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ARTS - Herzberg: Writing Essays About Art

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What is a Compare and Contrast Essay?

What is a compare / contrast essay.

In Art History and Appreciation, contrast / compare essays allow us to examine the features of two or more artworks.

Comparison -- points out similarities in the two artworks
Contrast -- points out the differences in the two artworks

Why would you want to write this type of essay?

To inform your reader about characteristics of each art piece.
To show a relationship between different works of art.
To give your reader an insight into the process of artistic invention.
Use your assignment sheet from your class to find specific characteristics that your professor wants you to compare.

How is Writing a Compare / Contrast Essay in Art History Different from Other Subjects?

You should use art vocabulary to describe your subjects..

Find art terms in your textbook or an art glossary or dictionary

You should have an image of the works you are writing about in front of you while you are writing your essay.

The images should be of high enough quality that you can see the small details of the works.
You will use them when describing visual details of each art work.

Works of art are highly influenced by the culture, historical time period and movement in which they were created.

You should gather information about these BEFORE you start writing your essay.

If you describe a characteristic of one piece of art, you must describe how the OTHER piece of art treats that characteristic.

Example: You are comparing a Greek amphora with a sculpture from the Tang Dynasty in China.

If you point out that the color palette of the amphora is limited to black, white and red, you must also write about the colors used in the horse sculpture.

Organizing Your Essay

Thesis statement.

The thesis for a comparison/contrast essay will present the subjects under consideration and indicate whether the focus will be on their similarities, on their differences, or both.

Thesis example using the amphora and horse sculpture -- Differences:

While they are both made from clay, the Greek amphora and the Tang Dynasty horse served completely different functions in their respective cultures.

Thesis example -- Similarities:

Ancient Greek and Tang Dynasty ceramics have more in common than most people realize.

Thesis example -- Both:

The Greek amphora and the Tang Dynasty horse were used in different ways in different parts of the world, but they have similarities that may not be apparent to the casual viewer.

Visualizing a Compare & Contrast Essay:

Introduction (1-2 paragraphs) .

Creates interest in your essay
Introduces the two art works that you will be comparing.
States your thesis, which mentions the art works you are considering and may indicate whether the focus will be on similarities, differences, or both.

Body paragraphs

Make and explain a point about the first subject and then about the second subject
Example: While both superheroes fight crime, their motivation is vastly different. Superman is an idealist, who fights for justice …… while Batman is out for vengeance.

Conclusion (1-2 paragraphs)

Provides a satisfying finish
Leaves your reader with a strong final impression.

Downloadable Essay Guide

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay in Art History Downloadable version of the description on this LibGuide.

Questions to Ask Yourself After You Have Finished Your Essay

Are all the important points of comparison or contrast included and explained in enough detail?
Have you addressed all points that your professor specified in your assignment?
Do you use transitions to connect your arguments so that your essay flows into a coherent whole, rather than just a random collection of statements?
Do your arguments support your thesis statement?

Art Terminology

British National Gallery: Art Glossary Includes entries on artists, art movements, techniques, etc.

Lee College Writing Center

Writing Center tutors can help you with any writing assignment for any class from the time you receive the assignment instructions until you turn it in, including:

Brainstorming ideas
MLA / APA formats
Grammar and paragraph unity
Thesis statements
Second set of eyes before turning in

Contact a tutor:

Phone: 281-425-6534
Email: w [email protected]
Schedule a web appointment: https://lee.mywconline.com/

Other Compare / Contrast Writing Resources

Southwestern University Guide for Writing About Art This easy to follow guide explains the basic of writing an art history paper.
Purdue Online Writing Center: writing essays in art history Describes how to write an art history Compare and Contrast paper.
Stanford University: a brief guide to writing in art history See page 24 of this document for an explanation of how to write a compare and contrast essay in art history.
Duke University: writing about paintings Downloadable handout provides an overview of areas you should cover when you write about paintings, including a list of questions your essay should answer.
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Describing Art

What is a formal analysis.

A formal analysis is more than just a description of a work of art. It is an argument based on your own visual evidence that takes a stance and creates an interesting discussion from the formal elements of the work.

How is a formal analysis different from other writing?

A formal analysis presents the difficult challenge of translating the visual (what you observe in the art) into the verbal (what you actually write).
Not only do you have to describe the work, but you also have to use your description to support your argument. You are therefore simultaneously analyzing and describing the work.
All of your evidence and analysis will come from the formal elements of the work.
Carefully choose the work you will analyze — choose one that speaks both emotionally and intellectually.
Take a pad and pencil to record your thoughts while observing the piece. It is good to set aside at least 20 minutes for pure observation.
Focus above all on the formal elements of the work, including line, medium, color, light, space, composition, and style. What feeling do they give to the viewer and what are their relationships to the rest of the work as a whole?
Consider the context of the work: artist, time, historical background, location. These facts cannot be used in your visual analysis, but they can give shape to your conclusion.
Review all of your notes to develop an argument. Try to make connections between the formal issues and the broader concepts of context and personal response to develop this argument.

The conventions for a formal analysis for a work of art is similar to other writing in the humanities. You should have a thesis statement and structured paragraphs, and you should adhere to general rules of grammar and style.

Remember that you are not simply describing the work; rather, you are using your descriptions of the work to reinforce your thesis.

Avoid using the first person since your arguments should develop from the formal elements, not your personal response. Avoid: I was disturbed by the painting. Better: The sharp, heavy lines outlining the figures and the dark blues which dominate the sky in the background give the painting an ominous and disturbing feeling.

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Art History Resources

Guidelines for analysis of art.

Formal Analysis Paper Examples
Guidelines for Writing Art History Research Papers
Oral Report Guidelines
Annual Arkansas College Art History Symposium

Knowing how to write a formal analysis of a work of art is a fundamental skill learned in an art appreciation-level class. Students in art history survey and upper-level classes further develop this skill. Use this sheet as a guide when writing a formal analysis paper. Consider the following when analyzing a work of art. Not everything applies to every work of art, nor is it always useful to consider things in the order given. In any analysis, keep in mind: HOW and WHY is this a significant work of art?

Part I – General Information

In many cases, this information can be found on a label or in a gallery guidebook. An artist’s statement may be available in the gallery. If so, indicate in your text or by a footnote or endnote to your paper where you got the information.
Subject Matter (Who or What is Represented?)
Artist or Architect (What person or group made it? Often this is not known. If there is a name, refer to this person as the artist or architect, not “author.” Refer to this person by their last name, not familiarly by their first name.)
Date (When was it made? Is it a copy of something older? Was it made before or after other similar works?)
Provenance (Where was it made? For whom? Is it typical of the art of a geographical area?)
Location (Where is the work of art now? Where was it originally located? Does the viewer look up at it, or down at it? If it is not in its original location, does the viewer see it as the artist intended? Can it be seen on all sides, or just on one?)
Technique and Medium (What materials is it made of? How was it executed? How big or small is it?)

Part II – Brief Description

In a few sentences describe the work. What does it look like? Is it a representation of something? Tell what is shown. Is it an abstraction of something? Tell what the subject is and what aspects are emphasized. Is it a non-objective work? Tell what elements are dominant. This section is not an analysis of the work yet, though some terms used in Part III might be used here. This section is primarily a few sentences to give the reader a sense of what the work looks like.

Part III – Form

This is the key part of your paper. It should be the longest section of the paper. Be sure and think about whether the work of art selected is a two-dimensional or three-dimensional work.

Art Elements

Line (straight, curved, angular, flowing, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, contour, thick, thin, implied etc.)
Shape (what shapes are created and how)
Light and Value (source, flat, strong, contrasting, even, values, emphasis, shadows)
Color (primary, secondary, mixed, complimentary, warm, cool, decorative, values)
Texture and Pattern (real, implied, repeating)
Space (depth, overlapping, kinds of perspective)
Time and Motion

Principles of Design

Unity and Variety
Balance (symmetry, asymmetry)
Emphasis and Subordination
Scale and Proportion (weight, how objects or figures relate to each other and the setting)
Mass/Volume (three-dimensional art)
Function/Setting (architecture)
Interior/Exterior Relationship (architecture)

Part IV – Opinions and Conclusions

This is the part of the paper where you go beyond description and offer a conclusion and your own informed opinion about the work. Any statements you make about the work should be based on the analysis in Part III above.

In this section, discuss how and why the key elements and principles of art used by the artist create meaning.
Support your discussion of content with facts about the work.

