Formal Analysis of Art Summary 1

Assignment: Formal Analysis of Art Summary

Axia College of University of Phoenix

ART/101

Assignment: Formal Analysis of Art Summary

 Formal Analysis of Art Summary 2

There are various formal qualities about the painting Las Meninas by Diego

Velazquez that make it very interesting to view. For example, I have observed the

above listed painting through conducting a formal analysis of it, and have

concluded with the following observations and interpretations of my

understandings. The artist has portrayed an image of girls in the midst as if waiting

to attend the wedding. Second, the artist reflects within the painting background an

image of an artist working on a painting, while a mirrored image on the very back

wall depicts what appears to be the King and Queen. These formal qualities used by

Diego Velazquez create many illusionistic effects, just as that of the mirror used to

attract the viewer’s visibility; rather it also portrays reflections of images that reside

outside the view. In addition, the artist here has used three primary focal-points

including self-portrait, half-length, and reflected mirrored images. However, the

dimensions and depth of the painting have been obscured this has been

accomplished through the use of various layers, shapes, colors, and tones that tend

to overlap for outstanding effects.

The formal qualities of Nighthawks by Edward Hopper are also very

interesting yet, much more simple and to the point than that of Las Menias. For

example, after observing through formal analysis I have concluded with the

following observations of my understandings. In this particular painting the artist

has portrayed a café full of people, while within the background stand buildings. The

artist has accomplished many effects through the use of vibrant and rich colors,

which in addition attract the viewer’s attention toward the people. The use of this

vibrant color as well as the combined apparent depth the artist has accomplished a

clean yet, very well structured and organized setting effect. Furthermore, the
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vibrant and bright contrast effect of the café, in addition to the painting title clearly

depict night fall.

References:

Discovering Art 2.0 CD-ROM: