never know, you might discover a hidden talent or find peace in this beautiful form of art. Happy painting!

Short Essay on Painting:

Painting is an art form that has been around for centuries, dating back to prehistoric times. It involves using colors and various techniques to create visual representations of objects, people, or landscapes on a surface such as canvas, paper, or walls.

One of the earliest forms of painting was cave paintings, where early humans used natural pigments to depict animals and their surroundings. As time went on, painting evolved and became more refined, with the rise of different techniques such as fresco, oil painting, and watercolor.

Painting has been an integral part of human culture throughout history, with many renowned artists leaving behind a rich legacy of their work. From the iconic works of Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh to modern masters like Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock, painting has been a medium for self-expression, storytelling, and social commentary.

Apart from its artistic value, painting also holds significant cultural and historical significance. Many paintings serve as visual records of past events and societal norms, providing insights into different time periods. For example, the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is not only admired for its aesthetic beauty but also serves as a representation of Renaissance ideals and values.

In today’s world, painting continues to be a popular medium for both professional artists and hobbyists alike. With the advent of technology, new forms of painting have emerged, such as digital art and street art. However, traditional painting techniques remain highly valued and continue to inspire new generations of artists.

In conclusion, painting is a timeless art form that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate us with its beauty, complexity, and ability to convey emotions and ideas. It will undoubtedly remain an essential part of human culture for centuries to come.

Paragraph on Painting:

Painting is an art form that has existed for centuries, with evidence of its existence dating back to ancient times. It involves the use of pigments, dyes, or other coloring substances to create images on a surface. This could be on canvas, paper, wood, clay, or even walls. Paintings can range from simple illustrations to complex and detailed works of art.

Throughout history, painting has been used for various purposes. In ancient civilizations, it was primarily used for religious or ceremonial purposes. In the Renaissance period, it became a means of expressing human emotions and ideas. Today, painting is considered a form of self-expression and is widely recognized as a valuable form of art.

One of the most significant aspects of painting is its ability to capture the essence of a moment. It allows the artist to immortalize their thoughts, emotions, and ideas on a canvas or any other surface. Paintings can also serve as a representation of history, culture, and social commentary. They have the power to evoke strong emotions and convey powerful messages.

Painting is not limited to just one style or technique; it is a diverse and ever-evolving form of art. Some famous painting styles include realism, abstract, impressionism, and surrealism. Each style has its unique characteristics and techniques that give the artwork its distinct look.

In today’s digital age, painting is not limited to traditional mediums like oil or acrylic. With advancements in technology, artists are now exploring digital painting and other innovative techniques to create unique and captivating pieces of art. Painting has evolved alongside society, and it continues to be a significant form of artistic expression, reflecting the culture and values of each era. So, it is safe to say that painting will continue to captivate and inspire generations to come.

The power of painting lies in its ability to transcend time and language barriers. It speaks to our collective humanity and allows us to connect with each other through shared emotions and experiences. Whether it is a classic masterpiece or a contemporary work, painting has the power to move, challenge, and inspire us.

In conclusion, painting is not just about creating pretty pictures; it is a profound form of human expression that has stood the test of time. It has played an essential role in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves. From ancient cave paintings to modern digital art, painting continues to captivate and inspire us, making it a timeless form of art that will continue to hold significance for generations to come.

Q: How do you write an essay about a painting?

A: To write an essay about a painting, start with an introduction, describe the painting, analyze its elements and artistic techniques, and provide your interpretation and insights.

Q: What is painting and its importance?

A: Painting is a visual art form where colors, shapes, and textures are used to create images or convey ideas. It’s important as a means of self-expression, cultural preservation, and communication.

Q: Why is painting important in our life?

A: Painting enriches our lives by offering a creative outlet, preserving history and culture, inspiring emotions, and promoting visual literacy and critical thinking.

Q: What is an introduction to painting?

A: An introduction to painting typically covers the basics, such as color theory, techniques, and materials used in creating visual artworks. It’s the initial step in learning how to paint.

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On Painting: An Essay by Jim Cogswell

Paint is a living language for me, with grammars and nuances that challenge me beyond any other intellectual or creative pursuit that I have ever experienced.

Cogswell on painting2

For some people paint is simply a material, another medium, and a very traditional medium at that. For others it is the Bible — the Holy Writ. Or it is the Constitution. Divine what the Founding Fathers intended and strictly adhere to it, or risk anarchy. For others, it is one minor piece in a complicated art world chess game, a pawn to be moved about in a theoretical construct of art practice. Relevant or irrelevant? Dead or alive?

That is one set of questions that, naively, doesn’t trouble me.

For me, painting as a language and practice is alive and changing all the time.

I study it. I try to keep up with it. I struggle to speak it better. I am thrilled when I hear others speak it well. I love visiting countries where it is spoken. I get excited when I discover someone who is adding another layer to its tapestry of possibilities. And that is happening all the time. Right now. As we speak.

Painting is the magical conjunction of space/​no space; movement in stillness. A balanced experience of absorption and self-awareness. Slow looking.

A painting is both a tangible surface and a perceptual space. Great painters create fluctuating tensions between the experience of seeing surface and depth. The task of doing that well is mammoth.

Kerry James Marshall: Could This Be Love

The territory is well traveled, but the possibilities endless, like this tired language of ours that still manages to produce incisive and ecstatic poetry, the limited chromatic scale that still results in new arrangements of sounds in music, bringing deep feelings into somatic awareness, putting my body in motion, bringing me to tears.

All of it is accomplished within a tight range of restrictions. The restrictions are the source of the poetry and the thrill.

Lari Pittman: An American Place

There are many strategies for keeping the viewer in that delicate balance of seeing the painting as both window and surface. Emphasizing paint’s materiality is one of many strategies for calling attention to the physical surface, but that easily can degenerate into gratuitous gesture, the pseudo-heroics of the urgent mark.

A big issue is how to translate the materiality of paint into something that points beyond itself. Allowing the inspirational source itself to provide the gesture while acknowledging the illusion. The tension is the thrill.

Elizabeth Murray: Path/Door

Within a painting, color has the capacity to become a noun, one might even say a concept in itself. Color becomes magical and potent when it crosses that threshold from adjective to noun, from quality of thing to thing in itself.

Amy Sillman: Psychology Today

All of these strategies and many more work in tandem with our desire to recognize objects or qualities of experiences, even intangible feelings, within that structure of colored marks on a surface. Those desires are closely tied to our perceptual experiences, ways that the brain is hard wired but also shaped by cultural context, historical exposure.

Looking at a painting is a magnificently dense experience for me. I never tire of it.

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The Painting Essay

The Painting "A picture can paint a thousand words." I found the one picture in my mind that does paint a thousand words and more. It was a couple of weeks ago when I saw this picture in the writing center; the writing center is part of State College. The beautiful colors caught my eye. I was so enchanted by the painting, I lost the group I was with. When I heard about the observation essay, where we have to write about a person or thing in the city that catches your eye. I knew right away that I wanted to write about the painting. I don’t know why, but I felt that the painting was describing the way I felt at that moment. When I first looked at the picture, it looked like there were only two colors green and blue. When I got closer …show more content…

The grass was spread out through the whole painting. If you looked hard enough you can see flowers of pink and red growing within the grass. There were spots of yellow in the grass making the grass look as though it was dying. Then the painting had a patch of grass that had a very vibrant shade of green, that made the grass look so alive. The grass had a willowy quality that may have suggested that there may have been a breeze. The river also suggested a breeze, there were ripples that flowed southeast. There were many different shades of blue in the lake and river. The lake had a darker shade of light blue surrounded by a dark blue then lined with black. The lake appeared to have a light shining either on top or the bottom of it, which allowed you to see the grass growing under it. The river had a lighter shade of light blue with white lines to show the ripples but it was surrounded with the same colors as the lake. You did not see any grass growing under the river because there was no light shining on the river. When I saw the painting for the first time it grabbed my attention. At first I thought it was the beautiful colors that attracted me to the painting, but it was more. In the picture the shadowy men look scared. They looked as though they were trying to run away from something and this lake that forms into this river that is surrounded by tall grass is the way out, or at least a place to hide until the coast is clear. During that time in my life I felt

Art 101 Final Essay

This could either be a Grizzly Bear or a Kodiak bear. This sculpture is number 112 out of 1500.

Clyde Aspevig's White Cliffs Of The Missouri

I like this painting because of the feeling and memories it reminds me of. The water and rocks remind me of all my childhood memories of swimming in the water and hiking mountains. The bright and light colors create a cheerful and

Artist Critique Essay

This artwork appears to be an abstract piece made from magazine clippings to create a collage. The artwork is a vertical piece that measures approximately 17 x14. It focuses in on the subject of a girl who is created out of neutral colors. She stands out against the rainbow background. In the background each clipping has a different element and pattern, but they all work in unison creating a rainbow background.

Art Appreciation Essay

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Rathnasambhava, the Transcendent Buddha of the South and Madonna Enthroned are very similar images that were produced by very different cultures. Both images were produced during the 13th Century. The image of Rathnasambhava, the Transcendent Buddha of the South was produced in Tibet during an interesting period of the country’s religious history. The branch of Tibetan Buddhism is led by a religious and sometimes political leader called the Dalai Lama. It was during the 13th Century during the reign of Kublai Khan, around the time of the production of this painting, that Tibet experienced the first incarnation of the Dalai Lama. One has to wonder if this painting is somehow related to that occurrence. According to

Essay on The Art of Painting: Watercolor Paints

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The art of painting dates back to pre-historic times, the finger used as a paintbrush on the canvas of cave walls. When it comes to painting, artists have many mediums to choose from: acrylics, oils, gouache, fresco, and watercolors. Watercolors is one of the toughest mediums to achieve, its transparent streaks almost impossible to cover up and its various techniques prestigous and precise, but satisfying when accomplished. The incentive a watercolor artist has to get a taste of perfecting their talents is impecable; therefore, striving for perfection can only be accomplished with the understanding of the watercolor history, the use of the tools of the trade, the practice of techniques, and observation of former artists’ approaches.

The Elder Sister Essay

In nutshell, this painting is altogether amazing and beautiful. I remember staring at it for a couple minutes trying to

Art Critique Essay

The art piece that I chose to critique is the sculpture of a figure kneeling down and getting shocked. It is located on campus near the Morris University Center(muc). When I first saw this sculpture it caught my attention immediately, because of how gruesome the piece was. I feel like I don’t have a good understanding of what the sculpture represents, but it seems like it would raise plenty of controversy, due to its erotic features. It seems like the artist was venting his emotions when he created his idea. The sculpture is fairly large in size, which makes it noticeable, among the other art pieces on campus. The sculpture media consist of wood and concrete, and metal mostly. The individual is keeling down toward the west and is supported

Art Review Essay

If you have some free time and have always wanted to visit an art gallery, a start is the Art Sacré exposition. Just do not expect high quality art. Running from October twenty-third to December eight-teenth at Les Salles de Gesù, the exposition features four artists depicting spirituality and inner self.

The Self Portrait Art Essay

Self-portraits have been used by artists for centuries to explore aspects of the self. They are the subjects they know best and artists have reflected this through their treatment of media, subject matter and techniques. Two artists who explore aspects of their personality and life experiences in their self-portraits are Frida Kahlo and Ben Quilty. Many of their artistic techniques can be derived from the same origins. Whilst there are similarities in self-portraits by any artist usually, you will find differences the norm. After all, this is what makes art and art form.

The Renaissance in Art Essay

When the new upper class movement, Renaissance, occurred in Italy around the 14th century, a revival of the classical forms originally developed by the ancient Greeks and Romans, an intensified concern with secular life, and interest in humanism and assertion of the importance of the individual began. Thus, artists such as Mosaccio and Giotto depicted art that unlike the Middle Ages, showed emotions, feelings, and bright colors, thus demonstrating the deep concern for naturalism in the society. Other artists during the Italian Renaissance period such as Giovanni Bellini began to express their art through secular and religious themes and ideas that were exhibited through landscapes and portraits. As new styles of

Post Impressionism and Art Essay

Modernism is an art movement that is characterized by a deliberate departure from tradition to a more expressive form that distinguishes many styles in the arts and literature of the late nineteenth and twentieth century. Emile Bernard was part of this modern art movement as can be seen in his painting, "Breton Woman and Haystacks", painted around 1888. Impressionists were modern artists who tended to paint outside landscapes and street scenes and were concerned with the effects of light. Bernard was a Post-Impressionist artist who considered Impressionism too casual or too naturalistic, and sought a means of exploring emotion in paint. Bernard's work, "Breton Woman and Haystacks", depicts a woman in

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Essay

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His soul had arisen from the grave of boyhood, spurning her grave-clothes. Yes! Yes! Yes! He would create proudly out of the freedom and power of his soul, as the great artificer whose name he bore, a living thing, new and soaring and beautiful, impalpable, imperishable

The Artist And The Art Essay

The history of art dates back to ancient times. Artwork can be, and was, found around the world. What makes art interesting is that it can be created in any way, shape or form with any materials. It seems that the artwork can also tell us a lot about the artist. Art seems to be simply, a direct, visual reflection of the artist’s life. Therefore, one can assume that an artist’s life experiences and beliefs directly influence their art. If we look at examples from different periods of art we will be able to see the connection between the artist and the art.

The Importance of Art Essay

Art is a form of human expression. Art can be seen as the artist sleight of hand on his mood. Art is in various media from posters to public wall of which we call “graffiti”. Art is elusive as the use of colors shapes and the surface used adds a new dimension. Art portrays various ideas, feelings such as triumph, love, happiness, sorrow and boredom in loss to mention a few. Art is beauty and creativity. During man’s evolution art has progressed over in its most primitive state up to its most modernized versions today.

The Beauty of Nature Essay examples

The sunset was not spectacular that day. The vivid ruby and tangerine streaks that so often caressed the blue brow of the sky were sleeping, hidden behind the heavy mists. There are some days when the sunlight seems to dance, to weave and frolic with tongues of fire between the blades of grass. Not on that day. That evening, the yellow light was sickly. It diffused softly through the gray curtains with a shrouded light that just failed to illuminate. High up in the treetops, the leaves swayed, but on the ground, the grass was silent, limp and unmoving. The sun set and the earth waited.

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Guide to Exam

A Painting I Like An Essay Starry Night

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Table of Contents

An Ode to Beauty: Discovering the Sublime in “Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh

Introduction:.

Art has the power to evoke emotions and transport viewers to another realm. One painting that captivates and enchants me is “Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh. Completed in 1889, this iconic masterpiece has left an indelible mark on the annals of art history. From its swirling brushstrokes to its ethereal depiction of the night sky, “Starry Night” invites viewers to contemplate the beauty and wonder of the universe.

Description:

In “Starry Night,” Van Gogh portrays a small village beneath a magnificent night sky. The painting features thick, bold brushstrokes that create a sense of movement and energy. The night sky is depicted with swirling patterns, giving the impression of a restless and dynamic universe. A bright crescent moon dominates the upper part of the painting, emitting a soft, luminous glow that bathes the village in an otherworldly light. The cypress tree in the foreground stands tall, its dark silhouette contrasting against the vibrant blues and yellows of the background. Van Gogh’s color palette, with its intense blues, vibrant yellows, and contrasting hues, adds to the overall impact of the painting.