General Suggestions

Pay attention to the date the paper is due.
Your instructor may have a list of “approved works” for you to write about, and you must be aware of when the UA Little Rock Galleries, or the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Galleries (formerly Arkansas Arts Center) opening April 2023, or other exhibition areas, are open to the public.
You should allow time to view the work you plan to write about and take notes.
Always italicize or underline titles of works of art. If the title is long, you must use the full title the first time you mention it, but may shorten the title for subsequent listings.
Use the present tense in describing works of art.
Be specific: don’t refer to a “picture” or “artwork” if “drawing” or “painting” or “photograph” is more exact.
Remember that any information you use from another source, whether it be your textbook, a wall panel, a museum catalogue, a dictionary of art, the internet, must be documented with a footnote. Failure to do so is considered plagiarism, and violates the behavioral standards of the university. If you do not understand what plagiarism is, refer to this link at the UA Little Rock Copyright Central web site: https://ualr.edu/copyright/articles/?ID=4
For proper footnote form, refer to the UA Little Rock Department of Art website, or to Barnet’s A Short Guide to Writing About Art, which is based on the Chicago Manual of Style. MLA style is not acceptable for papers in art history.
Allow time to proofread your paper. Read it out loud and see if it makes sense. If you need help on the technical aspects of writing, contact the University Writing Center at 501-569-8343 or visit the Online Writing Lab at https://ualr.edu/writingcenter/
Ask your instructor for help if needed.

Further Information

For further information and more discussions about writing a formal analysis, see the following sources. Some of these sources also give information about writing a research paper in art history – a paper more ambitious in scope than a formal analysis.

M. Getlein, Gilbert’s Living with Art (10th edition, 2013), pp. 136-139 is a very short analysis of one work.

M. Stokstad and M. W. Cothren, Art History (5th edition, 2014), “Starter Kit,” pp. xxii-xxv is a brief outline.

S. Barnet, A Short Guide to Writing About Art (9th edition, 2008), pp. 113-134 is about formal analysis; the entire book is excellent for all kinds of writing assignments.

R. J. Belton, Art History: A Preliminary Handbook http://www.ubc.ca/okanagan/fccs/about/links/resources/arthistory.html is probably more useful for a research paper in art history, but parts of this outline relate to discussing the form of a work of art.

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How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay: Examples & Template

A visual analysis essay is an academic paper type that history and art students often deal with. It consists of a detailed description of an image or object. It can also include an interpretation or an argument that is supported by visual evidence.

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The picture shows the definition of a visual analysis.

In this article, our custom writing experts will:

explain what a visual analysis is;
share useful tips on how to write a good visual analysis essay;
provide an essay sample.
🎨 Visual Analysis Definition
🏺 Artwork Analysis Tips
✅ Visual Analysis Writing Guide
📑 Example & Citation Tips

🎨 What Is a Visual Analysis?

The primary objective of visual analysis is to understand an artwork better by examining the visual elements. There are two types of visual analysis: formal and contextual.

A formal analysis focuses on artwork elements such as texture, color, size, and line. It aims to organize visual information and translate it into words. A formal analysis doesn’t interpret the piece.
Unlike formal analysis, contextual analysis’ primary goal is to connect artwork to its purpose or meaning within a culture. A contextual analysis includes formal analysis. Additionally, it discusses an artwork’s social purpose and significance.

Usually, students deal with formal visual analysis. Before starting to work on your essay, make sure to ask your professor whether to include contextual analysis or not.

The Purpose of Analyzing Images

Why is visual analysis important? What does it help to learn? There are several things that visual analysis helps with:

It allows students to enhance their appreciation of art.
It enables students to develop the ability to synthesize information.
It encourages students to seek out answers instead of simply receiving them.
It prompts higher-order critical thinking and helps to create a well-reasoned analysis.
By conducting visual analysis, students learn how to support and explain their ideas by studying visual information.

What Is Formal Analysis: Art History

When we look at an artwork, we want to know why it was created, who made it, and what its function was. That’s why art historians and researchers pay special attention to the role of artworks within historical contexts.

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Visual analysis is a helpful tool in exploring art. It focuses on the following aspects:

Interpretation of subject matter ( iconography). An iconographic analysis is an explanation of the work’s meaning. Art historians try to understand what is shown and why it is depicted in a certain way.
The analysis of function. Many works of art were designed to serve a purpose that goes beyond aesthetics. Understanding that purpose by studying their historical use helps learn more about artworks. It also establishes a connection between function and appearance.

Formal Analysis: Art Glossary

Now, let’s look at some visual elements and principles and learn how to define them.

Visual Elements :

Visual Principles :

🏺 How to Analyze Artworks: Different Types

Writing a formal analysis is a skill that requires practice. Being careful and attentive during the pre-writing stage is essential if you want to create a good and well-structured visual analysis. 

