Art Appreciation
You are the Juror
Now that we have learned about the Visual Language of art, the principles of design and the various
mediums artists use, you have the ability to apply critical thinking to art. When visiting the Art
Institute, Museum of Contemporary art, or any of the various galleries in the area choose two works of
art that draw you in. One of these works will be your favorite or one that appeals to your taste. The
other, will be one that you dislike. Take careful notes and make little sketches about the two works.
Include a picture of the work (if possible). Write an essay, which explains why you picked each work. Use
the writing guide and the following list to help you defend your choices and statements. Ask yourself
these questions:
1. subject (how does the subject relate to the emotional content of the work, or is there a
subject?)
2. medium (what specific medium is used and why does it work with the content of the artwork)
3. style qualities (realistic, abstract)
4. art elements (line, color, value, etc.) give specific examples of where they are used in each
artwork. Also explain how these art elements relate to the content of the artwork.
5. Art principles (balance, unity, etc.) with examples of where they are used in each art work.
Your essay must be a minimum of four pages long, which does not include the title page. Staple your
essay together in this order:
1. the title page
2. the body of the essay
3. the grading sheet
For the title page:
1. Page 1 (although you do not number this page) of the essay will be your title page with all text
centered, as indicated below and as shown in the handout example.
2. title of paper appears about a third of the way down the page:
3. the word “By” about an inch below the title: single space then
4. your name one line below the word “By”
5. and, starting about an inch below your name, include your instructor’s name, go down a line
and enter the course number, down a line and enter the date.
For the essay:
1. Include in the intro paragraph the information about the gallery, where it is located, the show
dates and the type of show it is.
2. When writing about each work always include the title in proper format, artist’s name and
medium.
3. You may write in the first or second person: No I, me, we, us, you, etc. (be minimal about it),
you will lose points for extensive “I’s or me’s”.
4. Each paragraph must have at least 3 sentences.
5. Proper grammar and mechanics is required.
6. Begin with an interesting introduction: finish the essay with a strong conclusion.
7. Margins are one inch all around: everything is double-spaced.
8. Provide typed numbers for every page, either in the top right hand corner or the bottom
center. The first page of your essay is page one. The cover sheet is NOT number 1.
9. The essay must be at least 4 pages in length. Less than 4 pages will lose valuable points.
10. No contractions are allowed. Do not use don’t or ain’t.
11. Use left justify.
12. Obvious filler is avoided in the introduction and conclusions. Do not begin with “In this
essay_____will be discussed,” or end with “In conclusion”.
13. Because you have provided the information about the course and your name on the title page,
do not include this information on your first page.
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