Emotions and Themes:

“Starry Night” evokes a myriad of emotions and explores various themes. One theme that stands out is the contrast between the peacefulness of the village and the dynamic energy of the night sky. This juxtaposition invites viewers to consider the dichotomy between stillness and movement, serenity and chaos. Van Gogh’s use of animated brushstrokes portrays a sense of turbulence and restlessness that encapsulates the human experience. The vibrant colors and bold composition also evoke a sense of awe and wonder, reminding us of the infinite beauty that lies beyond our grasp. Another theme that emerges from “Starry Night” is the longing for connection and solace. The way the village is nestled beneath the vastness of the night sky highlights the insignificance of humans in the grand scheme of things. Yet, despite this overwhelming sense of insignificance, the painting offers a glimmer of hope. The bright swirls in the sky and the luminosity of the moon suggest the possibility of finding solace and beauty amidst the vastness and uncertainty of life.

Artistic Impact and Legacy:

“Starry Night” has had a profound and lasting impact on the art world. Van Gogh’s unique style and emotional expression set him apart from his contemporaries, and this painting is a testament to his artistic genius. The swirling patterns, bold colors, and expressive brushstrokes have inspired countless artists and art enthusiasts over the years. It has become an emblem of the Post-Impressionist movement and a symbol of the power of art to transcend time and space.

Conclusion:

“Starry Night” is a masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire viewers. Van Gogh’s ability to convey emotions and transcend reality through his art is awe-inspiring. Through this painting, he reminds us of the vastness and beauty of the universe and challenges us to find solace and connection amidst its chaos. “Starry Night” is a testament to the enduring power of art to move us and stir our souls—a timeless ode to the beauty that surrounds us.

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Painting Essay

a painting i like short essay

Introduction

While there are people who find peace in seeing the beautiful nature outside, there are also a few who find satisfaction in capturing this beauty in their paintings. Even though it is easy to draw something you see, it is sometimes difficult to understand the meaning behind a painting. Such is the depth and value of a painting, and this painting essay example will be ideal for your kids to write about painting.

Due to its simple and narrative format, this painting essay will be easy for your kids to understand. The essay is so easy to read that children will be able to create one on this topic effortlessly. Here is an essay on a painting I made.

Experience in Painting

It was during my 7th birthday that my parents gifted me with a set of paints and paintbrushes. Since I was young, I have had a liking for drawing and painting, and it was due to my artistic talent that my parents decided to give me this painting set. Of all the gifts that I have received, this one was extremely special for me. The moment I unwrapped the gift, I began mixing colours and dabbing them on paper. And the sheer sight of colours filled me with great joy.

In the beginning, I began painting things that I saw around me; sometimes, it was beautiful scenery or a particular incident, such as a boy helping an elderly man cross the road. Although my paintings were not perfect, I was happy that I could capture such memorable moments through my art. Slowly, I perfected the art by painting from my imagination and seeing things from a different perspective. I would like to highlight an incident in this essay on a painting I made.

My school organised a painting competition in connection with Republic Day, and I took part in it. Excitedly, I grabbed my painting tools and started painting an alluring landscape. I utilised the paper to paint a burning sunset at the top, glistening waters in the middle and lush greenery at the bottom. As the lines disappeared, the picture felt like a single landscape that depicted the colours of the Indian flag. Satisfied with my painting, I submitted it to the judges, and they applauded me for my creativity. The fact that I was able to show something meaningful through the painting filled me with happiness, and it was the greatest achievement that I have had so far.

Moral of the Essay

Painting is an art through which our children express themselves, and we cannot imagine how far their thoughts will go. While many of them will not have a natural skill in painting, as elders, we must ensure that we encourage the gifted children to practise painting and refine their art. This painting essay from BYJU’S shows that if we support the dreams and talents of children, they will surely go a long way. As such, they will stop doubting themselves and, in fact, believe that they can create wonders through painting.

For essays similar to the drawing essay, visit BYJU’S website. You can also find an exciting range of kids’ learning resources, such as short stories, poems, worksheets, etc., on the website.

Is painting a good hobby for children?

Children have varied interests, and if you think that they love art and painting, it will be good to buy paints, brushes and paper. While painting as a hobby will help them relax and enjoy, it will also develop their imaginative and creative skills as well as improve their hand-eye coordination.

How to improve your child’s painting skills?

Even though it is good to introduce them to painting at an early age, we must not overfill their plates. First, give them small canvases and let them learn how to mix colours to form new ones. Once they are familiar with colours, give specific topics or themes to paint. Also, present them with different types of paintings, like watercolour painting, oil painting, acrylic painting, etc.

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How to Write a Good Common App Essay about Art

We received this question via email recently and we thought it was such an important question that we’re addressing it in this blog post. The question:

“I'm currently at the end of my Junior year in high school and I just read your article on writing college essays about art to look for some guidance. I noticed that the majority of the article referred to performing arts and film. I am planning on writing my college essay very soon, within this year, but I would like some insight on how to go about writing my topic on the traditional side of art without it sounding cliché. I really wanted to include art in my essay because it is a very important aspect of my life, it allows me to convey my thoughts and emotions.”

--Picas So Confused

The answer: 

Art is like, really complex. Totally. We get it. We’ve written about college essays and art , art supplements , and how to craft your college essay to reflect your creative side, and so on. But we wanted to more deeply explore the above question of how to craft an essay about more “traditional” art without it being bad. We had a few immediate reactions to this question that we’ll break down:

Art is an easy cliche

Plain and simple, writing about a piece of art, or your artistic approach, is cliche if done without careful thought (and probably a lot of bad drafts ). We can’t think of a more boring essay than one about a singular piece of art. That’s what your arts supplement is for -- to show your art. Your essay, on the other hand, is an opportunity for you to tell a story. And not a story about how much you love art, but rather a story that shows how much you have invested in and how much of your life is reflective of this creative process.

An essay about art can be good if it’s not about art

We know this might sound like a confusing, circular statement, but hear us out: a piece of writing can be thematically related to something without actually being ABOUT it. We advise our students to identify something small, and to make their essay about that small thing while invoking the larger thing, instead of making an essay about the bigger thing.

So for example, a student we had last year is an incredible artist. Their supplement was outstanding, they’d won a bunch of awards, and even sold their art for substantial amounts of money. It was certainly tempting to latch onto one of those big-ticket, flashy pieces and tell a story about it, or to discuss their “approach to the artistic process,” by exploring their process. Instead, we worked with them to find a relatively obscure story from years prior when the student came into contact, and ultimately, conflict , with someone in the world as a result of their art. It was barely about the art itself, and more about the human element of this conflict.

In short: no matter what your topic, but in this case it’s art, don’t knock the reader over the head with your views on art or approach to art, and instead work to find a creative and interesting way to highlight your passion about art by telling a story. The story should not be overwhelmed with description ( a description isn’t an essay ), but rather structured in such a way that has a clear beginning, a middle, and an end, with a narrative, individual voice weaved throughout. And on that note:

Make sure it’s personal

What made us most concerned about the direction of this question is the phrase “traditional side of art,” because it doesn’t sound very personal . It’s easy to take a subject and to intellectualize your involvement and interest in it. That’s not what’s going to force admissions officers to wake up out of their fog after reading hundreds of boring essays that end with “What I learned from this experience…” This is where we’ll challenge you to make this essay intensely personal (not saying you need to overshare...in fact, please don’t ). When we say intensely personal, we mean the narrative voice that you use and the story that you tell. The events that make up who we are, why we care, and how we express that care, are likely small moments that lead up to the big moments. That’s what we challenge you to write about when it comes to writing about “art.” Do the work ( we’ve written out a step-by-step guide here ) to isolate some moments you may have forgotten about because they aren’t obvious, and explore those. They may very well be where the essay is.

Please feel free to reach out with any and all essay questions -- we love answering questions that are useful to you!

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Essay Samples on Art

While it may seem easy to compose essays about art, it’s not really so because you have to offer background information in your introduction part and explain why some exhibition or a school of thought is important. This should go to your first paragraph because your purpose is to inspire your readers and provide enough background information. When you already have a prompt that must be followed, determine what kind of essay must be written. It can be a descriptive essay, which is great for a description of the works of art or photography. Some other cases may require working with an explanatory tone where you have to explain why an artist has chosen certain palettes or what has been an inspiration. See various free art essay examples below for inspiration. It also helps to learn how to structure your writing and implement quotes or footnotes that are used to highlight the images. Remember to focus on the ways how to cite images and multimedia elements, depending on the chosen style. Your writing should address every image that you have by checking twice with the grading rubric to ensure that you use the sources that may have already been specified.

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How to analyze an artwork: a step-by-step guide

Last Updated on August 16, 2023

This article has been written for high school art students who are working upon a critical study of art, sketchbook annotation or an essay-based artist study. It contains a list of questions to guide students through the process of analyzing visual material of any kind, including drawing, painting, mixed media, graphic design, sculpture, printmaking, architecture, photography, textiles, fashion and so on (the word ‘artwork’ in this article is all-encompassing). The questions include a wide range of specialist art terms, prompting students to use subject-specific vocabulary in their responses. It combines advice from art analysis textbooks as well as from high school art teachers who have first-hand experience teaching these concepts to students.

COPYRIGHT NOTE: This material is available as a printable art analysis PDF handout . This may be used free of charge in a classroom situation. To share this material with others, please use the social media buttons at the bottom of this page. Copying, sharing, uploading or distributing this article (or the PDF) in any other way is not permitted.

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How to analyse a piece of art

Why do we study art?

Almost all high school art students carry out critical analysis of artist work, in conjunction with creating practical work. Looking critically at the work of others allows students to understand compositional devices and then explore these in their own art. This is one of the best ways for students to learn.

Instructors who assign formal analyses want you to look—and look carefully. Think of the object as a series of decisions that an artist made. Your job is to figure out and describe, explain, and interpret those decisions and why the artist may have made them. – The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 10

Art analysis tips

  • ‘I like this’ or ‘I don’t like this’ without any further explanation or justification is not analysis . Personal opinions must be supported with explanation, evidence or justification.
  • ‘Analysis of artwork’ does not mean ‘description of artwork’ . To gain high marks, students must move beyond stating the obvious and add perceptive, personal insight. Students should demonstrate higher order thinking – the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize information and ideas. For example, if color has been used to create strong contrasts in certain areas of an artwork, students might follow this observation with a thoughtful assumption about why this is the case – perhaps a deliberate attempt by the artist to draw attention to a focal point, helping to convey thematic ideas.
Although description is an important part of a formal analysis, description is not enough on its own. You must introduce and contextualize your descriptions of the formal elements of the work so the reader understands how each element influences the work’s overall effect on the viewer.  – Sylvan Barnet, A Short Guide to Writing About Art 2
  • Cover a range of different visual elements and design principles . It is common for students to become experts at writing about one or two elements of composition, while neglecting everything else – for example, only focusing upon the use of color in every artwork studied. This results in a narrow, repetitive and incomplete analysis of the artwork. Students should ensure that they cover a wide range of art elements and design principles, as well as address context and meaning, where required. The questions below are designed to ensure that students cover a broad range of relevant topics within their analysis.
  • Write alongside the artwork discussed . In almost all cases, written analysis should be presented alongside the work discussed, so that it is clear which artwork comments refer to. This makes it easier for examiners to follow and evaluate the writing.
  • Support writing with visual analysis . It is almost always helpful for high school students to support written material with sketches, drawings and diagrams that help the student understand and analyse the piece of art. This might include composition sketches; diagrams showing the primary structure of an artwork; detailed enlargements of small sections; experiments imitating use of media or technique; or illustrations overlaid with arrows showing leading lines and so on. Visual investigation of this sort plays an important role in many artist studies.
Making sketches or drawings from works of art is the traditional, centuries-old way that artists have learned from each other. In doing this, you will engage with a work and an artist’s approach even if you previously knew nothing about it. If possible do this whenever you can, not from a postcard, the internet or a picture in a book, but from the actual work itself. This is useful because it forces you to look closely at the work and to consider elements you might not have noticed before. – Susie Hodge, How to Look at Art 7

Finally, when writing about art, students should communicate with clarity; demonstrate subject-specific knowledge; use correct terminology; generate personal responses; and reference all content and ideas sourced from others. This is explained in more detail in our article about high school sketchbooks .

What should students write about?

Although each aspect of composition is treated separately in the questions below, students should consider the relationship between visual elements (line, shape, form, value/tone, color/hue, texture/surface, space) and how these interact to form design principles (such as unity, variety, emphasis, dominance, balance, symmetry, harmony, movement, contrast, rhythm, pattern, scale, proportion) to communicate meaning.

As complex as works of art typically are, there are really only three general categories of statements one can make about them. A statement addresses form, content or context (or their various interrelations). – Dr. Robert J. Belton, Art History: A Preliminary Handbook, The University of British Columbia 5
…a formal analysis – the result of looking closely – is an analysis of the form that the artist produces; that is, an analysis of the work of art, which is made up of such things as line, shape, color, texture, mass, composition. These things give the stone or canvas its form, its expression, its content, its meaning. – Sylvan Barnet, A Short Guide to Writing About Art 2

This video by Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Naraelle Hohensee provides an excellent example of how to analyse a piece of art (it is important to note that this video is an example of ‘formal analysis’ and doesn’t include contextual analysis, which is also required by many high school art examination boards, in addition to the formal analysis illustrated here):

Composition analysis: a list of questions

The questions below are designed to facilitate direct engagement with an artwork and to encourage a breadth and depth of understanding of the artwork studied. They are intended to prompt higher order thinking and to help students arrive at well-reasoned analysis.

It is not expected that students answer every question (doing so would result in responses that are excessively long, repetitious or formulaic); rather, students should focus upon areas that are most helpful and relevant for the artwork studied (for example, some questions are appropriate for analyzing a painting, but not a sculpture). The words provided as examples are intended to help students think about appropriate vocabulary to use when discussing a particular topic. Definitions of more complex words have been provided.

Students should not attempt to copy out questions and then answer them; rather the questions should be considered a starting point for writing bullet pointed annotation or sentences in paragraph form.

How to write art analysis

CONTENT, CONTEXT AND MEANING

Subject matter / themes / issues / narratives / stories / ideas.