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Visual analysis essay mainly consists of two components:

Description of the selected image or object,
Interpretation built on the visual evidence.

During the pre-writing stage:

Collect general information about an artwork. Describe it briefly. Pay special attention to visual elements and principles:
Develop an interpretation. Think critically. What does the information in your notes imply? How can it be interpreted?
Support your ideas. To do it, refer to the visual elements directly. Avoid generalizing art and double-check your prompts.

How to Analyze a Painting Using the Elements of Art

To write an excellent formal visual analysis, you need to consider as many visual principles and elements as you can apply. In the formal analysis part:

Target your description;
Address only those elements relevant to your essay;
Pay attention to visual elements and principles;
Introduce the subject of the painting and describe it;
Explain why you have decided to discuss specific elements;
Discuss the relationship between visual elements of the artwork;
Use the vocabulary terms.

If you are asked to do a contextual analysis , you may want to:

Focus on the historical importance of an artwork;
Explore the style or movement associated with an artwork;
Learn about the historical context and the public’s reaction to the artwork;
Learn about the author and how they’ve created the piece of art.

Painting Analysis Essay Example & Tips

Here is a template you can use for your essay.

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

Now, let’s take a look at an essay example.

How to Analyze a Photograph

Analyzing photos has a lot in common with paintings. There are three methods on which photo visual analysis relies: description, reflection, and formal analysis. Historical analysis can be included as well, though it is optional.

Description . It implies looking closely at the photo and considering all the details. The description needs to be objective and consists of basic statements that don’t express an opinion.
Reflection. For the next step, focus on the emotions that the photograph evokes. Here, every viewer will have a different opinion and feelings about the artwork. Knowing some historical context may be helpful to construct a thoughtful response.
Formal analysis . Think of the visual elements and principles. How are they represented in the photograph?
Historical analysis. For a contextual analysis, you need to pay attention to the external elements of the photograph. Make sure that you understand the environmental context in which the photo was taken. Under what historical circumstances was the picture made?

Photo Analysis Essay Tips

Now that we’ve talked about analyzing a photograph let’s look at some helpful tips that will help you write an essay.

How to Analyze a Sculpture

Visual analysis of a sculpture is slightly different from the one of a painting or a photograph. However, it still uses similar concepts, relies on visual elements and principles. When you write about sculpture, consider:

Visual Analysis Essay on a Sculpture: Writing Tips

A sculpture analysis consists of the following parts:

Description . Include specific details, such as what the sculpture may represent. For instance, the human figure may be an athlete, an ancient God, a poet, etc. Consider their pose, body build, and attire.
Formal analysis . Here, visual elements and principles become the focus. Discuss the color, shape, technique, and medium.
Contextual analysis . If you decide to include a contextual analysis, you can talk about the sculpture’s function and how it conveys   ideas and sentiments of that period. Mention its historical and cultural importance.

When it comes to sculpture analysis, you may also want to collect technical data such as:

The size of the sculpture
Medium (the material)
The current condition (is it damaged, preserved as a fragment, or as a whole piece)
Display (Was a sculpture a part of an architectural setting, or was it an independent piece of work?)

For instance, if you were to do a visual analysis of Laocoön and His Sons , you could first look up such details:

Location: Discovered in a Roman vineyard in 1506
Current location: Vatican
Date: Hellenistic Period (323 BCE – 31 CE)
Size: Height 208 cm; Width 163 cm; Depth 112 cm
Material: Marble
Current condition: Missing several parts.

Visual Analysis Essay: Advertisement Analysis

Visuals are used in advertisements to attract attention or convince the public that they need what is being advertised. The purpose of a visual argument is to create interest. Advertisements use images to convey information and communicate with the audience.

When writing a visual analysis of an advertisement, pay attention to the following:

text elements,
illustrations,
composition.

All of this influences how the viewer perceives the information and reacts to it.

When you write about an advertisement, you conduct a rhetorical analysis of its visual elements. Visual rhetoric is mainly directed at analyzing images and extracting information from them. It helps to understand the use of typography, imagery, and the arrangement of elements on the page.

Think of the famous visual rhetoric examples such as the We can do it! poster or a Chanel №5 commercial. Both examples demonstrate how persuasive imagery has been used throughout history.

