Assignment Objective: You will write an essay that analyzes a painting of your choice by a local artist and compares it to two other artworks.

Length: Your essay must be at least three (3) pages in length, not counting the title page, images, and references. Include an image of the primary painting you are discussing at the end of your essay as Appendix A.

References: All information sources and artworks used in this assignment must have citations and references formatted in APA Style, including for artworks viewed in person. Valid, accessible links for each source are required and must direct to the specific information or artwork described at that source. Please access the following Artwork citation resource for assistance in formatting your references.

Details: For this assignment, you will choose paintings from local artists in your community or hometown to study their use of the visual elements. The lesson for this unit discussed three approaches that one can take when discussing artwork: technical, historical, and observational. Begin your essay with an introduction that includes identifying which approach you will take and why you chose that approach. Next, discuss your selected painting and its visual elements using your chosen approach. Include two other paintings by local artists that are similar in style, era, or subject matter, and discuss the similarities between the three. After reading the chapter on painting, identify your favorite medium in painting. In 1 to 2 paragraphs, briefly discuss how it differs from other mediums and the advantages and disadvantages of using that medium. Finally, end your discussion with a question for your audience.

Note: If you live in a remote area or are currently deployed, select artists from your hometown or a larger town or city in your region. If needed, please contact your instructor for approval to use specific open-access works from the CSU Library’s Art Appreciation LibGuide resources.