There can be different, competing, and contradictory interpretations of the same artwork. An artwork is not necessarily about what the artist wanted it to be about. – Terry Barrett, Criticizing Art: Understanding the Contemporary 6
Our interest in the painting grows only when we forget its title and take an interest in the things that it does not mention…” – Françoise Barbe-Gall, How to Look at a Painting 8
  • Does the artwork fall within an established genre (i.e. historical; mythical; religious; portraiture; landscape; still life; fantasy; architectural)?
  • Are there any recognisable objects, places or scenes ? How are these presented (i.e. idealized; realistic; indistinct; hidden; distorted; exaggerated; stylized; reflected; reduced to simplified/minimalist form; primitive; abstracted; concealed; suggested; blurred or focused)?
  • Have people been included? What can we tell about them (i.e. identity; age; attire; profession; cultural connections; health; family relationships; wealth; mood/expression)? What can we learn from their pose (i.e. frontal; profile; partly turned; body language)? Where are they looking (i.e. direct eye contact with viewer; downcast; interested in other subjects within the artwork)? Can we work out relationships between figures from the way they are posed?
What do the clothing, furnishings, accessories (horses, swords, dogs, clocks, business ledgers and so forth), background, angle of the head or posture of the head and body, direction of the gaze, and facial expression contribute to our sense of the figure’s social identity (monarch, clergyman, trophy wife) and personality (intense, cool, inviting)? – Sylvan Barnet, A Short Guide to Writing About Art 2
  • What props and important details are included (drapery; costumes; adornment; architectural elements; emblems; logos; motifs)? How do aspects of setting support the primary subject? What is the effect of including these items within the arrangement (visual unity; connections between different parts of the artwork; directs attention; surprise; variety and visual interest; separates / divides / borders; transformation from one object to another; unexpected juxtaposition)?
If a waiter served you a whole fish and a scoop of chocolate ice cream on the same plate, your surprise might be caused by the juxtaposition , or the side-by-side contrast, of the two foods. – Vocabulary.com
A motif is an element in a composition or design that can be used repeatedly for decorative, structural, or iconographic purposes. A motif can be representational or abstract, and it can be endowed with symbolic meaning. Motifs can be repeated in multiple artworks and often recur throughout the life’s work of an individual artist. – John A. Parks, Universal Principles of Art 11
  • Does the artwork communicate an action, narrative or story (i.e. historical event or illustrate a scene from a story)? Has the arrangement been embellished, set up or contrived?
  • Does the artwork explore movement ? Do you gain a sense that parts of the artwork are about to change, topple or fall (i.e. tension; suspense)? Does the artwork capture objects in motion (i.e. multiple or sequential images; blurred edges; scene frozen mid-action; live performance art; video art; kinetic art)?
  • What kind of abstract elements are shown (i.e. bars; shapes; splashes; lines)? Have these been derived from or inspired by realistic forms? Are they the result of spontaneous, accidental creation or careful, deliberate arrangement?
  • Does the work include the appropriation of work by other artists, such as within a parody or pop art? What effect does this have (i.e. copyright concerns)?
Parody: mimicking the appearance and/or manner of something or someone, but with a twist for comic effect or critical comment, as in Saturday Night Live’s political satires – Dr. Robert J. Belton, Art History: A Preliminary Handbook, The University of British Columbia 5
  • Does the subject captivate an instinctual response , such as items that are informative, shocking or threatening for humans (i.e. dangerous places; abnormally positioned items; human faces; the gaze of people; motion; text)? Heap map tracking has demonstrated that these elements catch our attention, regardless of where they are positioned –  James Gurney writes more about this fascinating topic .
  • What kind of text has been used (i.e. font size; font weight; font family; stenciled; hand-drawn; computer-generated; printed)? What has influenced this choice of text?
  • Do key objects or images have symbolic value or provide a cue to meaning ? How does the artwork convey deeper, conceptual themes (i.e. allegory; iconographic elements; signs; metaphor; irony)?
Allegory is a device whereby abstract ideas can be communicated using images of the concrete world. Elements, whether figures or objects, in a painting or sculpture are endowed with symbolic meaning. Their relationships and interactions combine to create more complex meanings. – John A. Parks, Universal Principles of Art 11
An iconography is a particular range or system of types of image used by an artist or artists to convey particular meanings. For example in Christian religious painting there is an iconography of images such as the lamb which represents Christ, or the dove which represents the Holy Spirit. – Tate.org.uk
  • What tone of voice does the artwork have (i.e. deliberate; honest; autobiographical; obvious; direct; unflinching; confronting; subtle; ambiguous; uncertain; satirical; propagandistic)?
  • What is your emotional response to the artwork? What is the overall mood (i.e positive; energetic; excitement; serious; sedate; peaceful; calm; melancholic; tense; uneasy; uplifting; foreboding; calm; turbulent)? Which subject matter choices help to communicate this mood (i.e. weather and lighting conditions; color of objects and scenes)?
  • Does the title change the way you interpret the work?
  • Were there any design constraints relating to the subject matter or theme/s (i.e. a sculpture commissioned to represent a specific subject, place or idea)?
  • Are there thematic connections with your own project? What can you learn from the way the artist has approached this subject?

Wider contexts

All art is in part about the world in which it emerged. – Terry Barrett, Criticizing Art: Understanding the Contemporary 6
  • Supported by research, can you identify when, where and why the work was created and its original intention or purpose (i.e. private sale; commissioned for a specific owner; commemorative; educational; promotional; illustrative; decorative; confrontational; useful or practical utility; communication; created in response to a design brief; private viewing; public viewing)? In what way has this background influenced the outcome (i.e. availability of tools, materials or time; expectations of the patron / audience)?
  • Where is the place of construction or design site and how does this influence the artwork (i.e. reflects local traditions, craftsmanship, or customs; complements surrounding designs; designed to accommodate weather conditions / climate; built on historic site)? Was the artwork originally located somewhere different?
  • Which events and surrounding environments have influenced this work (i.e. natural events; social movements such as feminism; political events, economic situations, historic events, religious settings, cultural events)? What effect did these have?
  • Is the work characteristic of an artistic style, movement or time period ? Has it been influenced by trends, fashions or ideologies ? How can you tell?
  • Can you make any relevant connections or comparisons with other artworks ? Have other artists explored a similar subject in a similar way? Did this occur before or after this artwork was created?
  • Can you make any relevant connections to other fields of study or expression (i.e. geography, mathematics, literature, film, music, history or science)?
  • Which key biographical details about the artist are relevant in understanding this artwork (upbringing and personal situation; family and relationships; psychological state; health and fitness; socioeconomic status; employment; ethnicity; culture; gender; education, religion; interests, attitudes, values and beliefs)?
  • Is this artwork part of a larger body of work ? Is this typical of the work the artist is known for?
  • How might your own upbringing, beliefs and biases distort your interpretation of the artwork? Does your own response differ from the public response, that of the original audience and/or  interpretation by critics ?
  • How do these wider contexts compare to the contexts surrounding your own work?

COMPOSITION AND FORMAT

  • What is the overall size, shape and orientation of the artwork (i.e. vertical, horizontal, portrait, landscape or square)? Has this format been influenced by practical considerations (i.e. availability of materials; display constraints ; design brief restrictions; screen sizes; common aspect ratios in film or photography such as 4:3 or 2:3; or paper sizes such as A4, A3, A2, A1)?
  • How do images fit within the frame (cropped; truncated; shown in full)? Why is this format appropriate for the subject matter?
  • Are different parts of the artwork physically separate, such as within a diptych or triptych ?
  • Where are the boundaries of the artwork (i.e. is the artwork self-contained; compact; intersecting; sprawling)?
  • Is the artwork site-specific or designed to be displayed across multiple locations or environments?
  • Does the artwork have a fixed, permanent format, or was it  modified, moved or adjusted over time ? What causes such changes (i.e. weather and exposure to the elements – melting, erosion, discoloration, decaying, wind movement, surface abrasion; structural failure – cracking, breaking; damage caused by unpredictable events, such as fire or vandalism; intentional movement, such as rotation or sensor response; intentional impermanence, such as an installation assembled for an exhibition and removed afterwards; viewer interaction; additions, renovations and restoration by subsequent artists or users; a project so expansive it takes years to construct)? How does this change affect the artwork? Are there stylistic variances between parts?
  • Is the artwork viewed from one angle or position, or are dynamic viewpoints and serial vision involved? (Read more about Gordon Cullen’s concept of serial vision here ).
  • How does the scale and format of the artwork relate to the environment where it is positioned, used, installed or hung (i.e. harmonious with landscape typography; sensitive to adjacent structures; imposing or dwarfed by surroundings; human scale)? Is the artwork designed to be viewed from one vantage point (i.e. front facing; viewed from below; approached from a main entrance; set at human eye level) or many? Are images taken from the best angle?
  • Would a similar format benefit your own project? Why / why not?

Structure / layout

  • Has the artwork been organised using a formal system of arrangement or mathematical proportion (i.e. rule of thirds; golden ratio or spiral; grid format; geometric; dominant triangle; or circular composition) or is the arrangement less predictable (i.e. chaotic, random, accidental, fragmented, meandering, scattered; irregular or spontaneous)? How does this system of arrangement help with the communication of ideas? Can you draw a diagram to show the basic structure of the artwork?
  • Can you see a clear intention with alignment and positioning of parts within the artwork (i.e. edges aligned; items spaced equally; simple or complex arrangement; overlapping, clustered or concentrated objects; dispersed, separate items; repetition of forms; items extending beyond the frame; frames within frames; bordered perimeter or patterned edging; broken borders)? What effect do these visual devices have (i.e. imply hierarchy; help the viewer understand relationships between parts of artwork; create rhythm)?
  • Does the artwork have a primary axis of symmetry (vertical, diagonal, horizontal)? Can you locate a center of balance? Is the artwork symmetrical, asymmetrical (i.e. stable), radial, or intentionally unbalanced (i.e. to create tension or unease)?
  • Can you draw a diagram to illustrate emphasis and dominance (i.e. ‘blocking in’ mass, where the ‘heavier’ dominant forms appear in the composition)? Where are dominant items located within the frame?
  • How do your eyes move through the composition?
  • Could your own artwork use a similar organisational structure?
  • What types of linear mark-making are shown (thick; thin; short; long; soft; bold; delicate; feathery; indistinct; faint; irregular; intermittent; freehand; ruled; mechanical; expressive; loose; blurred; dashing; cross-hatching; meandering; gestural, fluid; flowing; jagged; spiky; sharp)? What atmosphere, moods, emotions or ideas do these evoke?
  • Are there any interrupted, suggested or implied lines (i.e. lines that can’t literally be seen, but the viewer’s brain connects the dots between separate elements)?
  • Repeating lines : may simulate material qualities, texture, pattern or rhythm;
  • Boundary lines : may segment, divide or separate different areas;
  • Leading lines : may manipulate the viewer’s gaze, directing vision or lead the eye to focal points ( eye tracking studies indicate that our eyes leap from one point of interest to another, rather than move smoothly or predictably along leading lines 9 . Lines may nonetheless help to establish emphasis by ‘pointing’ towards certain items );
  • Parallel lines : may create a sense of depth or movement through space within a landscape;
  • Horizontal lines : may create a sense of stability and permanence;
  • Vertical lines : may suggest height, reaching upwards or falling;
  • Intersecting perpendicular lines : may suggest rigidity, strength;
  • Abstract lines : may balance the composition, create contrast or emphasis;
  • Angular / diagonal lines : may suggest tension or unease;
  • Chaotic lines : may suggest a sense of agitation or panic;
  • Underdrawing, construction lines or contour lines : describe form ( learn more about contour lines in our article about line drawing );
  • Curving / organic lines : may suggest nature, peace, movement or energy.
  • What is the relationship between line and three-dimensional form? Are  outlines used to define form and edges?
  • Would it be appropriate to use line in a similar way within your own artwork?

leading lines - composition

Shape and form

  • Can you identify a dominant visual language within the shapes and forms shown (i.e. geometric; angular; rectilinear; curvilinear; organic; natural; fragmented; distorted; free-flowing; varied; irregular; complex; minimal)? Why is this visual language appropriate?
  • How are the edges of forms treated (i.e. do they fade away or blur at the edges, as if melting into the page; ripped or torn; distinct and hard-edged; or, in the words of James Gurney, 9 do they ‘dissolve into sketchy lines, paint strokes or drips’)?
  • Are there any three-dimensional forms or relief elements within the artwork, such as carved pieces, protruding or sculptural elements? How does this affect the viewing of the work from different angles?
  • Is there a variety or repetition of shapes/forms? What effect does this have (i.e. repetition may reinforce ideas, balance composition and/or create harmony / visual unity; variety may create visual interest or overwhelm the viewer with chaos)?
  • How are shapes organised in relation to each other, or with the frame of the artwork (i.e. grouped; overlapping; repeated; echoed; fused edges; touching at tangents; contrasts in scale or size; distracting or awkward junctions)?
  • Are silhouettes (external edges of objects) considered?
All shapes have silhouettes, and vision research has shown that one of the first tasks of perception is to be able to sort out the silhouette shapes of each of the elements in a scene. – James Gurney, Imaginative Realism 9
  • Are forms designed with ergonomics and human scale in mind?
Ergonomics: an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely – Merriam-webster.com
  • Can you identify which forms are functional or structural , versus ornamental or decorative ?
  • Have any forms been disassembled, ‘cut away’ or exposed , such as a sectional drawing? What is the purpose of this (i.e. to explain construction methods; communicate information; dramatic effect)?
  • Would it be appropriate to use shape and form in a similar way within your own artwork?

Value / tone / light

  • Has a wide tonal range been used in the artwork (i.e. a broad range of darks, highlights and mid-tones) or is the tonal range limited (i.e. pale and faint; subdued; dull; brooding and dark overall; strong highlights and shadows, with little mid-tone values)? What is the effect of this?
  • Where are the light sources within the artwork or scene? Is there a single consistent light source or multiple sources of light (sunshine; light bulbs; torches; lamps; luminous surfaces)? What is the effect of these choices (i.e. mimics natural lighting conditions at a certain time of day or night; figures lit from the side to clarify form; contrasting background or spot-lighting used to accentuate a focal area; soft and diffused lighting used to mute contrasts and minimize harsh shadows; dappled lighting to signal sunshine broken by surrounding leaves; chiaroscuro used to exaggerate theatrical drama and impact; areas cloaked in darkness to minimize visual complexity; to enhance our understanding of narrative, mood or meaning)?
One of the most important ways in which artists can use light to achieve particular effects is in making strong contrasts between light and dark. This contrast is often described as chiaroscuro . – Matthew Treherne, Analysing Paintings, University of Leeds 3
  • Are representations of three-dimensional objects and figures flat or tonally  modeled ? How do different tonal values change from one to the next (i.e. gentle, smooth gradations; abrupt tonal bands)?
  • Are there any unusual, reflective or transparent surfaces, mediums or materials which reflect or transmit light in a special way?
  • Has tone been used to help communicate atmospheric perspective (i.e. paler and bluer as objects get further away)?
  • Are gallery or environmental light sources where the artwork is displayed fixed or fluctuating? Does the work appear different when viewed at different times of day? How does this affect your interpretation of the work?
  • Are shadows depicted within the artwork? What is the effect of these shadows (i.e. anchors objects to the page; creates the illusion of depth and space; creates dramatic contrasts)?
  • Do sculptural protrusions or relief elements catch the light and/or create cast shadows or pockets of shadow upon the artwork? How does this influence the viewer’s experience?
  • How has tone been used to help direct the viewer’s attention to focal areas?
  • Would it be appropriate to use value / tone in a similar way within your own artwork? Why / why not?

Color / hue

  • Can you view the true color of the artwork (i.e. are you viewing a low-quality reproduction or examining the artwork in poor lighting)?
  • Which  color schemes have been used within the artwork (i.e. harmonious; complementary; primary; monochrome; earthy; warm; cool/cold)? Has the artist used a broad or limited color palette (i.e. variety or unity)? Which colors dominate?
  • How would you describe the intensity of the colors (vibrant; bright; vivid; glowing; pure; saturated; strong; dull; muted; pale; subdued; bleached; diluted)?
  • Are colors transparent or opaque ? Can you see reflected color?
  • Has color contrast been used within the artwork (i.e. extreme contrasts; juxtaposition of complementary colors; garish / clashing / jarring)? Are there any abrupt color changes or unexpected uses of color?
  • What is the effect of these color choices (i.e. expressing symbolic or thematic ideas; descriptive or realistic depiction of local color; emphasizing focal areas; creating the illusion of aerial perspective; relationships with colors in surrounding environment; creating balance; creating rhythm/pattern/repetition; unity and variety within the artwork; lack of color places emphasis upon shape, detail and form)? What kind of atmosphere do these colors create?
It is often said that warm colors (red, orange, yellow) come forward and produce a sense of excitement (yellow is said to suggest warmth and happiness, as in the smiley face), whereas cool colors (blue, green) recede and have a calming effect. Experiments, however, have proved inconclusive; the response to color – despite clichés about seeing red or feeling blue – is highly personal, highly cultural, highly varied. – Sylvan Barnet, A Short Guide to Writing About Art 2
  • Would it be appropriate to use color in a similar way within your own artwork?