How to Write a Visual Analysis Paper on an Advertisement

The presentation of visual elements in advertising is essential. It helps to convince the audience. When you analyze visual arguments, always keep the rhetorical situation in mind. Here are some crucial elements to focus on:

✅ How to Write a Visual Analysis Paper: Step by Step

Now, we’ll focus on the paper itself and how to structure it. But first, check out the list of topics and choose what suits you best.

Visual Analysis Essay Topics

There are a lot of artworks and advertisements that can be analyzed and viewed from different perspectives. Here are some essay topics on visual analysis that you may find helpful:

Analyze Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss (1907-1908.)
The theme of humanity and The Son of Man (1964) by René Magritte.
The use of visual elements in Almond Blossom by Vincent van Gogh (1888-1890.)
Identity and Seated Harlequin (1901) by Picasso .
Explore the themes of Paul Klee ’s The Tree of Houses , 1918.
Objectives, activities, and instructions of Pietro Perugino’s fresco The Delivery of the Keys to Saint Peter .
Reflection on social issues of the time in Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo and Untitled by Ramses Younan .
Analyze the importance of Mural (1943) by Jackson Pollock .
The political message in John Gast’s painting American Progress (1872).
Describe the visual techniques used in Toy Pieta by Scott Avett .
The interpretation of the painting Indian Fire God by Frederic Remington.
Explore the historical significance and aesthetic meaning of Ognissanti Madonna by Giotto di Bondone .
Analyze different interpretations of The Three Dancers by Pablo Picasso .

Photography:

The idea behind Lindsay Key (1985) by Robert Mapplethorpe.
Explore the mythical appeal of Robert Capa’s photograph The Falling Soldier (Spain,1936) from Death in Making photobook.
Describe Two Boys with Fish (2018) from Faith series by Mario Macilau.
Kevin Carter’s Starving Child and Vulture (1993) as the representation of photojournalism.
The story behind Philippe Halsman’s Dali Atomicus , 1948.
Describe The Starving Boy in Uganda photograph by Mike Wells
Analyse the view of a historic disaster in San Francisco photograph by George R. Lawrence.
The statement behind Eddie Adams’s photo Shooting a Viet Cong Prisoner .
How is Steve McCurry’s perception of the world reflected in his photo Afghanistan Girl .
Analyze the reflection of Ansel Adams’s environmental philosophy in his photo Moon and Half Dome (1960).
Describe Girl on the Garda Lake (2016) by Giuseppe Milo.
Combination of internal geometry and true-to-life moments in Behind the Gare Saint Lazare by Henri Cartier-Bresson .
Modern art and Couple on Seat by Lynn Chadwick (1984.)
Analyze the biblical context of Pieta (1498-1499) by Michelangelo.
The use of shapes in Louise Bourgeois ’ Spider (1996.)
Analysis of the symbolism behind The Thinker (1880) by Rodin.
The historical meaning of Fountain (1917) by Duchamp .
Analyze the Miniature Statue of Liberty by Willard Wigan
The combination of Egyptian culture and classical Greek ideology in statue of Osiris-Antinous .
Reflection of the civilization values in emperor Qin’s Terracotta Army .
The aesthetic and philosophical significance of Michelangelo’s David .
Explore the controversial meaning of Damien Hirst’s sculpture For the Love of God (2007).
Analyze the elements of art and design used in The Thinker by August Rodin .
Symbolic elements in the Ancient Greek statues of Zeus .
Depiction of the fundamental aspects of Buddhism in The Parinirvana of Siddhartha/Shakyamuni.

How Volkswagen : Think Small (1960) ad changed advertising.
Analyze the use of figures in California Milk Processor Board: Got Milk? (1993) ad campaign .
Analyze the use of colors in Coca-Cola — The Pause that Refreshes (1931.)
Explore the historical context of We Can Do It! (1942) campaign.
The importance of a slogan in 1947: A Diamond Is Forever by De Beers.
Examine the specifics of visual advert: dogs and their humans.
Describe the use of visual techniques in Kentucky Fried Chicken company’s advertisement.
Analyze the multiple messages behind the print ad of JBL .
Discuss the methods used in Toyota Highlander advertisement .
Elucidation of people’s dependency on social networks in the advertising campaign Followers by Miller Lite.
The use of the visual arguments in Schlitz Brewing Company advertisement .
The role of colors and fonts in Viva la Juicy perfume advertisement .

Visual Analysis Essay Outline

You can use this art analysis template to structure your essay:

The picture shows the main steps in writing a visual analysis essay: introduction, main body, conclusion.

