1. MIDTERM REVIEW & STUDY GUIDE
Feldman’s method Art 1: Foundations of Art
Step 1: DESCRIBE (“Just the facts” & the Elements of Art)
A. Title: B. Artist: C. Medium: D. Year: Elements of Art
Line Value
E. Descriptive Sentence: Shape Texture Space
Color Form
F. 1st MOST IMPORTANT Element & where do you see it?:
G. 2nd MOST IMPORTANT Element & where do you see it?:
H. 3rd MOST IMPORTANT Element & where do you see it?:
TIPS FOR DESCRIBING
When describing Color…
Refer to it in terms of its name (red, green), its value (light, dark) and its intensity
(bright or dull color), also warm/cool, complementary colors, primary colors,
secondary colors, analogous colors, etc.
When describing Space…
Refer to it in terms of two-dimensional (flat), or three-dimensional (deep).
When describing Shape…
Refer to it in terms of geometric and/or organic (natural)
Basically, BE SPECIFIC!
Step 2: ANALYZE ((The Principles of Design)
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
A. 1st MOST IMPORTANT Principle & where do you see it? Balance Emphasis Contrast
B. 2nd MOST IMPORTANT Principle & where do you see it? Movement Repetition
Pattern
C. 3rd MOST IMPORTANT Principle & where do you see it?
TIPS FOR ANALYZING
When analyzing ANY Principle of Design…
Be sure to refer to the Elements of Art that supports that Principle!
EXAMPLE: The REPETITION of BRIGHT ORANGE COLOR throughout the painting helps the
viewer’s eye to move from the bottom left corner, through the middle, and finally, to the top of
the painting.

2. Step 3: INTERPRET ((What does it mean? What is your claim?)
A. Is the artwork Perceptual, Expressive, or Non-Objective ?
REALISTIC RECOGNIZABLE, BUT NOT REAL NOTHING RECOGNIZABLE
(the way it looks) (simplified or exaggerated) (just elements & principles)
B. Why? Be specific about what makes it realistic, expressive, or unrecognizable.
C. What is your claim for the meaning or intent of the artwork? Support your claim with (at
least) 1 Element of Art and (at least) 1 Principle of Design.
TIPS FOR INTERPRETING
Make sure you refer to the Elements and the Principles.
EXAMPLE: The curvy LINES shown in the upper part of the sky create a sense of
MOVEMENT because my eye follows the lines across the painting. This gives me an excited
and energetic feeling when looking at it, so I believe the artist was trying to show the energy
found in nature.
EXAMPLE: This piece is about social class in Europe, because there is EMPHASIS on the
central yellow COLOR(ed) organic SHAPE. The warm yellow looks happy and comfortable, in
comparison to the dull and dark COLOR(ed) organic SHAPE(s) surrounding it. This is a
metaphor comparing the comfort of the upper class with the struggles of the lower class.
Step 4: JUDGE (Counterclaim!)
A. What is an alternate ELEMENT & where do you see it?:
B. What is an alternate PRINCIPLE & where do you see it?:
C. What is an alternate INTERPRETATION? (Counterclaim) Support using your evidence from
your alternate ELEMENT and alternate PRINCIPLE.
D. Conclusion. Pick which is stronger: your claim or counterclaim (or combine them) and say
WHY it is stronger. You must mention something from each one.
TIPS FOR Judging
Your counterclaim should be different from your original claim. Make sure to support your
conclusion with facts from earlier and by giving specific examples from the artwork.
Elements of Art Mnemonic Device Principles of Design Mnemonic Device
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