Texture / surface / pattern

  • Are there any interesting textural, tactile or surface qualities within the artwork (i.e. bumpy; grooved; indented; scratched; stressed; rough; smooth; shiny; varnished; glassy; glossy; polished; matte; sandy; grainy; gritted; leathery; spiky; silky)? How are these created (i.e. inherent qualities of materials; impasto mediums; sculptural materials; illusions or implied texture , such as cross-hatching; finely detailed and intricate areas; organic patterns such as foliage or small stones; repeating patterns ; ornamentation)?
  • How are textural or patterned elements positioned and what effect does this have (i.e. used intermittently to provide variety; repeating pattern creates rhythm ; patterns broken create focal points ; textured areas create visual links and unity between separate areas of the artwork; balance between detailed/textured areas and simpler areas; glossy surface creates a sense of luxury; imitation of texture conveys information about a subject, i.e. softness of fur or strands of hair)?
  • Would it be appropriate to use texture / surface in a similar way within your own artwork?
Industrial and architectural landscapes are particularly concerned with the arrangement of geometries and form in space… Dr. Ben Guy, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment using CGI Digital Twins, Urban CGI 12
  • Is the pictorial space shallow or deep? How does the artwork create the illusion of depth (i.e. layering of foreground, middle-ground, background ; overlapping of objects; use of shadows to anchor objects; positioning of items in relationship to the horizon line; linear perspective ( learn more about one point perspective here ); tonal modeling; relationships with adjacent objects and those in close proximity – including the human form – to create a sense of scale ; spatial distortions or optical illusions; manipulating scale of objects to create ‘surrealist’ spaces where true scale is unknown)?
  • Has an unusual viewpoint been used (i.e. worm’s view; aerial view, looking out a window or through a doorway; a scene reflected in a mirror or shiny surface; looking through leaves; multiple viewpoints combined)? What is the effect of this viewpoint (i.e. allows certain parts of the scene to be dominant and overpowering or squashed, condensed and foreshortened ; or suggests a narrative between two separate spaces ; provides more information about a space than would normally be seen)?
  • Is the emphasis upon mass or void ? How densely arranged are components within the artwork or picture plane? What is the relationship between object and surrounding space (i.e. compact / crowded / busy / densely populated, with little surrounding space; spacious; careful interplay between positive and negative space; objects clustered to create areas of visual interest)? What is the effect of this (i.e. creates a sense of emptiness or isolation; business / visual clutter creates a feeling of chaos or claustrophobia)?
  • How does the artwork engage with real space – in and around the artwork (i.e. self-contained; closed off; eye contact with viewer; reaching outwards)? Is the viewer expected to move through the artwork? What is the relationship between interior and exterior space ? What connections or contrasts occur between inside and out? Is it comprised of a series of separate or linked spaces?
  • Would it be appropriate to use space in a similar way within your own artwork?

Use of media / materials

  • What materials and mediums has the artwork been constructed from? Have materials been concealed or presented deceptively (i.e. is there an authenticity / honesty of materials; are materials celebrated; is the structure visible or exposed )? Why were these mediums selected (weight; color; texture; size; strength; flexibility; pliability; fragility; ease of use; cost; cultural significance; durability; availability; accessibility)? Would other mediums have been appropriate?
  • Which skills, techniques, methods and processes were used (i.e. traditional; conventional; industrial; contemporary; innovative)? It is important to note that the examiners do not want the regurgitation of long, technical processes, but rather to see personal observations about how processes effect and influence the artwork in question. Would replicating part of the artwork help you gain a better understanding of the processes used?
  • Painting: gesso ground > textured mediums > underdrawing > blocking in colors > defining form > final details;
  • Architecture: brief > concepts > development > working drawings > foundations > structure > cladding > finishes;
  • Graphic design: brief > concepts > development > Photoshop > proofing > printing.
  • How does the use of media help the artist to communicate ideas?
  • Are these methods useful for your own project?

Finally, remember that these questions are a guide only and are intended to make you start to think critically about the art you are studying and creating.

How to analyse your own artwork

Further Reading

If you enjoyed this article you may also like our article about high school sketchbooks (which includes a section about sketchbook annotation). If you are looking for more assistance with how to write an art analysis essay you may like our series about writing an artist study .

BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1] A guide for Analyzing Works of Art; Sculpture and Painting, Durantas

[2] A Short Guide to Writing About Art , Sylvan Barnet (2014) (Amazon affiliate link)

[3] Analysing Paintings , Matthew Treherne, University of Leeds

[4] Writing in Art and Art History , The University of Vermont

[5] Art History: A Preliminary Handbook , Dr. Robert J. Belton, The University of British Columbia (1996)

[6] Criticizing Art: Understanding the Contemporary , Terry Barrett (2011) (Amazon affiliate link)

[7] How to Look at Art , Susie Hodge (2015) (Amazon affiliate link)

[8] How to Look at a Painting , Françoise Barbe-Gall (2011) (Amazon affiliate link)

[9] Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist James Gurney (2009) (Amazon affiliate link)

[10] Art History , The Writing Centre, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

[11] Universal Principles of Art: 100 Key Concepts for Understanding, Analyzing and Practicing Art , John A. Parks (2014) (Amazon affiliate link)

[12] Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment using CGI Digital Twins , Dr. Ben Guy, Urban CGI (2023)

Amiria Gale

Amiria has been an Art & Design teacher and a Curriculum Co-ordinator for seven years, responsible for the course design and assessment of student work in two high-achieving Auckland schools. She has a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Architecture (First Class Honours) and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching. Amiria is a CIE Accredited Art & Design Coursework Assessor.

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An Essay About a Painting: What to Write?

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Indeed, writing an essay on paintings can be a tricky task. When having got an assignment to complete an essay on painting, you may think: “This is easy, I will need half an hour at most”. However, in an hour, you may realize that you are facing a sheet of paper with around 150 words on it, and you do not know what else to add.

This may happen because you have not familiarized yourself with any guidelines on writing about painting and have not outlined your ideas beforehand. Yet, it is necessary to pay some attention to such things as they may appear to be really helpful and save your time greatly. So, we advise you to check the following hints on managing your work and spend no more than an hour on your essay writing.

Below you will find a range of universal recommendations for your essay about a painting, which you can follow confidently regardless of the picture you are going to describe. They can help you define the most significant aspects of the painter’s work, understand its thrust and put all your ideas and conclusions on paper in the neat order. In addition, you can explore a few examples of how you should build your description and what is worth including in it depending on which particular picture you want to analyze and interpret.

Get Prepared

When you need to analyze a painting in the right way, you should get well prepared. Note that your preparation will include not only getting access to the image. Here are the points to consider:

To get a proper impression about the picture, you should learn more about the epoch when it was created. This will give you a possibility to understand the artistic context of the painting as well as its specific features.

It will also be a good idea to learn more about the other works of the painter, as well as about his or her biography. Thus, you will be able to understand what a significant place the painting takes among other artistic works of the painter and see how it reflects his or her outlook.

Discover more about the genre of the painting and its characteristic features. This will aid you in understanding whether the painting was performed basing on the standards or it was a violation of the existing genre limitations.

There might be some scientists who have reviewed and written about the same painting. Discover their impressions and comments, because you can cite them in your paper as well.

A Structure of an Essay About Painting

Now, when you have obtained all the necessary information, start writing in the following order:

This is an informative basis to be included. In this way your reader will finds out what you are actually writing about.

Some masterpieces, mostly the ancient ones, have long and interesting stories about their creation. There may be even a few versions regarding one and the same painting. Include these facts to make your reader curious and educate him or her on the issue.

Now get concentrated on the object of your essay: what do you see in the picture? This part will be easy for realistic paintings and tough for modernistic ones. Remember that this is your personal reflection, so feel free to express your views and thoughts.

Look at the picture attentively: what details does it have? Try to write down your analysis on what the purpose of adding those details could be.

Picture with a detail

Now, as you know the basic techniques applied within the time when the painting was being created, you may highlight the artist`s specific stylistic features and the methods applied to design the given image. Remember that everything has its motivation, so try to explain the choice of the painting techniques, the probable purpose and obvious result of the artistic work, the way the artist expressed the meanings. Try to disclose what stays beyond the elements of the painting, but do not go too far into your reflections as you might lose the general sense of your writing.

To crown up your essay on painting, tell what your impressions about it are: how well the artist delivered his or her idea and whether you got the feelings the author might want you to experience. Avoid the words “good” and “bad”, and try to be more specific.

Choose Your Picture: How to Write About a Painting (Examples Provided)

Let us consider your assignment in a more detailed way now. We have already worked out the general approaches to describing a picture, but still you may come across certain difficulties which are mostly determined by the differences between various types of painting. What we mean here is the fact that the things you should focus more on and the structure of your essay on painting are tightly connected not only with the style of the work you have chosen, but also with its type.

To put it all simply, we are going to explore 3 main types of painting and think of their most remarkable features which can be easily analyzed in your paper. Besides, there will be a few tips on how to organize the essay of such kind and make it as informative and interesting as possible.

Landscape Paintings

A landscape always depicts the nature in all its diversity. In the picture there can be a winter forest or spring riverside, misty mountains or even a caravan in an endless desert. Depending on the style of such painting, you will see either an absolutely realistic scenery or, for example, a set of lines and figures which, we can say, encode or schematize the real image.

You should take into account one very important thing, which will be true for any picture you select to write about in your painting essay: when you are given the opportunity to describe any landscape you like, spend some time searching through numerous online galleries and find the one you understand well. You see, on the one hand, it may seem really easy to describe the picture when you see just some mountains and a lake in it. However, on the other hand, you need to explain why exactly this scenery has attracted you. It is fine if you simply like mountains. So, think why you would like the depiction of forbidding rocks more than that of the summer meadow. There definitely should be the reason.

From Theory to Practice: Ivan Aivazovsky and His “Sea View”, 1841

Ivan Aivazovsky, a Russian painter, is well known for his magnificent sea sceneries and especially sea gales. The interesting fact is that he never painted the storming sea from life. He memorized the picture he wanted to carry onto his easel and then painted every detail from his memory. However, the painting “Sea View” depicts a quiet night scenery when the tired sea is breathing peacefully under the goldish moonlight and a few small boats are rocking drowsily on small waves.

  • Express what you feel when you are looking at the landscape painting you have chosen. Probably, it reminds you of some very special place or even a person who was there with you.
  • Use comparisons and metaphors which can help you describe the picture much better and demonstrate your own impressions of it.
  • Add some more info about this particular place and shed some light on how the painter’s life was or is connected with it.

Still Life Paintings

Apple on Table

If you are going to draw your inspiration from still lifes to write your essay about painting, then you should pay more attention not to the objects depicted but to the combination of colors, play of light and shadows, as well as to the shapes and arrangement of these objects. Bet that when you hear the term “still life”, you imagine the classic painting with flowers and fruit in a big gilded vase with many volutes. But we are going to come up with something really extravagant.

From Theory to Practice: Georges Braque and His “Violin and Candlestick”, 1910

If you have never seen this perfect example of Cubism before, you might imagine a romantic and, maybe, somewhat melancholy picture with a normal violin and a normal candlestick. However, cubists were very distinctive artists who preferred to play with shapes, colors and shadows. What you will see in Braque’s masterpiece can make you think of the complex collage of blurred figures and shapes among which you will probably discern two violins, a candlestick with a candle, even a shape of a person and many other things which thematically can hardly be related to violins and candles.

Besides a very unusual presentation of rather ordinary objects, one of the most remarkable features of this painting is its palette. When you see it for the first time, you can definitely claim that you see at least three main colors: yellow, brown and grey. Yet, you will be surprised to find out that it is painted in the so-called monochromatic style: all colors you see in the painting are hues of only one particular color.

“Violin and Candlestick” is one of those special masterpieces in which everyone of us can notice different things, tones and moods which, in their turn, will make us experience different feelings.

  • Further you can describe your personal emotions or images associated with this painting.
  • A violin and a candlestick are very meaningful symbols, so you can muse over why the artist depicted them.

Portraits & Self-Portraits

Even though you are sure that you know how to write an essay about a painting, it can be quite challenging to describe portraits. Most of them depict rich people or monarchs who ordered the paintings, so an artist’s task was to portray their customers in the best possible way. On the other hand, portraits keep the spirit of the age when they were created. We can learn a lot about the way people dressed as well as about some aspects and elements of their everyday lives.

Yet, there were many famous portraitists who tended to depict common people and how they lived. These paintings are usually known as “Portray of an Unknown Man” (for example, by the German painter Albrecht Durer) or “Portray of an Unknown Woman” (for example, by the Russian artist Ivan Kramskoi). Probably, such works reveal the artists’ unique styles in the best way, letting them paint different faces as they want to paint them, putting certain emotions and moods in their heroes without trying to add anything that does not belong to them.

From Theory to Practice: Gustave Courbet and His “Le Desespere”, 1845

It is claimed that the artist really liked this very portrait of a young man who looks desperate and frightened. However, he has a handsome face, deep black eyes and the mixed expression of horror and despair does not make him scary or ugly. When you are looking at the painting, it seems that you can read the mind of this young man: he is thinking to himself “What have I done?” or “How could it all be like this?”; and you can even notice how all his thoughts are bouncing around in his head.

The portray is very realistic. The young man is depicted in motion, with his hands over his head and a scream congealed on his bright lips. At the same time, he looks bewildered, as if he did not know what he should do next.

  • You can try to invent a short story and meditate on why this man has this desperate expression in his eyes.
  • Pay attention to the play of contrasting colors and think how it helps to depict the emotions of the portrayed man.

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a painting i like short essay

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Largest Compilation of Structured Essays and Exams

My Hobby Drawing – Essay on My Hobby Drawing in English for Students

May 23, 2020 by Leya Leave a Comment

Table of Contents

My Hobby Drawing – Essay 1

When I was 5 years old, I loved to play with colors. I always used to use my elder sister’s pencil colors. Since then, my love for drawing and painting has increased. Everyone has some kind of habit and hobbies, and in my opinion, everyone should have hobbies. There are lots of benefits of hobbies. It gives freedom to express. It gives wings to the creator. It can be a stress bursting.

Essay on my Hobby : My favourite hobby drawing

As I mentioned above, my hobby of drawing started when I was 5. At first, I was just using colors to paint. I used just to draw some random pictures. I used to draw something every day. That is how I developed my drawing skills. I used to take part in various competitions. I was very interested in taking part in multiple events. I won lots of medals, trophies, and certificates by taking participate in these kinds of competitions and events. Apart from that, when I improved my skill, I started painting for others. I used to draw for my friends, cousins, and family members. I used to participate in school events. I was popular among my friends in my school days. Everyone wanted to make drawing for them. It gave me more motivation to do something new and to upgrade my skill.

Why do I love drawing?

I love drawing because it gave me respect. It made me popular among my friends. One of the major reasons why I love drawing because it gives me wings to fly. I can draw anything which is in my mind. I can express my thoughts through drawing. I draw various things. I draw for a social cause. I draw about the current situation. I love drawing because I can speak through my drawing and painting without uttering a word. I love drawing because this hobby is my favorite timepass. I draw in every mood. It helps me put my emotions on the canvas. Whenever I feel low or sad, I just put my sketchbook out from the cupboard and start drawing anything, whatever in my mind. People call it freestyle painting, it means without any purpose. After that, I feel very satisfied.

Benefits of Drawing

There is no particular benefit of drawing. But if we talk, there are many. There are several benefits of drawing, which I will be mentioning below.