How to Start an Art Essay

Every analysis starts with an introduction. In the first paragraph, make sure that:

the reader knows that this essay is a visual analysis;
you have provided all the necessary background information about an artwork.

It’s also important to know how to introduce an artwork. If you’re dealing with a panting or a photograph, it’s better to integrate them into the first page of your analysis. This way, the reader can see the piece and use it as a reference while reading your paper.

Art Thesis Statement Examples & Tips

Formulating a thesis is an essential step in every essay. Depending on the purpose of your paper, you can either focus your visual analysis thesis statement on formal elements or connect it with the contextual meaning. 

To create a strong thesis, you should relate it to an artwork’s meaning, significance, or effect. Your interpretation should put out an argument that someone could potentially disagree with. 

For instance, you can consider how formal elements or principles impact the meaning of an artwork. Here are some options you can consider:
If your focus is the contextual analysis, you can find the connection between the artwork and the artist’s personal life or a historical event.

How to Write Visual Analysis Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs of formal analysis consist of two parts—the description and the analysis itself. Let’s take Klimt’s The Kiss as an example:

The contextual analysis includes interpretation and evaluation.

Visual Analysis Essay Conclusion

When you work on the conclusion, try to conclude your paper without restating the thesis. At the end of your essay, you can present an interesting fact. You can also try to:

Compare an artwork to similar ones;
Contrast your own ideas on the piece with the reaction people had when it was first revealed.
Talk about an artwork’s significance to the culture and art in general.

📑 Visual Analysis Essay Example & Citation Tips

In this section of the article, we will share some tips on how to reference an artwork in a paper. We will also provide an essay example.

How to Reference a Painting in an Essay

When you work on visual analysis, it is important to know how to write the title of an artwork properly. Citing a painting, a photograph, or any other visual source, will require a little more information than citing a book or an article. Here is what you will need:

Size dimensions
Current location
Name of the piece
Artist’s name
Date when artwork was created

If you want to cite a painting or an artwork you saw online, you will also need:

The name of the website
Website URL
Page’s publication date
Date of your access

How to Properly Credit an Artwork in APA

How to properly credit an artwork in mla, how to properly credit an artwork in chicago format.

Finally, here’s a sample visual analysis of Rodin’s sculpture The Thinker in APA format. Feel free to download it below.

Many people believe that works of art are bound to be immortal. Indeed, some remarkable masterpieces have outlived their artists by many years, gaining more and more popularity with time. Among them is The Thinker, a brilliant sculpture made by Auguste Rodin, depicting a young, athletic man, immersed deep into his thoughts.

You can also look at the following essay samples to get even more ideas.

The Protestors Cartoon by Clay Bennett: Visual Analysis
Visual Analysis – Editorial Cartoon
Visual Analysis: “Dust Storm” Photo by Steve McCurry
Visual, Aural, Read & Write, Kinesthetic Analysis
Schlitz Brewing Company Advertisement: Visual Arguments Analysis

Thanks for reading through our article! We hope you found it helpful. Don’t hesitate to share it with your friends.

❓ Visual Analysis FAQs

To write a visual argument essay, you need to use rhetorical analysis. Visual rhetoric is directed at analyzing images and extracting the information they contain. It helps to analyze the visuals and the arrangement of elements on the page.

A well-though contextual analysis will include:

1. formal analysis, 2. some information about the artist, 3. details on when and where the piece was created, 4. the social purpose of the work, 5. its cultural meaning.

It is better to include pictures in the introduction part of your paper. Make sure to cite them correctly according to the format you’re using. Don’t forget to add the website name, the URL, and the access date.

To analyze means not only to describe but also to evaluate and synthesize visual information. To do that, you need to learn about visual elements and principles and see how and why they are used within artworks.

🔍 References

Art History: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Visual Analysis: Duke University
Writing a Formal Analysis in Art History: Hamilton College
Contextual Analysis: Pine-Richland School District
How to Analyze an Artwork: Student Art Guide
Introduction to Art Historical Analysis: Khan Academy
Guidelines for Analysis of Art: University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Elements of Art: Getty.edu
Formal or Critical Analysis: LibreTexts
Analyzing a Photograph: University of Oregon
Picture Composition Analysis and Photo Essay: University of Northern Iowa
Visual Analysis Guidelines: Skidmore College
How to Analyze Sculpture: NLA Design and Visual Arts: WordPress
Visual Rhetoric: Purdue University
Formal Visual Analysis: The Elements & Principles of Composition
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Art History 101: How to Write an Effective Art Analysis

Image of Michelangelo's the Creation of Adam

This blog post was written by former employee and SLC Writing Services Coordinator Hermine Chan.

