An educational criticism format for decoding art Aesthetic Scanning An educational criticism format for decoding art

Sensory Properties – Expressive features and characteristics of art that pertain to the work of art. Line Shape/ Form Color Value Texture Space

Formal Properties - Expressive features and characteristics of art that pertain to the work of art. Unity Repetition Contrast Balance Movement/ Direction Emphasis/ Center of Interest

Technical Properties – Medium and technique Technical Properties – Medium and technique. This category works well with original works of art. Identify the medium (watercolor, cast bronze, photography, etc.). If possible, comment on the artist’s technique or craftsmanship. Note anything strikingly unusual about the work (such as paint applied to a photograph).

Expressive Properties – Mood or meaning. What is the work about Expressive Properties – Mood or meaning. What is the work about? What does it mean? Address it in any of the following ways: Mood Language-Does the piece seem gloomy, uplifting, menacing, flirtatious, serious…? Idea(l) Language-Does the work express an idea or ideal, such as peace, selflessness, justice…? Dynamic State-Is there a sense of movement, tension, conflict…?

Questioning Strategies for Aesthetic Scanning Recognizing that students do not scan spontaneously, researchers developed questioning strategies that range from simple to complex. Leading Subjective Parallel Constructive Productive

Leading Questions – encourages agreement There’s a lot of color in this painting, isn’t there? (sensory) Don’t you agree that all those colors convey that these people are having a good time? (expressive)

Selective Questions – offers a choice of answers Is this a watercolor or an oil painting? (technical) Is the balance symmetrical or asymmetrical? (formal)

Parallel Questions – requests additional information Other than blue, what colors do you see? (sensory) Frank said “playful.” What other words could describe the mood of this work? (expressive)

Constructive Questions – asks for specific information in a short answer What shapes do you see? (sensory) What material was this sculpture made from? (technical)

Productive Questions – requires general information in an “essay” answer How did the artist achieve balance in this work? (formal) How did the artist generate this computer graphic? (technical)