Art Description and Appreciation, How to Describe Paintings
Advice is given to describe art as if the viewer is the only one who can see it, stating the obvious and giving many details.
Start with the Artwork Type
Landscape, seascape, cityscape, portrait, abstract, still life, genre scene.
Mention Artist Info
Painter’s name, additional information if known.
Size
Note unusual sizes (miniature for small portraits, triptych for three connected paintings, fresco for wall/ceiling paintings like the Sistine Chapel).
Composition
How objects/people are placed; focal point; foreground/background; symmetry/asymmetry; horizontal/vertical.
Colors
Dominant colors; bright/vibrant/saturated vs. muted/mellow/delicate; warm/cold; contrasting/complementary.
Lighting
Mood setting (clear/bright for positive emotions, dark/shadowy/gloomy for somber); source (natural/artificial); warm/inviting vs. cold/somber.
Details
Art movement (Romanticism, Cubism, Pop Art); painting technique (pointillism); symbolism of objects.
Making Guesses
If details are unknown, make educated guesses about people, actions, relationships, and the situation.
Personal Impression
How the painting makes the viewer feel (positive/negative, calm/energetic, mysterious); whether it’s considered a masterpiece (art is subjective).
Example Description of Renoir’s Portrait
A portrait of a young woman by Pierre-Auguste Renoir is described in detail, applying the outlined principles: asymmetrical composition, dominant blue color palette with shades, natural lighting emphasizing the woman’s face, her mysterious smile, and presumed activity (knitting). The description concludes with a personal impression of calm and beauty.