It develops fine motor skills. Any specialized movement of hand, wrist, and fingers are included in fine motor skills. As an adult, you rely more on these fine motor skills whenever you type, write, drive, or even when you text on mobile. Holding and manipulating writing implements represent one of the best ways to improve fine motor skills. The drawing creates immediate visual feedback. That depends on what kind of writing instrument the child is holding.

It encourages visual analysis. Children don’t understand the concepts that you take for granted. Such as distance, size, color, or textural differences. Drawing offers the perfect opportunity for your child to learn these concepts. It helps children to get knowledge about fundamental visuals. To support this fundamental visual, give small projects to your children on an everyday basis. Which will help them get the difference between near and far, fat and thin, big and small, etc.?

It helps establish concentration. Most children enjoy drawing. this activity provides time to establish concentration. It helps children to concentrate. It helps children to practice drawing and eventually, it helps children to concentrate. It helps children observe small details.

It helps improves hand-eye concentration. In addition to improving fine motor skills, drawing enables your child to understand the connection between what they see and what they do. This hand-eye coordination is important in athletic and academic scenarios such as penmanship lessons, as well as in recreational situations. For a hand-eye coordination boost, have your child draw an object while looking at it or copy a drawing that you made.

It increases individual confidence. As a parent or guardian, you probably love to hear what your child has made new today. He or she gains confidence. When your child has an opportunity to create physical representations of his or her imagination, thoughts, and experiences. Drawing can help your child feel more intrinsic motivation and validity. This will make him or her more confident in other areas that may not come as naturally as drawing.

It teaches creative problem-solving. Drawing encourages your child to solve problems creatively, Along with visual analysis and concentration. When they draw, your child must determine the best way to connect body parts, portray emotions, and depict specific textures. Always Provide specific drawing tasks, such as creating a family portrait, and talk about your child’s color, method, or special choices that can help him or her develop stronger problem-solving skills over time.

Drawing events

As I mentioned, I loved taking part in the competition. When competing in the event, I used to meet many more talented people. It motivated me.  I have lots of painter friends now. Whenever I get stuck in the painting, they help me. When I used to participate, I won lots of medals and trophies. It motivated me a lot, too. Several drawing and painting events are happening every day across the world. I used to take part in most of the interschool and state-level competition. I used to take part in online events, too. It helped me know what kind of talents are there in the world.

My future in drawing

I will try to continue my drawing skills in the future also. I am learning more skills related to painting. I am currently focusing on graphic designing and doodling. The world is moving towards digitalization. That is the reason I am trying my hands there too. There is many things to learn from now. I am looking forward to doing that. Moreover, I am very excited.

In the end, I want to add that everyone should have one hobby. It helps a lot in daily life. It helps to build your social image.

My Hobby Drawing – Essay 2

Drawing is something I enjoy doing in my free time and it is my favourite hobby. Although I love to dance and sing, drawing has a special place in my heart.

When I was in kindergarten, my teacher drew a rose on the blackboard using a few simple shapes. I was surprised that it is so easy to create a rose on paper. I tried drawing it in my book and was really very happy when the little triangles I drew started resembling the flower. That was when I started enjoying drawing.

I understood that all complex images can be drawn by breaking them down into simple shapes. I used to follow instructions from children’s magazines on how you can improve your drawing. Recently, my sister has introduced me to YouTube drawing tutorials. Through these videos, I have learnt to draw beautiful Disney princesses and different types of fruits.

Colour Pencils, Crayons, and Oil Pastels

I was taught to use crayons and pencil colours during art classes in school. Later, I started using oil pastels, as these colours are much brighter than the others. Oil pastels add a special colour pop to the painting and these are easy to use, like crayons. There are several artists in the world who specialise in painting with oil pastels. These works of art also look like oil paintings.

The Motivation to Draw

I feel very happy when I complete a painting and my friends admire my work. My teacher has told me that I am very good at colouring. She has also encouraged me to participate in several drawing competitions as a representative of the school. So I take great pleasure in saying that my hobby is drawing.

One of my biggest sources of inspiration is my mother, who draws like a professional artist! She uses watercolours in most of her paintings. I have recently started using watercolours and I feel it is a lot of fun working with this medium.

The beauty of the colours blending into each other cannot be easily expressed in words. I have used watercolours to paint sunsets and to make abstract paintings. I prefer to use the colours in the tube, rather than the watercolour cakes.

Drawing Events

There are several drawing events that people follow these days. Inktober is an annual event where an artist creates one ink drawing each day for the whole month of October. The drawings will be based on prompts that are decided before the event. Artists display their work on social media and other forums for comments and criticisms.

I am looking forward to participating in Inktober this year. It will be fun to see the different drawings that people come up with for the same prompt.

My Future in Drawing

I intend to continue learning new drawing techniques like mandala art, doodling, and oil painting. There is so much to learn out there, and I am excited to try them all! My mother has promised me that she would enrol me into some painting classes where I can improve my skills in my hobby, drawing. I understand that practise is crucial here, and I should try to draw at least one illustration per day to improve my work.

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Painting Essays (Examples)

1000+ documents containing “painting” .

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Painting read monet's the stroll monet monet's.

Painting ead Monet's the Stroll Monet Monet's the Stroll, Camille Monet Her Son Jean (Woman With a Parasol) This painting epitomizes the impressionistic style and artistic philosophy in a number of different ways. If one looks closely at the painting by Monet one can see that the foreground, the sky as well as the dress and parasol are created by many short strokes of opaque paint. This gives the impression of a moment captured and intense movement and dynamism. Essentially the term Impression refers to the ability to take a "snapshoot "as it were, of a moment in reality which is represented in its dynamic flow and beauty. This describes the painting by Monet, which is a good example of the Impressionist style and technique as well as of their distinct approach to art. The following discussion will explore this painting in detail. Overview of Impressionism Central to the Impressionistic school or movement in art is….

Impressionism: Art and Modernity. Retrieved from  http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/imml/hd_imml.htm 

Impressionism - Biography of Claude MONET. Retrieved from  http://www.impressionniste.net/monet_claude.htm 

WebMuseum: Monet, Claude: The Stroll, Camille Monet and Her Son Jean (Woman

with a Parasol). Retrieved from  http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/monet/later/parasol/

Painting Analysis of Jean Helion's 1948 Painting

Painting analysis of Jean Helion's 1948 painting "Grande Citrouillerie" (Big Pumpkin Event) Rather than a traditional harvest painting, as its title might suggest, "Grande Citrouillerie," or, in English translation the "Big Pumpkin Event," has the appearance of a poster or advertisement painted in an art deco fashion typical of the 19th century. The painting shows the form of a twisted, half cut open pumpkin with its inner seeds and hanging pulp revealed. The painting's colors are rich and autumnal in tone. The palate of the painting is made up of brilliant oranges, reds, yellows and burnt sienna. These warm tones convey the sense of the pumpkin's fall harvest season as well as form the lines of the fruit itself. The colors create a sense of seasonality and ripeness, as well as suggest the painting's subject of a ripe pumpkin. The colors' warmth, however, stands in contrast to the 'advertised' nature of….

Works Cited

"Dreams." The Painter's Keys. Quotes: Jean Helion. 2005.

 http://www.painterskeys.com/auth_search.asp?name=Jean%20Helion 

Helion, Jean." Grande Citrouillerie." English translation: "Big Pumpkin Event." 1948. http://www.centrepompidou.fr/Pompidou/Edition.nsf/Docs/IDA826BA170C043D3FC1256F5D004E1C27?OpenDocument .

"Jean Helion." Artnet. 2005.  http://www.artnet.com/artist/21215/Jean-Helion.html

Painting Analysis Jean-Francois Millet 'Priory

His work can be seen as fitting into a wider context of artists working to represent the France their generally well-off and comfortably middle-class and upper-class purchasers wanted to see and to believe in. The purchasers of Millet's works may never have visited the Normandy countryside for themselves, but they could share in its beauty and its spiritual and moral values through Millet's art and the art of other painters like him. The fact that, rather than being dominated by perhaps unappealing figures of the poor and exploited peasantry this picture depicts an apparently attractive and straightforward landscape can only have increased its appeal, in contrast perhaps to some of Millet's earlier work in which the human figures of the workers dominate. This picture is more than the simple, decorative landscape it may appear to be on first examination. A work by an artist whose painting of rural and peasant….

Painting in Question Here Has

Is this a simple soldier pulling away the cadavers of his companions or death itself taking away dear individuals into the unknown? Who is connecting the physical bodies with the symbolic meaning of the stripes painted with their blood? The characters in the background also play an important role in the creation of the painting. With their presence, they create an antithesis to the characters in the foreground. They are dressed in white and, apparently, their expressions are both those of consternation and pity for the victims. Going further with the allegory, this can in fact be seen as the American people looking at the entire people's victims with sadness. Patriotism is a wonderful thing, but the losses and moral impact is also not to be ignored. The creative means by which the painting is made are relevant in building the right atmosphere and perception for the viewer. First of all,….

Painting as an Leisure Activity

Painting as a Leisure Activity History of Painting Humans have been painting pictures since roughly 15,000 to 17,000 years ago. How do we know? The oldest known paintings were found on the walls of a cave near Lascaux, France, by in 1940 (by a dog named "robot" who led four boys into the cave). These extraordinary cave paintings (of very large animals: horses, bulls and stags), were tested through carbon dating and determined to have been done in Paleolithic times. Here are photos of the oldest paintings: http://www.culture.fr/culture/arcnat/lascaux/en/. What's the lure? Why do so many people paint in their leisure time? Painting for leisure was just the right medicine for one of the most celebrated and respected leaders in the history of England, Sir Winston Churchill. While most of the Western world's educated citizens are aware of Churchill's intellect, wit, diplomatic greatness and uncompromising resilience during World War II - especially after Hitler's Nazis had….

Churchill, Winston S. (1950). Painting as a Pastime: An instructive and inspiring

Invitation to the joy of painting. New York: Cornerstone Library.

Il Chiostro Presents (2003). Yoga & Painting in Lake Garda, Italy, with Linda

Novick. http://www.ilchiostgro.com/Garda.htm.

Painting Interpretation Saint Catherine of Alexandria Saint

Painting Interpretation Saint Catherine of Alexandria Saint Catherine of Alexandria was a favorite subject of art during the late enaissance. The painting of Saint Catherine to which this analysis will refer is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was painted by an unknown painter who is believed to have been from the Netherlands and painted the piece in the last quarter of the 15th century. When examining a piece that portrays a famous person, it helps to know something about their story to aid in understanding the piece. Saint Catherine was a Christian saint virgin, who was martyred in the 4th century by Empower Maxentius. Saint Catherine opposed the pagan Emperor for executing Christians who refused to worship idols. She beat the Emperor in a debate about the matter and won. This enraged the Emperor who put her in prison. She was visited by hundreds, including the Emperors wife who converted….

Stokstad, Marilyn in collaboration with David Cateforis. Art History. Upper Saddle River, NJ:

Pearson/Prentice Hall, c2005.

Lewis, K.(2000) The Cult of St. Katherine of Alexiandria in Late Medieval England (Rochester:

The Boydell Press, 2000),

Painting Is Called Passing Storm

III. Conclusion Albert ierstadt is a renowned American painter, best known for his creations of beautiful landscapes from the American West. At the same time, he avoids including any humans in his paintings, which is also the case of the painting analyzed here. According to sources, this has a commercial purpose: offering the impression of the potential buyer, usually from the East Coast, that he is submerged in the nature all by himself . At the same time, the lack of humans in his paintings is probably an attempt to portray nature as pure and virgin, yet unspoiled by the intervention of humans. The painting Passing Storm over the Sierra Nevadas fits quite well in the pattern that has been described in the previous paragraph. Painted in 1870, it comes at a time when the fascination with the West, especially in the urban centers of the East Coast, is still great. At the….

Bibliography

1. On the Internet at  http://www.samuseum.org/collections/collection.php?uid=2 . Last retrieved on August 5, 2009

2. On the Internet at  http://www.xmission.com/~emailbox/glenda/bierstadt/bierstadt.html . Last retrieved on August 5, 2009

On the Internet at

Painting and Experience in the Fifteen Century Italy by Michael Baxandall

Painting and Experience in Fifteenth Century Italy by Michael axandall. The paper presents the thesis of the book, evidence of the arguments put forward by the author to support his thesis, details of the structure of the book, and a critical analysis of the thesis put forward by axandall. axandall's book is a classic of art history, which gives both an introduction to fifteenth century Italian painting, and also a discourse on how to interpret social history from the paintings of a particular era. The main thesis of the book is that the style of paintings in any particular era reflects the social life of the time. He argues that life is lent to the paintings by the assimilation of contemporary daily habits and fashions by their creators. He argues, for example, that Renaissance painting became so vibrant at that time due to the expansion of other branches of the arts….

Bibliography, incorporating copies of many original documents, allows the reader to continue to follow Baxandall on his exploration of these ideas.

How important is the book for art history? Baxandall's book gives us a new, more involved and complete, way of looking at art. The manner in which Baxandall presents his argument is logical, forceful, and ultimately persuasive. His new method of viewing art lends more depth to the study of art history, and to art appreciation in general. His argument is presented in clear, and stark terms, which leaves the argument difficult to avoid or to refute.

Baxandall has given a gift to us all: that of having empathy with the artist, to truly understand where they are painting from, in terms of their motivation, and how they are painting, in terms of their surroundings, supporters and methodologies. This is an invaluable lesson that Baxandall offers, to be well-heeded by students of art history, and lovers of art, in all its many and varied forms.

Never before has such a thought-provoking book been written on the subject of interpreting paintings, particularly fifteenth century Italian paintings, and one's view of art is changed after reading, digesting, and assimilating, Baxandall's arguments. This book, and its core arguments, are central to a thorough understanding and appreciation of art in general.

Baxandall has done students of art history, and art lovers, a great favor in writing this book. Cultural and historical empathy are the way forward for the analysis of art.

Painting in Painting and Sculpture Gallery I In MOMA in New York

MoMA In the Museum of Modern Art of New York City, New York there is an enormous oil painting on canvas which was painted by one of the most famous painters of all time, Pablo Picasso. The piece is entitled "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" which means "The Young Ladies of Avignon" in English, an ironic title which will be made clear. The painting is extremely large, almost 8-foot square. Many of Picasso's paintings depicted scenes he had witnessed and people he had personally known. Although most Picasso paintings are interpretive and representational rather than obvious depictions of their subject, the emotion and authenticity of their subject is still visible to those who understand exactly what it is that the artist is trying to show. It is a large oil painting created in 1907 which depicts four prostitutes from Paris, France. The basic thematic point of the piece is that those who sell….

Works Cited:

Plagens, Peter. "Which is the Most Influential Work of Art in the Last 100 Years?" Newsweek.

2007. Print.

Painting The Magic Circle by

It is surprising in its theme and focus, because it was painted during the Victorian era, when many people were experimenting with seances and other occultism, and yet the general public did generally not accept that. And yet, this painting was, and it was purchased by the gallery shortly after it debuted, showing how much they valued the painting. All of the little details engage the reader, but they all have significance, too. The ravens are carrion eaters who prey on the dead, the snake is relevant to original sin, and the Egyptian motifs are ancient and mysterious. The actual "magic circle" is the red-hot circle in the sand, created by the woman's wand, and the painting is especially engaging and interesting. Every time the viewer looks at it they see something new and arresting, and that is a testament to a worthy work of art. The Tate Gallery invested….

