• Length: 750-1000 words
• Format: Double-spaced
• Sources: No external sources or citations required – this should be entirely your own thoughts and words
• Artwork Selection: Choose a piece to visit in person, or use one of the provided virtual museum tours
• File Format: Save as .docx or .pdf for submission

Artwork Selection Options

For this assignment, try to choose a piece of art to visit in person. If you are unable to find a piece to view in real life, you can use one of the following virtual museum tours.

The of seeing a piece in person is to get the full immersive experience, rather than only seeing what’s on your phone or computer. When you go to visit your piece, take some notes to prepare for writing your Formal Analysis.

• OptionDescriptionIn-Person VisitVisit a local museum or gallery
• Choose any piece that interests you
• Take notes during your visit for your analysis
• Virtual Museum Tours
• (select a Museum and Museum View)

Required Essay Components

• ComponentDescriptionDescription of Your PieceProvide detailed description of the artwork
• Include title, artist, , and basic factual information
• Describe what you see in clear, specific terms
• Visual Elements AnalysisAnalyze color, line, balance, , space, ,
• Discuss unity and variety in the
• Explain what these visual elements communicate to you
• Main Point or FocusIdentify the central focus or main point of the piece
• Explain how the visual elements this focus
• Discuss the overall impact or message of the artwork
• Personal ReflectionReflect on your experience viewing this piece
• Describe your emotional or intellectual response
• Discuss how the artwork affected you personally

CAPSTONE RUBRIC: FORMAL ANALYSIS

This rubric outlines how your formal analysis will be evaluated. Each criterion is assessed on a from 0 points to Full Points. Students must resubmit any assignment that does not meet the word count or that is plagiarized.

Criteria0 PointsHalf PointsFull PointsDescription of the Piece

23.75%

The piece is not described in detail.The piece is described in some detail.The piece is described in great detail.Visual Elements Analysis

23.75%

The message of the visual elements is unclear or is not communicated.The message of the visual elements is clearly and partially communicated.The message of the visual elements is clearly and completely communicated.Main Point or Focus

23.75%

The main point or focus of the piece is unclearly communicated or is not communicated.The main point or focus of the piece is clearly and partially communicated.The main point or focus of the piece is clearly and completely communicated.Personal Reflection

23.75%

The reflection on the experience of viewing the piece is not described in detail.The reflection on the experience of viewing the piece is described in some detail.The reflection on the experience of viewing the piece is described in great detail.Language & Format

5%

Appropriate language is not used, and/or does not include proper use of punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. Not double-spaced.Somewhat appropriate language is used, and/or sometimes includes proper use of punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. Generally follows formatting requirements.Appropriate language is used, and includes proper use of punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. Properly double-spaced and meets word count (750-1000 words).