Giovanni Bellini, Saint Francis in the Desert, c. 1477-1479, oil and tempera on
Giovanni Bellini, Saint Francis in the Desert, c. 1477-1479, oil and tempera on wood, c. 4×5 feet, Frick Collection, New York
STEP ONE
For this assignment, students analyze how the elements of art (subject matter, line, shape, color, texture, etc.) are used in a work of art.
You will select an artwork for this essay from the list provided by Professor Novak. If you would like to switch your artwork with another student, please let me know.
All artwork is from our textbook, and you can also Google higher quality images of your artwork.
STEP TWO
Everything you need to assist you is in the Art Terms and Elements of Art Essay Module:
Formal Elements Sample Essay.
Elements of Art Handout, Subject Matter, Composition and Media Handout, Principles of Design Handout.
To help you, read the sample essay, use the Elements of Art handout (plus the other handouts as needed), and ask me questions!!
Please use the email function in Canvas anytime you are emailing me.
STEP THREE
For your essay, use the sample essay as your guide, and write six paragraphs, in this order, about your artwork:
PARAGRAPH ONE: Describe the subject matter of your artwork.
PARAGRAPH TWO: Describe the use of line in your artwork.
PARAGRAPH THREE: Describe the use of shapes in your artwork.
PARAGRAPH FOUR: Describe the use of color (value, hue, intensity) in your artwork.
PARAGRAPH FIVE: Describe the use of implied texture in your artwork.
PARAGRAPH SIX: Closing summary paragraph.
STEP FOUR
Your essay should be double-spaced, 12 point font, with correct spelling and grammar, and submitted in Canvas as a PDF, Word or in other compatible format before midnight on the assigned deadline. Other formats (Google Drive, etc.), may not be compatible.
No need to submit the image of your artwork, I have that already.
No outside sources (Wikipedia, etc.) other than the textbook are allowed. This is not a ‘research paper’: do not write about the history of the artist or art, the symbolism in the art, or what you think is the story or meaning. (We cover those topics in the textbook and during the semester).
You will receive no credit (zero credit), if you use outsides sources or plagiarize (see HCC policies or course syllabus on plagiarism).
You will receive zero credit if you use ChatGPT or similar AI software or functions. This essay is YOUR observations and discussion about your artwork.
GRADING RUBRIC
All directions followed, turned in by deadline, 10%
Element of art terms and concepts used to analyze and describe your artwork, 80%
Closing summary, interrelationships (how elements work together), 10%
Textbook (optional): Kleiner, Fred S. Gardner’s Art Through the Ages