Painting Madame Monet and Her

Claude was growing up so quickly. Soon, he would be a man, and do things like his father and leave her for school, and then for other worldly occupations, like marriage to another woman. Sooner yet Madame Monet would be occupied once again with the new, tiny wearer of the nightgown she was sewing. But for now, the mother and son could simply enjoy one another's presence in the garden. Madame had sewn the blue dress Claude was wearing. Soon she would need to sew long pants for Claude, rather than an infant's dress. Her husband thought that Claude was already getting to old to wear such childish things. But he humored his wife until the next child would be born. Madame had not yet begun to show her 'condition' or to have to let out her own dresses, but it would be soon, she was sure. She smelled the air….

Painting of Munch the Scream

Edvard Munch's The Scream is perfectly poised at the position between several artistic periods and movements including Art Nouveau, Expressionism, and Symbolism, and the painting bears elements of all three of these. As the text puts it, Munch was "prolific, and throughout his life experimented with many different themes, palettes, and styles of drawing. (p. 85). The painting The Scream is clearly influenced by the "sinuous, constantly moving, curving line of Art Nouveau, combined with color dark of hue but brilliant in intensity," (Text p. 85). Additionally, the painting also reveals influences from Gauguin and other post-impressionists (Text, p. 85). The Scream belies the "symbolist tendencies" of Munch, as well as showing how the Norwegian artist would be the forebear of Expressionism (Text, p. 85). Impossible to pigeonhole, Munch's The Scream reveals a combination of Art Nouveau, Symbolist, and Expressionist trends. As an Expressionist piece, The Scream literally does express an….

Loshak, D. (1989). Space, time, and Edvard Munch. The Burlington Magazine 1033, 273-282.

Prideaux, S. (2007). Edvard Munch. Yale University Press.

"The Scream, 1893 by Edvard Munch," (2011). Edvard Munch. Retrieved online:  http://www.edvardmunch.org/the-scream.jsp

Art Painting No Untitled 14 Artist John

rt PINTING No. Untitled #14 rtist: John McLaughlin Paragraph: John McLaughlin was not a formally trained artist and started painting relatively late in life. career in the military and foreign services brought him to Japan, exposing him to different artistic perspectives, forms, and styles. However, Mondrian would influence McLaughlin's artistic influences far more. McLaughlin came to rely on a minimalist color palette consisting often of only solid chunks of black, white, or primary colors. The artist uses correspondingly constrained forms and shapes. champion of absolute abstraction, McLaughlin sought to stimulate "the viewer's natural desire for contemplation without benefit of a guiding principle." Untitled #14 exemplifies Mclaughlin's philosophy of abstraction. Using only black and white in solid architectural blocks, the artist encourages the viewer to speculate on the meaning of art itself. PINTING No. Equivalent rtist: Richard nuszkiewicz Date: 1966 Paragraph: Trained at the Yale University School of rt, Richard nuszkiewicz's career spans several different and seemingly divergent….

Artist: Sean Scully

Paragraph: Sean Scully was born in Ireland, but spent a majority of his life in the United States. He developed a unique style of abstraction influenced by his Irish upbringing. Angel suggests the transcendence of barriers: the left panel of the oil painting is strongly suggestive of wire fencing; the right of a wooden wall as if from a barn. These figurative barriers mirror the social and political barriers extant in the politics of Scully's native Ireland. Because Scully avoids absolute straight lines, there is a natural, organic feel to Angel. Coexistence of opposites like black and white correspond to an unsettling yet paradoxically uplifting mood.

Picasso Painting Critique of Pablo

(oeck, and Sabartes) Also of significance in the analysis of this work is the fact that many of the images used in the painting echo previous works by Picasso. The symbol and image of the bull for example is a motif that appears in many of his works prior to Guernica. (Larrea 11) These and other symbolic images, such as the dying hoses tend to emphasise the central thematic trajectory of the painting. The image of the horse in particular is a devastating image that is rendered in clear lines and stark contrasts of black and white. As one pundit notes, Picasso could imagine more suffering in a horse's head than Rubens normally put into a whole Crucifixion. The spike tongues, the rolling eyes, the frantic splayed toes and fingers, the necks arched in spasm: these would be unendurable if their tension were not braced against the broken, but visible, order….

Bibliography www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=99009989

Boeck, Wilhelm, and Jaime Sabartes. Picasso. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1955. Questia. 27 Apr. 2008  http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=99009991 .

A www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=98067655

Cassou, Jean. Picasso. Trans. Mary Chamot. New York: The Art Book Publications, 1940. Questia. 27 Apr. 2008  http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=98067657 .

A www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=3804692

Art the Painting Techniques of the Impressionists

Art The Painting Techniques of the Impressionists, Cubists, and Fauvists During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries art styles were changing rapidly in France. Impressionism, Cubism, and Fauvism were three of the styles developed during this time. The painters involved were using new techniques with oil paint to change what was accepted as fine art. Their new techniques reflected societal changes happening all around them. The Age of Industrialization, economic fears, and omantic ideology had mixed together to form a perfect storm of revolution all over Europe. The "old world" of the middle ages, with its fixed doctrines, philosophies, and methods, seemed further and further away. Artists therefore sought new techniques that would help them to "create illusions" (as the Cubists did) or to emphasize style over substance (as the Fauvists did) or to reflect a world and way of life that was quickly being lost (as the Impressionists did). These….

Reference List

Johnson, P. (2003). Art: A New History. NY: HarperCollins.

Wolfe, T. (1975). The Painted Word. NY: Picador.

All answers to my art analysis worksheet part one assignment

Certainly! Here are the answers to your art analysis worksheet, part one, with proper spacing and format: 1. Title of the artwork: The Starry Night Artist: Vincent van Gogh Year of creation: 1889 Medium: Oil on canvas 2. Formal analysis: - Line: Van Gogh uses bold, curvy lines to depict the swirling sky and cypress trees. Short, thin brushstrokes are used for details. - Shape: The artwork features various organic shapes like the crescent moon, stars, and swirling clouds. - Color: A vibrant and contrasting color palette is used, with deep blues dominating the sky, complemented by the yellow stars and tree....

Is there anything in the news related to investigation on theft that would make a good essay subject?

Art Heist Unravels: The Case of the Stolen Masterpieces In the annals of art crime, the recent theft of a collection of priceless masterpieces from the National Gallery has sent shockwaves through the art world and beyond. The heist, which occurred under the cover of darkness, has left authorities baffled and the public reeling in disbelief. The Stolen Treasures The stolen works include some of the most iconic and valuable paintings in history. Among them are "The Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh, "The Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci, and "The Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Johannes Vermeer. Their combined value....

Would you be able to provide me with ideas for essay topics on photography essay?

1. The evolution of photography as an art form 2. The impact of social media on photography 3. The role of photojournalism in shaping public opinion 4. The ethics of photo manipulation and editing 5. The importance of composition and framing in photography 6. The representation of cultural diversity in photography 7. The use of photography in documenting historical events 8. The psychology of photography and its influence on perception 9. The future of photography in the digital age 10. The power of visual storytelling through photography. 11. The influence of famous photographers on modern photography trends 12. The intersection of technology and photography in the 21st century 13. The significance of....

Can you help me come up with titles for my essay about The impact that memories have on people

Title 1: "Echoes of the Past: The Profound Impact of Memories on the Human Experience" Title 2: "The Ripple Effects of Memory: Shaping Lives Through Past Experiences" Title 3: "Memory's Tapestry: Weaving Identity and Shaping Destiny" Title 4: "The Memory Crucible: Forging Character and Inspiring Action" Title 5: "Memory's Labyrinth: Navigating the Maze of Past Events" Title 6: "The Psychological Imprint of Memory: A Journey Through Time's Echoes" Title 7: "Memory's Canvas: Painting the Palettes of Our Lives" Title 8: "The Symphony of Memory: A Harmony of Past, Present, and Future" Title 9: "Memory's Mirror: Reflecting the Fragility and Resilience of the Human Spirit" Title 10: "The Legacy of....

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Roxanne Darling

How to Write an Artwork Essay

poster for How to Write an Artwork Essay

Mining Your Artwork for Meaning and Methods

I was recently in a funk with my artwork from so much sheltering in place and the repetition of my schedule, my meals, etc. I am not complaining; I have it pretty easy compared to many others. But the funk is still the funk! So I listened to the audio version of the New Yorker art critic, Jerry Saltz’s, How to Be an Artist . It worked. And led me to write an artwork essay about my current photo series.

One of his points that stuck with me was about placing one’s art in the current moment and not try to fit it into art standards or methods of the past. He inspired me to embrace my tools, my methods, and my results as being part of my creative commentary on today, for today.

This led me to decide to write an essay about my work. I’ve received a fair amount of praise for my self-portrait photo series, I AM: For the Love of Nature . Still, I felt there was more to it than either I or others had fully grokked.

I developed a process for how to write an artwork essay that uncovered all sorts of delightful gems and it helped me situate my work in the context of other artists who seem to have inspired me, unconsciously, while strengthening my unique statement. Since I’m the sharing type, I’m writing it up here for you to use as you wish for your own work.

Before We Begin the Artwork Essay

Last year I came across (sorry, I don’t know where or from whom!) two questions to ask while looking at your work: 1. What is it trying to say? 2. Who is it for?

This almost instantly unlocked a flood of words for me. Some took the form of titles for each image; others fed directly into the poems I’m writing for each image. If you believe that much art is channeled in a way, that inspirations come from the creative brain as much or more than the structural brain, then these two questions can be a gold mine. Even if we plan the shape and size and color and place of a piece of art, there is “always more to the story” in my opinion. Hence — we have many employed art critics!

I have actually asked a few people to write an essay about my series; this has come up when they are talking to me about it and they SO CLEARLY GET IT. Alas, people are busy and life happens, but my essay did not, so I decided to write this artwork essay — myself. One, I would have the end product and two, I expected I would learn even more about what I have made. Spoiler Alert: it worked so well that I am here encouraging you to try this process, too.

Step 1: Make an index card for each piece in your artwork essay.

photo of artwork title index cards by roxanne darling

I am usually a digital person, preferring to have text info on my computer where I can cut and paste, search and sort. But I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth Gilbert and she talks about her writing process using hundreds of index cards. I also know from a lot of writer training, that the mind sometimes works differently when writing by hand vs. typing. (Do read or listen to Big Magic , by Elizabeth Gilbert. Much longer than Jerry’s book, but also a strong call to believe in oneself and move forward.)

On each card, list the title at the top, then start adding bullet point descriptors. I found after doing a few that I noticed categories: colors, point of view of the camera, size of my body relevant to the landscape, and so on. Your descriptors will be unique for your art. Don’t worry about getting it all down on the first card ; I revisited each artwork a few times as more patterns and ideas showed up during the process.

Step 2: Make an index card for each theme or concept.

photo of artwork themes index cards by roxanne darling

You can actually do this step while you’re doing Step 1. Several of these ideas were familiar to me before I started this. A few new ideas did appear as I was describing each artwork. In any case, I think you’ll want to list these elements on their own cards. I grouped mine on a few cards but next time I think I’ll make a card for each concept.

Step 3: Make an index card for each of your inspirations.

photo of artwork inspiration index cards by roxanne darling

For me, this was a lot of quotes, especially from other artists who I admire and who’ve made work similar to mine. This turned out to be really helpful! Before, this information would rattle around in my brain, not knowing where to land. On a good day, I loved that people compared me to Ana Mendieta or that I compared myself to Anne Brigman . But on a bad day, imposter syndrome sat beside me and sang the “Why bother?” blues over and over in my head.

Getting things out of my head and onto paper allowed my mind to move on to the bigger picture , without worrying I was going to lose or miss something. Also, a lot of the quotes were from articles reviewing the work of an artist I admire. That’s been a rich source of inspiration for me to learn more about the artists I like and to study how to write about art and artists.

Step 4: Get a very large sheet of paper to map out your ideas.

photo of artwork concept map for writing an artist essay by roxanne darling

If you’re doing this all in one session, you can get straight to this step. If you’ve had some time away and are coming back, take some time to read through all of your art and inspiration cards. This will move those details back to the front of your brain.

This part gets a little vague and non-specific, as it’s comparable to making a mind map. So start anywhere. I used a pencil so I could erase something if I wanted or move things around. I started by listing the main themes. As I did this, I could see that there were a few top-level ideas going on. Then I moved on to the ideas behind the themes. I ended up using both sides of an 11×14 piece of sketch paper.

Step 5: Start writing the essay.

The first four steps may be enough to help write a concise project statement or title your images or maybe a short blog post. I wanted a formal document I could send to gallerists and curators, though, so this is where the rubber met the road. I started to write the essay in a text doc on my computer. I had my notes in front of me and filed away each artwork and quote card as I used it, so I didn’t duplicate by accident.

I chose to write in the third person , for two reasons. First, I wanted to look at the work as an outsider could, but with the ability to provide my insider intelligence. Second, and this may be mostly bullshit, I felt the essay would have a more authoritative voice. I’m happy with my decision.

I didn’t exactly track my time on the writing. But I carved out some time to birth the first draft and that took a few hours. I’ve learned not to edit as I write the first draft — it lets the flow power through on its own. I let it sit for a day and then came back to do some editing. Surprisingly, it was in pretty good shape! I shared it with my partner, Shane , who is also an artist and a great proofreader. He thought it was really good. Still, I did two more rounds of edits over the course of a week. They were easy and enjoyable as I refined what I wanted to say and what images I wanted to include.

Voilá! The results.

You can visit the website I made just for this project at I AM: For the Love of Nature .

If you want to check out my essay , it’s here as a PDF. The Freedom to Be Found-in Nature by Roxanne Darling

P.S. For the math nerds: The essay took about 20 hours to make from start to finish. This post in and of itself took me about six hours to create. I hope you find something useful in it. Feel free to email me or chat on Twitter . Shane reminds me there are digital platforms that support this type of process of writing and linking things; if that’s your preference you can check out Obsidian app .

Sometimes people ask, so, yes, of course, you may share this! I’m starting to use Pinterest again. Here’s the pin if you want to save it to any of your boards. I also have tiny share buttons below, at the end of every post.

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photo - saying goodbye to my merchandised self by roxanne darling

Essay on Drawing

500 words essay on drawing.

Drawing is a simplistic art whose concern is with making marks. Furthermore, drawing is a way of communicating or expressing a particular feeling of an artist. Let us focus on this unique form of art with this essay on drawing.

 Essay On Drawing

                                                                                                              Essay On Drawing

Significance of Drawing                                    

Drawing by itself is an art that gives peace and pleasure. Furthermore, learning the art of drawing can lead to efficiency in other mediums.  Also, having an accurate drawing is the basis of a realistic painting.

Drawing has the power to make people more expressive. It is well known that the expression of some people can’t always take place by the use of words and actions only. Therefore, drawing can serve as an important form of communication for people.

It is possible to gain insight into the thoughts and feelings of people through their drawings. Moreover, this can happen by examining the colour pattern, design, style, and theme of the drawing. One good advantage of being able to express through drawing is the boosting of one’s emotional intelligence .

Drawing enhances the motor skills of people. In fact, when children get used to drawing, their motor skills can improve from a young age. Moreover, drawing improves the hand and eye coordination of people along with fine-tuning of the finger muscles.

Drawing is a great way for people to let their imaginations run wild. This is because when people draw, they tend to access their imagination from the depths of their mind and put it on paper. With continuous drawing, people’s imagination would become more active as they create things on paper that they find in their surroundings.

