Art Studies

Figure Composition

Justify your opinion

Justify your answer

There are no right or wrong answers

You have to give your opinion of the art work, based on what you have previously written

You have to write using the correct terminology

You have to write about art work using the visual elements

Remember to answer the question!

Visual Elements

Line

Shape

Colour

PatternTexture

Tone

Form

Terminology

Composition

Subject Matter

Media

Mood

AtmosphereFocal Point

Visual Interest

Aesthetics

Interaction

Example Question

Part (a)

Give your opinion of this approach to ---------. Comment on the use of visual elements and composition. Do you think this is a successful ---------? Give reasons for your answer.

Example Question

Part (b)

Discuss two --------- by any two artists. Explain why, in your opinion, they are successful. Refer to each artist’s approach to ---------.

The following structure can be used to help

answer part (b) and to help answer part (a)

REMEMBER• Question specifics• Correct terminology• Implication of language

Basic Answer Structure – (b)

Two Artists

Two Paintings

Information on each artist

Names, date of birth, place of birth, place of

work, art school attended.

Style / Movement

Historical Information

Information on each painting

Name, date painted, size,

materials used.

Basic Answer Structure – (b)

Remember, you can imply your personal opinion through your use of language.

VISUAL ELEMENTS

Line, shape, pattern, colour,

tone, form, texture.

SUBJECT MATTER

What is in the art work

COMPOSITION

The way the art work has been

arranged

Question Specifics

Make sure you answer what the question is asking

you

Conclusion / Personal Opinion

Based on what you have

previously written

Basic Answer Structure – (b)

Remember, you can imply your personal opinion through your use of language.

'The Bathers'Alison Watt, c.1988, Oil on Canvas, 48 x 48 inches

“2 Schoolgirls” James Cowie, 20th Century, Oil Paint on Canvas, 116.2x115.6cm

“Poets Pub” Alexander (Sandy) Moffat, 1980Oil Paint on Canvas, 183x244cm

“People of Chilmark (Figure composition)”, Thomas Hart Benton,1920, Oil on Canvas, 166.5 × 197.3 cm.

Select ONE image and ONE question at a time. Each answer should take about 15 mins . They are all worth 10 marks.

1. Discuss the artists use of visual elements in creating mood in this painting. Give your opinion.

2. Describe this figure composition. Give your opinion on how successfully the artist has used composition, pose and interaction in creating a narrative.

3. With reference to the artist’s use of colour, form and shape, explain how well they create atmosphere in this painting.

4. How has the artist created tension and dynamism in this painting? Make reference to at least two of the following – line, shape, subject matter, composition, pattern, colour

The following four questions are examples of Part ‘B’ questions for Figure Composition.•If you are Int. 2, each is worth 10 marks and should take around 15 mins to complete.•If you are Higher, each is worth 20 marks and should take around 30 mins to complete.

1. Discuss the work of two artists from different periods whose figure compositions have impressed you. Comment on their working methods, styles and subject matter.

2. Select figure compositions by any two artists you have studied. Refer to the artists use of composition and visual elements. Which artist do you prefer? Give reasons for your answer.

3. Select figure compositions by two artists you have studied. Explain how the artists‘ use of materials and composition have added to the impact of the work.

4. Discuss examples of figure composition by two artists from different movements or periods. Comment on the differences and/or similarities in their approaches and working methods. Explain why you consider them to be important artists.