search: Mary Cassatt in the park

Step 4. Analyze: Mentally separate the parts or elements, thinking in terms of textures, shapes/forms, light/dark or bright/dull colors, types of lines, and sensory qualities. In this step consider the most significant art principles that were used in the artwork. Describe how the artist used them to organize the elements.

1. What kinds of colors do you see?
2. What sort of effect do the colors have on the artwork?
3. What shapes or forms can we see?
4. Are there lines in the work(s)? If so, what kinds of lines are they?
5. What sort of textures do you see?
6. Where is the emphasis in the artwork? How did the artist draw your attention to this particular area?
7. How has the overall visual effect or mood of the work been achieved with the use of elements and principles of design?

Step 5. Interpretation: An interpretation seeks to explain the meaning of the work based on what you have learned so far about the artwork. What do you think the artist was trying to say? What is the message that is being communicated?

1. What was the artist’s statement or message in this work?
2. What do you think it means?
3. What feelings do you have when looking at this artwork?
4. Do you think there are things in the artwork that represent other things/symbols?
5. Why did the artist create this artwork?

Step 6. Judgment: After careful observation, analysis, and interpretation of an artwork, you are ready to make your own judgment. This is your personal evaluation based on the understandings of the work(s). Here are questions you might consider:

1. What importance do you find in the artwork? (For example, is it a beautiful work of art, does it convey an important social message, affects the way that I see the world, makes insightful connections, reaffirms a religious belief, etc.)
2. Do you think that the work communicates an idea, feeling or principle that would have value for others?