Art StudiesFigure 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 LineShapeColourPatternTextureToneForm

Terminology Composition Subject Matter MediaMoodAtmosphereFocal Point Visual Interest AestheticsInteraction

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 ArtistsTwo 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, 20 th Century, Oil Paint on Canvas, 116.2x115.6cm

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

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