Katsushika Hokusai, Amida Falls on the KisoHighway, c. 1833

Describe the artwork in terms of the formal (art) elements and art principles. Imagine you are describing it to someone who has never seen it. You might start with the types oflinesyou see (are they short, long, curved, straight, thin, thick, or zig zag?), and move onto the kinds ofshapes/volumesand the size of them, and the location of these elements, then move ontocolors(bright, dull, light, dark, warm or cool).Make sure to includetextureand use ofspace. Is there an illusion of deep space or is it shallow? Is the space crowded or mostly open?

Include the medium (what it's made of). If you are describing a painting, include the quality of the paint: is it thin like a wash or thick (impasto)? Are there layers?

If you are describing a sculpture, use the sculpture vocabulary: is it an open or closed sculpture? Is it relief or free standing? What is its mass?

Scale (size) is an important aspect to consider, so make sure to include the dimensions. Relate that to how tall you are: would it require you to stand up close to see it or step back, or even see it from across the street? Is it so big you could step into it? Is it about the size of a human body?

If text or symbols are used, make sure to include the character of these letters/words/symbols. What is being communicated? How does that impact your understanding of the work?