How to Improve Drawing Skills

One of the best ways to improve drawing skills is to draw something every day. Furthermore, one must not feel pressure to make this drawing a masterpiece. The main idea here is to draw whatever comes to mind.

For drawing on a regular basis, one can make use of repetitive patterns, interlocking circles , doodles or anything that keeps the pencil moving. Therefore, it is important that one must avoid something complex or challenging to start.

Printing of a picture one desires to draw, along with its tracing numerous times, is another good way of improving drawing skills. Moreover, this helps in the building of muscle memory for curves and angles on the subject one would like to draw. In this way, one would be able to quickly improve drawing skills.

One must focus on drawing shapes, instead of outlines, at the beginning of a drawing. For example, in the case of drawing a dog, one must first focus on the head by creating an oval. Afterwards, one can go on adding details and connecting shapes.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of the Essay on Drawing

Drawing is an art that has the power of bringing joy to the soul. Furthermore, drawing is a way of representing one’s imagination on a piece of paper. Also, it is a way of manipulating lines and colours to express one’s thoughts.

FAQs For Essay on Drawing

Question 1: Explain the importance of drawing?

Answer 1: Drawing plays a big role in our cognitive development. Furthermore, it facilitates people in improving hand-eye coordination, analytic skills, creative thinking, and conceptualising ideas. As such, drawing must be used as a tool for learning in schools.

Question 2: What are the attributes that drawing can develop in a person?

Answer 2: The attributes that drawing can develop in a person are collaboration, non-verbal communication, creativity, focus-orientation, perseverance, and confidence.

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English Summary

Essay on My Hobby Drawing

Hobby is an activity which we do to pass time with enjoyment. Basically, when we are free of our regular activities, we do something which we enjoy. This is called hobby.

We can get mental peace from doing the works we love. They help to add some more knowledge and skills to our past knowledge. A sport like playing football helps one to attain physical development. It develops a sense of team spirit in a person.

I love to draw my mother and father’s pictures on my notebook. They are my favourite drawings. I also love to paint fruits like mango, orange and banana. My mother motivates me to draw more and more. In my school also, everyone loves my drawings. Whenever there is a school competition, my teachers call me to participate. In my home, there is a small room made by my father. In that room, I have kept all the pictures which I have drawn. I have drawn mango, cow, apple, banana and many more.

My mother and father always help me in getting coloured pencils, sketch pens etc. They become very happy because I do not waste time and do my drawing in free time.

Table of Contents

Is drawing good for your brain?

Drawing increase brain function. Art play an important role in mental development and it increases the creative skills of the mind.

Drawing Can Change Your Brain 

It increases creative skill, relaxes the mind. It makes you more happy and resilient. It also improves your memory.

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Essay on Drawing Hobby

Students are often asked to write an essay on Drawing Hobby in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Drawing Hobby

What is a drawing hobby.

A drawing hobby means making pictures with pencils, pens, or crayons. It’s like playing on paper. You can draw anything: animals, cars, or your dreams. It’s fun and you can do it anywhere.

Benefits of Drawing

Materials for drawing.

You need simple things: paper, pencils, and colors. You can use markers or paint too. Keep your tools in one place so you can find them easily.

Sharing Your Drawings

Show your drawings to friends and family. They will like seeing your art. You can also put your drawings online to share with more people. It’s nice to get kind words from others.

Practice Makes Perfect

Also check:

250 Words Essay on Drawing Hobby

A drawing hobby is when someone enjoys creating pictures with pencils, crayons, or other tools. It’s like playing with shapes and colors on paper or a computer. People who like to draw often do it in their free time because it’s fun and can make them feel happy and calm.

Drawing is not just about making pretty pictures. It can help your brain grow stronger. When you draw, you learn to see things more carefully and remember details better. It’s also a way to share what you’re feeling without using words. If you’re feeling sad or excited, you can show it in your drawings.

Starting with Drawing

To start drawing, you don’t need fancy tools. A simple pencil and some paper are enough. You can draw anything you like, such as your favorite animal, a scene from a story, or even a dream you had. The more you practice, the better you get.

Sharing Your Art

Keep learning and enjoying.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong in drawing. It’s about enjoying the process and learning new things. Every drawing you make is special because it comes from you. So grab your tools and let your imagination run free on the paper!

500 Words Essay on Drawing Hobby

Introduction to drawing as a hobby.

Drawing is a fun activity that lets you create pictures using pencils, crayons, markers, or any tool that makes marks. It’s like having an adventure on paper, where you can make anything you imagine come to life. You don’t need to be a professional to enjoy drawing; it’s a hobby for everyone, no matter your age or skill level.

The Joy of Drawing

One of the best things about drawing is that it makes you happy. When you draw, you can forget about other worries and just focus on your picture. It’s a time when you can be calm and enjoy making something beautiful or interesting. You can draw your favorite cartoon character, a scene from nature, or even how you’re feeling that day. The joy comes from being free to create whatever you want.

Improving Your Skills

The more you draw, the better you get at it. It’s like learning to ride a bike or swim; practice makes perfect. You can try copying pictures from books or the internet to learn new ways to draw things. There are also classes and videos that can teach you new techniques. The important part is to keep trying and not to get upset if it’s not perfect. Every drawing you do helps you improve.

In conclusion, drawing is a wonderful hobby that is easy to start and can bring a lot of joy. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, or if your drawings are simple or detailed. The important thing is that you have fun and keep practicing. So, grab some paper and a pencil, and let your imagination run wild on the page. Who knows, you might discover a talent you didn’t know you had, or you might just find a new way to relax and be happy.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Revealed: Harvard Business School’s New MBA Essays For Applicants

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a painting i like short essay

Harvard Business School’s Baker Library.

With just 10 weeks before its first application deadline on Sept. 4th, Harvard Business School today (June 25) revealed a newly revised application for MBA candidates, including a new set of three short essays along with a refresh on how it will evaluate applicants for future classes.

The new prompts?

Business-Minded Essay : Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve. (up to 300 words)

Leadership-Focused Essay : What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become? (up to 250 words)

Growth-Oriented Essay : Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (up to 250 words)

NEW HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL ESSAYS PUT THROUGH BY NEW MBA ADMISSIONS CHIEF

Eagerly awaited by thousands of prospective students and admission consultants, you can bet that the admissions pages of the HBS website were continually refreshed all morning for a glimpse at the new essay. The Harvard Business School essay prompt for the Class of 2027 was posted at 10:30 a.m. with the opening of the 2024-2025 application online.

This year’s change was put through by Rupal Gadhia , who joined the school as managing director of admissions and financial aid last October. A 2004 Harvard MBA, Gadhia came to the school with no previous admissions experience, having been the global head of marketing for SharkNinja robots.

In explaining the change in a blog post , Gadhia noted that “we have refreshed the criteria on which we evaluate candidates. We are looking for applicants who are business-minded, leadership-focused, and growth-oriented…This is your opportunity to discuss meaningful or formative experiences that are important to you that you haven’t had a chance to fully explore elsewhere in your application…Be authentic, be yourself.”

WHAT HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL IS REALLY LOOKING FOR IN THE NEW ESSAYS

The school added some context to its new criteria for admission, more clearly defining what it means by business-minded, leadership-focused, and growth-oriented.

Business-Minded

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about using business as a force for good – who strive to improve and transform companies, industries, and the world. We are seeking those who are eager to solve today’s biggest problems and shape the future through creative and integrated thinking. Being business-minded is about the interest to help organizations succeed, whether in the private, public, or non-profit sector. This business inclination can be found in individuals with a variety of professional and educational experiences, not just those who come from traditional business backgrounds.

In Your Application: We will look for evidence of your interpersonal skills, quantitative abilities, and the ways in which you plan to create impact through business in the future.

Leadership-Focused

We are looking for individuals who aspire to lead others toward making a difference in the world, and those who recognize that to build and sustain successful organizations, they must develop and nurture diverse teams. Leadership takes many forms in many contexts – you do not have to have a formal leadership role to make a difference. We deliberately create a class that includes different kinds of leaders, from the front-line manager to the startup founder to the behind-the-scenes thought leader.

In Your Application: Your leadership impact may be most evident in extracurriculars, community initiatives, or your professional work.

Growth-Oriented

We are looking for individuals who desire to broaden their perspectives through creative problem solving, active listening, and lively discussion. At HBS you will be surrounded by future leaders from around the world who will make you think more expansively about what impact you might have. Our case and field-based learning methods depend on the active participation of curious students who are excited to listen and learn from faculty and classmates, as well as contribute their own ideas and perspectives.

In Your Application: We will look for the ways in which you have grown, developed, and how you engage with the world around you.

TIGHTER TIMEFRAME FOR ROUND ONE APPLICANTS

The new essay prompts come  nearly two months after candidates to the school’s MBA program would more typically know what was expected of them. Some admission consultants say the delay over the prompt’s release, along with nearly a month’s slow down in releasing application deadlines, is “wildly insensitive” to applicants who will have less time than normal to prepare for the round one deadline of Sept. 4th.

That’s especially true because the most successful applicants to HBS have highly demanding jobs that consume the vast majority of their time. Many candidates go through multiple drafts of their essays to get them as close to perfection as humanly possible. MBA admission consultants are expecting a lot of up-to-the-deadline work this year to help prep candidates for Harvard and other top business schools.

The new application still preserves the post-interview reflection for applicants who are invited to a 30-minute admissions interview. Within 24 hours of the interview, candidates are required to submit a written reflection through the school’s online application system.

REACTION TO THE NEW CHANGE IS MIXED

Early reaction to the change suggests the likelihood of mixed reviews. “This is an uninspired and odd set of questions,” says Sandy Kreisberg, founder of HBSGuru.com and an MBA admissions consultant who closely reads the tea leaves of Harvard’s admissions process. “I don’t know how it’s different from what else do you want us to know about you, frankly,” he adds in a reference to last year’s single essay prompt.

“HBS has certainly moved from the abstract to the concrete,” believes Jeremy Shinewald, founder and CEO of mbaMission, a leading MBA admissions consulting firm. “Some applicants previously felt like they didn’t know where to start and some weren’t sure if they had answered the question, even when they were done. Now, the questions are quite straightforward and all have a cause and effect relationship — one where the applicant discusses the past to reveal the present or future. Smart applicants will understand how to share their experiences and, more importantly, how to relay their values. Some will mistakenly try to whack HBS over the head with stories of their epic feats, but the key isn’t to brag or embellish – the key is to simply create a clear relationship, via narrative, between past experience and true motivations.”

Shinewald found it astonishing that Harvard could not have made the change earlier. “It is, of course, surprising that HBS left applicants on edge until the last minute, all to create very traditional essays,” he adds. “As applicants learn in MBA classrooms, change can be hard and take time. The bottom line here is that these essays are somewhat of an applicant’s dream – they allow the savvy applicant to play to their strengths and draw on their best anecdotes and experiences to create a complete story. Some applicants will lament the absence of a ‘Why HBS?’ prompt, but my guess is that the admissions committee recognized that they would get an almost homogenous collection of essays touting the case method and other well known features. HBS gets some kudos for keeping the focus on the applicant.”

Adds Petia Whitmore of My MBA Path: “I think they reflect one of the traits of this new generation of candidates which is that they don’t handle ambiguity well. So it seems like Harvard had to spell out what they’re looking for way more prescriptively than in the past.”

Some, however, find the new essays a return to the past. “To me, the prompts feel quite regressive, and a return to the more formulaic approach that pervaded MBA applications two decades ago,” believes Justin Marshall, a New York-based MBA admissions consultant. “Because the previous prompt was so open ended, it forced applicants to be introspective and self-aware. You couldn’t just ramble for 900 words; you had to identify themes in your life to show how your personal experiences shaped your values, your leadership style, and your goals. Comparatively, these new prompts are much more paint-by-numbers. Applicants will likely cover the same ground in terms of topic, but there’s very little room for nuance and self-expression. I think it will be harder for applicants with less conventional backgrounds and experiences to differentiate themselves. I’m sure HBS grew tired of reading so many painfully earnest ‘life story’ essays, but I suspect they’ll soon find themselves yearning for essays that have a heartbeat and personality. 250 words just doesn’t allow for that unless you’re a very crafty writer.”

Whatever the case, getting into Harvard’s MBA program is still a daunting exercise. Last year, 1,076 of the 8,264 candidates who applied for admission to Harvard Business School gained admission, an acceptance rate of 13.2%, making HBS the second most selective prestige MBA program in the country after Stanford Graduate School of Business which had an admit rate of 8.4%. Harvard saw a 15.4% drop in MBA applications from the 9,773 it received a year-earlier.

Joint degree applicants for the Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Kennedy School must provide an additional essay: How do you expect the joint degree experience to benefit you on both a professional and a personal level? (up to 400 words)

BIGGEST CHANGE IN HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL ESSAY IN NEARLY A DECADE

Joint degree applicants for the Harvard Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences must provide an additional essay: The MS/MBA Engineering Sciences program is focused on entrepreneurship, design, and innovation. Describe your past experiences in these areas and your reasons for pursuing a program with this focus. (recommended length: 500 words). Applicants will also be able to respond to an optional essay.

In any case, it’s the biggest change in Harvard Business School’s application in nearly a decade. The last time HBS made a major switch, moving to the essay prompt it just eliminated, was in 2016. That change to just one essay with no word limit and a post-interview reflection was made by then admissions chief Dee Leopold.

When Leopold applied to Harvard as an MBA candidate in 1978, she had to write eight essays. Over her years as managing director of admissions, she first cut the essays down to four and then one, making it optional, and finally the one last prompt with a post-interview reflection, saying that applying to HBS should not be a writing contest .

a painting i like short essay

OUR BUSINESS CASUAL PODCAST: The New HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL MBA Application:   Fortuna Admissions’ Caroline Diarte-Edwards and ApplicantLab’s Maria Wich-Vila join P&Q’s John A. Byrne to offer applicant advice on how to answer the new HBS essay prompts

DON’T MISS: 2024-2024 MBA APPLICATION DEADLINES or  HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL WILL NOW UPDATE ITS MBA ESSAY 

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Kinky Friedman poses for a photo though a cloud of cigar smoke at home on his ranch in Medina on Dec. 12, 2013.

Essay: Life on the trail with Kinky

A Texas Tribune editor recalls working on the 2006 independent gubernatorial campaign of Kinky Friedman.

You come to see

What you want to see

Yeah you come to see

But you never come to know

— Kinky Friedman, “The Wild Man of Borneo”

Kinky Friedman died Thursday. His obituaries have listed his various endeavors: Peace Corps volunteer, bandleader, provocateur, satirist, singer-songwriter, mystery novelist, essayist, perennial candidate for various offices (Kerrville justice of the peace, governor of Texas, commissioner of agriculture). I’d add Borscht Belt comedian, killer chess player, dedicated cigar smoker and savior of dogs to the list.

He was also, as it happens, my boss when he ran in a four-way race for governor in 2006.

I have never known anyone who worked harder at not having a real job, and I count my own efforts in that regard pretty impressive. His campaign had plenty of career-minded people focused on order and organization. There were a few who seemed determined to avoid not only work or a job but really any kind of useful activity whatsoever.

Over the years I’ve come to understand that this was by design, that this was Kinky’s preference. A level of chaos for him was a feature, not a bug.

Hiring me was just one example: Nearing 50, I had a resume that consisted of pretty much one job: Bass player.

The Kinky Friedman for Governor campaign headquarters in Austin had a store offering a large variety of merchandise, including t-shirts, caps and bumperstickers. Each purchase, at the store or on the road, was recorded as a political contribution.

I joined the campaign seeking to escape a life that was becoming unbearable to me after 30 years as a professional musician. A few years earlier, at a festival in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, two bandmates and I had taken the stage and begun tuning our instruments — the adjusting of monitor levels, the thump of drums and splash of cymbals that precede a live show — when I suddenly felt I could hear every individual thought of every person in the audience. I looked wildly at my bandmates, wondering if it was just me. That condition, which I’m not sure even has a name, only worsened over the succeeding years. Crowds became intolerable, an impossible situation for a professional musician. When I got the call from our former booking agent and Kinky’s first campaign manager, Cleve Hattersley, I jumped at the chance. It was a measure of how much of a musician I was that I thought I was getting a real job.

The first time I remember meeting Kinky was at UT-Austin, an early campaign event. With a large following of students in tow, he strolled the campus, chewing on an unlit cigar and answering questions from a rapt group of students. I was taken with his ease, his sharp and rapid wit and his comfort with tough questions (which I noticed he didn’t actually answer).

The particulars of Kinky's run for governor were never very specific, but his platform was very pro-teacher and public schools, deeply dubious of the death penalty and adamantly opposed to Gov. Rick Perry’s proposed Trans-Texas Corridor, an ambitious but deeply unpopular multinational superhighway, rail and utility corridor that would have cut a gigantic swath across the state.

The Kinky Friedman Campaign's main image was done by Austin concert portrait artist Guy Juke. The campaign relied heavily on the colors for much of its art direction.

Kinky further offered an aspirational vision to voters that was long on slogans, if short on details. It spoke to Texans' deep sense of identity, including distrust of government. "How hard can it be?" and "You can lead a politician to water but you can't make him think" were classic Kinky one-liners, and they appeared on T-shirts and bumper stickers we sold hand over fist. He tapped into a sentiment neither liberal nor conservative: pissed off. Very few people, if indeed anyone, looked to Kinky for policy pronouncements. What drew many, myself included, was an abiding frustration with the status quo.

Unlike the major-party nominees — Perry and former Democratic congressman Chris Bell — the independent candidates, Kinky and former Austin mayor and state comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, faced the difficult challenge of actually getting on the ballot. The hurdles were considerable: get 1% of the previous election’s number of voters (in 2006, that meant about 50,000) to sign a petition. But each signature had to be from a registered voter, and that voter could not have voted in either the Republican or Democratic primary. Voters could only sign one or the other petition — either Strayhorn or Kinky, but not both — or the signature wouldn’t count. And our campaigns would have 60 days, from the primary until May 11, 2006, to gather those signatures, which would then be validated by the Texas Secretary of State.

To maximize those 60 days of signature gathering, we’d have to engage in strenuous campaigning far earlier than the party candidates. When I signed on in the spring of 2005, about 18 months ahead of Election Day, the campaigning was just getting underway. My first job was to paint our first headquarters, a tiny, drafty office in an old two-story building a couple of blocks south of the Capitol. I installed the first computer, a Dell machine with Windows (I spent so much time on the phone with a Microsoft tech support worker in India that I knew her children’s names), set up the first telephone, even had my bike stolen from the alley behind the office.

The teardrop trailer designed by Austin artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade for Friedman's campaign. Widely known as the Gov Bug, it was usually full of merchandise and pulled all over Texas by campaign staff, but it was also pressed into service to deliver some of the tens of thousands of petition signatures to the Texas secretary of state for verification.

We ultimately had two more HQs as the campaign rapidly grew — the second was a former main office and warehouse for a cosmetics firm, offered to the campaign either gratis or very nearly free by a millionaire friendly to Kinky. We were booted when the production crew for the beloved TV series “Friday Night Lights” scouted our building and offered a ton of money to our landlord. I made the producers pony up considerable funds to move us seamlessly and overnight into our new home, a closed car dealership with a big campaign sign mounted high and visible from the adjacent highway. After our campaign ended, Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign took over the spot.

We were on the campaign trail constantly. If we failed to get enough signatures, two years of very hard work would just waft away like smoke from one Kinky’s cigars.

Our approach for getting those 50,000 or so petition signatures was different from Strayhorn’s. She decided to spend huge amounts of money on a firm that would fan out with mostly temp workers. We decided we’d keep it in house, so we bought banks of used computers and engaged many volunteers (we were using Facebook when it was still limited to colleges and universities), as well as everyone on staff, to participate in the gathering. We were therefore able to verify our signatures before delivering them to the secretary’s office, while Strayhorn’s campaign relied on sheer bulk. On the day we delivered all our signatures (in an elaborate convoy led by Austin cops on motorcycles) we knew we had wildly exceeded the minimum. Our total of verified signatures left Strayhorn in the dust.

For a man who avoided real jobs, Kinky was relentless. He was on the road all the time, all over Texas, in front of anyone who’d have him. And plenty would — he was an incredibly engaging presence who read rooms as only politicians and performance artists can. He shared a gifted politician’s knack for making you feel, in a brief one-on-one encounter, like you were the only person in the world. If he had an engagement at 2 p.m., he considered himself late if he wasn’t there by noon. It was a running joke that if he had a noon flight, you’d be driving him to the airport at 5 a.m.

Kinky’s campaign reflected a persistent vein of frustration that has fueled populist insurgents like Ross Perot in 1992 and Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump in 2016. A former Texas governor, George W. Bush, was in the White House, presiding over unpopular wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. In Texas, Perry was in some hot water for his support of the Trans-Texas Corridor. Meanwhile, the Democrat, Chris Bell, outperformed expectations in the end, because the youth turnout from Kinky never really materialized. The conventional wisdom at the time was that Kinky was peeling votes from the left, Strayhorn from the right and middle. The reality was more nuanced. At the hundreds of Kinky campaign events I worked, there were young ideological voters, middle aged and elderly former hippies, resolute Libertarians and future Tea Party adherents. What they saw in Kinky was someone who wouldn’t filter himself, someone whose image was crafted by himself and no one else. It wasn’t enough to win, but with Strayhorn at 18% and Kinky at 12%, it was the wildest Texas election in recent memory.

As a fellow musician, I know the power of authenticity, and I have never met anyone as authentic, as completely himself, as Kinky.

Kinky Friedman kisses a very young puppy at his home on his Medina ranch in December of 2013.

John Jordan, a native of Corpus Christi, was a longtime Austin bass player before he worked on Kinky Friedman’s campaign in 2006. He joined The Dallas Morning News’s Austin bureau in 2008 as an office manager and The Texas Tribune in 2012 as an editorial administrator. He was named deputy director of photography in 2022.

Disclosure: Dell, Facebook, Microsoft and Texas Secretary of State have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here .

Just in: Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney , R-Wyoming; U.S. Sen. John Fetterman , D-Pennsylvania; and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will take the stage at The Texas Tribune Festival , Sept. 5–7 in downtown Austin. Buy tickets today!

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Essay: life on the trail with kinky.

Texas Tribune

By John Jordan

You come to see

What you want to see

Recommended Videos

Yeah you come to see

But you never come to know

— Kinky Friedman, “The Wild Man of Borneo”

Kinky Friedman died Thursday. His obituaries have listed his various endeavors: Peace Corps volunteer, bandleader, provocateur, satirist, singer-songwriter, mystery novelist, essayist, perennial candidate for various offices (Kerrville justice of the peace, governor of Texas, commissioner of agriculture). I’d add Borscht Belt comedian, killer chess player, dedicated cigar smoker and savior of dogs to the list.

He was also, as it happens, my boss when he ran in a four-way race for governor in 2006.

I have never known anyone who worked harder at not having a real job, and I count my own efforts in that regard pretty impressive. His campaign had plenty of career-minded people focused on order and organization. There were a few who seemed determined to avoid not only work or a job but really any kind of useful activity whatsoever.

Over the years I’ve come to understand that this was by design, that this was Kinky’s preference. A level of chaos for him was a feature, not a bug.

Hiring me was just one example: Nearing 50, I had a resume that consisted of pretty much one job: Bass player.

The Kinky Friedman for Governor campaign headquarters in Austin had a store offering a large variety of merchandise, including t-shirts, caps and bumperstickers. Each purchase, at the store or on the road, was recorded as a political contribution.

The Kinky Friedman for Governor campaign headquarters in Austin had a store offering merchandise, including shirts, caps and bumper stickers. Credit: Courtesy of John Jordan

I joined the campaign seeking to escape a life that was becoming unbearable to me after 30 years as a professional musician. A few years earlier, at a festival in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, two bandmates and I had taken the stage and begun tuning our instruments — the adjusting of monitor levels, the thump of drums and splash of cymbals that precede a live show — when I suddenly felt I could hear every individual thought of every person in the audience. I looked wildly at my bandmates, wondering if it was just me. That condition, which I’m not sure even has a name, only worsened over the succeeding years. Crowds became intolerable, an impossible situation for a professional musician. When I got the call from our former booking agent and Kinky’s first campaign manager, Cleve Hattersley, I jumped at the chance. It was a measure of how much of a musician I was that I thought I was getting a real job.

The first time I remember meeting Kinky was at UT-Austin, an early campaign event. With a large following of students in tow, he strolled the campus, chewing on an unlit cigar and answering questions from a rapt group of students. I was taken with his ease, his sharp and rapid wit and his comfort with tough questions (which I noticed he didn’t actually answer).

The particulars of Kinky's run for governor were never very specific, but his platform was very pro-teacher and public schools, deeply dubious of the death penalty and adamantly opposed to Gov. Rick Perry’s proposed Trans-Texas Corridor, an ambitious but deeply unpopular multinational superhighway, rail and utility corridor that would have cut a gigantic swath across the state.

The Kinky Friedman Campaign's main image was done by Austin concert portrait artist Guy Juke. The campaign relied heavily on the colors for much of its art direction.

The Kinky Friedman campaign's logo was designed by Austin concert poster artist Guy Juke. The campaign relied on colorful art. Credit: Campaign website

Kinky further offered an aspirational vision to voters that was long on slogans, if short on details. It spoke to Texans' deep sense of identity, including distrust of government. "How hard can it be?" and "You can lead a politician to water but you can't make him think" were classic Kinky one-liners, and they appeared on T-shirts and bumper stickers we sold hand over fist. He tapped into a sentiment neither liberal nor conservative: pissed off. Very few people, if indeed anyone, looked to Kinky for policy pronouncements. What drew many, myself included, was an abiding frustration with the status quo.

Unlike the major-party nominees — Perry and former Democratic congressman Chris Bell — the independent candidates, Kinky and former Austin mayor and state comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, faced the difficult challenge of actually getting on the ballot. The hurdles were considerable: get 1% of the previous election’s number of voters (in 2006, that meant about 50,000) to sign a petition. But each signature had to be from a registered voter, and that voter could not have voted in either the Republican or Democratic primary. Voters could only sign one or the other petition — either Strayhorn or Kinky, but not both — or the signature wouldn’t count. And our campaigns would have 60 days, from the primary until May 11, 2006, to gather those signatures, which would then be validated by the Texas Secretary of State.

To maximize those 60 days of signature gathering, we’d have to engage in strenuous campaigning far earlier than the party candidates. When I signed on in the spring of 2005, about 18 months ahead of Election Day, the campaigning was just getting underway. My first job was to paint our first headquarters, a tiny, drafty office in an old two-story building a couple of blocks south of the Capitol. I installed the first computer, a Dell machine with Windows (I spent so much time on the phone with a Microsoft tech support worker in India that I knew her children’s names), set up the first telephone, even had my bike stolen from the alley behind the office.

The teardrop trailer designed by Austin artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade for Friedman's campaign. Widely known as the Gov Bug, it was usually full of merchandise and pulled all over Texas by campaign staff, but it was also pressed into service to deliver some of the tens of thousands of petition signatures to the Texas secretary of state for verification.

The teardrop trailer designed by Austin artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade for Friedman's campaign. Widely known as the Gov Bug, it was usually full of merchandise, but it was also pressed into service to hold some of the tens of thousands of petition signatures delivered to the Texas secretary of state for verification. Credit: Courtesy of John Jordan

We ultimately had two more HQs as the campaign rapidly grew — the second was a former main office and warehouse for a cosmetics firm, offered to the campaign either gratis or very nearly free by a millionaire friendly to Kinky. We were booted when the production crew for the beloved TV series “Friday Night Lights” scouted our building and offered a ton of money to our landlord. I made the producers pony up considerable funds to move us seamlessly and overnight into our new home, a closed car dealership with a big campaign sign mounted high and visible from the adjacent highway. After our campaign ended, Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign took over the spot.

We were on the campaign trail constantly. If we failed to get enough signatures, two years of very hard work would just waft away like smoke from one Kinky’s cigars.

Our approach for getting those 50,000 or so petition signatures was different from Strayhorn’s. She decided to spend huge amounts of money on a firm that would fan out with mostly temp workers. We decided we’d keep it in house, so we bought banks of used computers and engaged many volunteers (we were using Facebook when it was still limited to colleges and universities), as well as everyone on staff, to participate in the gathering. We were therefore able to verify our signatures before delivering them to the secretary’s office, while Strayhorn’s campaign relied on sheer bulk. On the day we delivered all our signatures (in an elaborate convoy led by Austin cops on motorcycles) we knew we had wildly exceeded the minimum. Our total of verified signatures left Strayhorn in the dust.

For a man who avoided real jobs, Kinky was relentless. He was on the road all the time, all over Texas, in front of anyone who’d have him. And plenty would — he was an incredibly engaging presence who read rooms as only politicians and performance artists can. He shared a gifted politician’s knack for making you feel, in a brief one-on-one encounter, like you were the only person in the world. If he had an engagement at 2 p.m., he considered himself late if he wasn’t there by noon. It was a running joke that if he had a noon flight, you’d be driving him to the airport at 5 a.m.

Kinky’s campaign reflected a persistent vein of frustration that has fueled populist insurgents like Ross Perot in 1992 and Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump in 2016. A former Texas governor, George W. Bush, was in the White House, presiding over unpopular wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. In Texas, Perry was in some hot water for his support of the Trans-Texas Corridor. Meanwhile, the Democrat, Chris Bell, outperformed expectations in the end, because the youth turnout from Kinky never really materialized. The conventional wisdom at the time was that Kinky was peeling votes from the left, Strayhorn from the right and middle. The reality was more nuanced. At the hundreds of Kinky campaign events I worked, there were young ideological voters, middle aged and elderly former hippies, resolute Libertarians and future Tea Party adherents. What they saw in Kinky was someone who wouldn’t filter himself, someone whose image was crafted by himself and no one else. It wasn’t enough to win, but with Strayhorn at 18% and Kinky at 12%, it was the wildest Texas election in recent memory.

As a fellow musician, I know the power of authenticity, and I have never met anyone as authentic, as completely himself, as Kinky.

Kinky Friedman kisses a very young puppy at his home on his Medina ranch in December of 2013.

Kinky Friedman kisses a very young puppy at his home on his Medina ranch in December 2013. Credit: Todd Wiseman/The Texas Tribune

John Jordan, a native of Corpus Christi, was a longtime Austin bass player before he worked on Kinky Friedman’s campaign in 2006. He joined The Dallas Morning News’s Austin bureau in 2008 as an office manager and The Texas Tribune in 2012 as an editorial administrator. He was named deputy director of photography in 2022.

Disclosure: Dell, Facebook, Microsoft and Texas Secretary of State have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here .

Just in: Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney , R-Wyoming; U.S. Sen. John Fetterman , D-Pennsylvania; and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will take the stage at The Texas Tribune Festival , Sept. 5–7 in downtown Austin. Buy tickets today!

2024 Texas Tribune

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