I have prepared an annotated list of links to online resources on visual analysis and writing about art. They contain mostly similar information, but vary in terms of approach and methodology. Sample each site, and then choose one or more to view in depth.

Links to Online Resources

The Artist's Toolkit: Visual Elements and Principles (new window) http://www.artsconnected.org/toolkit/index.html

This site was produced by the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts for audiences in Grades K-12, but don't turn your nose up at it until you've sampled it. It's a very worthwhile resource, and is easy to navigate through and explore. It has lots of interactive material.

Articulation: Learning to Look at Art (new window)

This site was also produced for audiences in Grades K-12, and is another worthwhile resource for learning about visual analysis.

Formal Visual Analysis: The Elements and Principles of Composition (new window) http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/3902/

This site gives succinct definitions of the visual elements, the basic building block of art, as well as an illustrated explanation of the principles of composition. It is recommended for those who are good at reading instructions and immediately translate them into practice.

Writing Skills for Art and Design: Visual Analysis (new window) http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/artdesign/writing/1.xml

This site provides basic initial questions for starting a visual analysis, and also includes some good tips for structuring and writing the finished paper. Recommended: a good sample visual analysis with editorial commentary.

Art, Design, and Visual Thinking (new window) http://char.txa.cornell.edu/

This site is an interactive textbook on visual analysis, as well as an overview of the history of the visual arts. Relevant to this week's study are the first links deal with the visual elements. Other links may not download properly.

The Alphabet of Art (new window) http://www.guidancecom.com/alphabet/alphabet.htm

This site explains the visual elements.

The Online Visual Literacy Project (new window) http://www.pomona.edu/Academics/courserelated/classprojects/Visual-lit/intro/intro.html

This site explains the visual elements.