Visual culture is an important aspect of the study of the humanities. Art presents a window into the lives and cultures of the peoples of the past, and understanding how to engage with this visual culture can be an asset to the study of history. Yet, it can be daunting to write about artwork, since most disciplines do not constantly engage with art. This article will offer some basic tips on how to engage with artwork and write an effective art history analysis.

1. Artwork as primary source

The first tip to understanding artwork is to look at it as a primary source. A primary source is an “immediate, first-hand [account] of a topic, from people who had a direct connection with it” (“ Primary Sources: A Research Guide ,” n.d.). Now, you can begin the first steps of analysis by finding the basic information about the source. You can start by considering the following questions:

Who is the artist? What information can you find on this person?
When was this work created? What art movements took place at this time period? What significant historical events were taking place?
Was this work commissioned by anyone? If yes, how might this impact the artwork? Who is the audience?
Additionally, “why” questions are very helpful: Why would the artist make this piece? Why did the artist choose a certain colour? Why are the different elements in the painting arranged this way? And so on.

While these are very important questions to ask, it might not be possible to find answers to all of them. That is ok! These questions are meant to guide you in the first steps of writing your paper and provide you with some information and ideas on how to continue your work. Also note that because you are essentially writing a primary source analysis, you are looking for patterns in the work to inform your analysis. You can find patterns by looking at colours, lighting, perspective, and composition.

2. Colours and lighting

Colours and lighting can provide useful information about the artist’s intent. Sometimes artists use these tools to highlight or obscure an aspect of a piece of art. Here is an example:

The Image of The Calling of Saint Matthew

Notice how in this painting, the five men on the right are in focus. Their brightly coloured clothing against the dark background is one way in which their position is highlighted. The lighting also helps to bring the viewers’ attention to the men, especially to their facial expressions.

Here, keep in mind the importance of patterns in informing your interpretations. Consider how the colours and lighting influence the mood of the painting, how they obscure or highlight certain elements, or if a colour has a significant meaning.

Image credit: Caravaggio, The Calling of Saint Matthew , c. 1599-1600, oil on canvas, Contarelli Chapel, Church of San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome.

3. Perspective and composition

Perspective and composition are additional tools artists use to guide the viewers’ attention to the different elements in their works. Much like colour and lighting, the position of certain elements in an artwork can be helpful for interpretation. Some important questions to consider are as follows: What is significant about the position of a certain element? Does the arrangement of the different elements in the piece send a message? If yes, what could that mean? How would this message relate to the other patterns that you have identified?

Here is an example:

The fountain on the left is positioned diagonally from the left of the etching toward the middle, this guides the viewers’ eyes toward the monument and informs the viewers of its importance. Further, the fountain becomes the focus of the artwork because of its size compared to the rest of the buildings in the work. Notice, also, how the lighting in this piece obscures the humans at the bottom of the etching as to not distract the viewers from looking at the fountain.

If you are struggling with perspective and composition, it might be a good idea to come back to the artwork after a break. After the break look at the artwork again and think about the following questions: Where are your eyes drawn to most? Why there? What about the composition or perspective makes this possible? Keep in mind that composition and perspective have to work hand in hand with other tools like colours and lighting. Once you have examined all of these elements, you can identify some patterns in the art so write yourself some notes to help you in the writing process.

Image credit: Giovanni Battista Piranesi, View of the large Trevi Fountain formerly called the Acqua Vergine , from Views of Rome, 1750-1759, etching on heavy ivory laid paper, the Art Institute of Chicago,

4. Make an outline and write a thesis statement

It can become overwhelming to analyze a piece of art, especially if it is your first time doing so. An outline will keep your ideas organized and help you identify patterns easier. Note that the patterns you identify will help you to come up with a thesis statement that drives your argument. So, it is a good idea to keep your ideas organized! You can organize your outline based on the different categories you would like to explore or the individual elements you think are significant. There is no right way to make an outline, but if you need some help you can find ideas here . Additionally, you might benefit from drawing diagrams to categorize your ideas. Write down or highlight the overlaps you notice; they will be very useful when you are working on your thesis statement, because these overlaps signal themes and messages the artists might be conveying. Now that you have gathered your notes and identified some themes, you are ready to write your thesis statement.

5. Support your thesis statement

Once you have a thesis, it is time to support it with your evidence. This might sound difficult at first since your evidence does not come from sentences and paragraphs. Keep your outline nearby and use the visual details that you have already noted to support your claim. Here, you might have to describe some of the details in the artwork to make your evidence appear clearer to your readers. If that is the case, try to be concise and only describe the elements that are relevant to your thesis. For instance, if your thesis focuses on the importance of colours in depicting social hierarchy, you might want to briefly describe the colours used to depict a certain social class. Additionally, think back to your answers to some of the “why” questions presented in this article. You will need to explain your reasoning for focusing on your chosen evidence, so your answers to some of these “why” questions help you to support your evidence. Further, if you have some information about the historical period or the art movements of the time, you can examine the details of the piece of art according to this information. Artists generally depict themes that correspond to the events of their own lifetime, so an understanding of the historical period might be useful in contextualizing your evidence.

Remember that these are only basic tips meant to ease your path in writing an art history analysis. Do not hesitate to ask for support if you need it. Your instructors and TAs are experts in their fields and will be happy to assist you with your assignments. And as always you can book a consultation with a Writing and Learning Peer at the Student Learning Commons at any point in the writing process. Happy writing!

Get in touch! Have an idea for a future blog post? Want to become a contributor to the SLC In Common Blog? Have a writing or learning question you've always wanted answered? Contact us and we'll reply. We read all questions and feedback and do our best to answer all writing/learning strategies-related questions directly on the blog within three weeks of receipt.

Art Essay Examples

Art Essay Examples to Get You Inspired - Top 10 Samples

Published on: May 4, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

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Are you struggling to come up with ideas for your art essay? Or are you looking for examples to help guide you in the right direction?

Look no further, as we have got you covered!

In this blog, we provide a range of art writing examples that cover different art forms, time periods, and themes. Whether you're interested in the classics or contemporary art, we have something for everyone. These examples offer insight into how to structure your essay, analyze art pieces, and write compelling arguments.

So, let's explore our collection of art essay examples and take the first step toward becoming a better art writer!

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Good Art Essay Examples

In the following section, we will examine a selection of art essay examples that are inspiring for various academic levels.

College Art Essay Examples

Letâs take a look at college art essay examples below:

The Intersection of Art and Politics: An Analysis of Picasso's Guernica

The Role of Nature in American Art: A Comparative Study

University Art Essay Examples

University-level art essay assignments often differ in length and complexity. Here are two examples:

Gender and Identity in Contemporary Art: A Comparative Study

Art and Activism: The Role of Street Art in Political Movements

A Level Art Essay Examples

Below are some art paper examples A level. Check out:

The Use Of Color In Wassily Kandinsky's Composition Viii

The Influence of African Art on Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles D'avignon

A Level Fine Art Essay Examples

If you're a student of fine arts, these A-level fine arts examples can serve as inspiration for your own work.

The Use Of Texture In Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night

Exploring Identity Through Portraiture: A Comparative Study

Art Essay Examples IELTS

The Impact of Art on Mental Health

The Effects of Technology on Art And Creativity

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AP Art Essay Examples

A Comparison of Neoclassical and Romantic Art

An Examination Of The Effects Of Globalization On Contemporary Art

Types of Art Essay with Examples

Art essays can be categorized into different types. Let's take a brief look at these types with examples:

Art Criticism Essay : A critical essay analyzing and evaluating an artwork, its elements, and its meaning.

The Persistence of Memory" by Salvador Dali: A Critical Analysis

Art History Essay: A comprehensive essay that examines the historical context, development, and significance of an artwork or art movement.

The Renaissance: A Rebirth of Artistic Expression

Exhibition Review: A review of an art exhibition that evaluates the quality and significance of the artwork on display.

A Review of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Exhibition

Contemporary Art Essay: An essay that explores and analyzes contemporary art and its cultural and social context.

The Intersection of Technology and Art in Contemporary Society

Modern Art Essay: An essay that examines modern art and its significance in the development of modernism.

Cubism and its Influence on Modern Art [insert pdf]

Art Theory Essay: An essay that analyzes and critiques various theories and approaches to art.

Feminist Art Theory: A Critical Analysis of its Impact on Contemporary Art [insert pdf]

Additional Art Essay Example

Letâs take a brief look at some added art essay samples:

Artwork Essay Example

Artist Essay Example

Advanced Higher Art Essay Example

Common Art Essay Prompts

Here are some common art essay topics that you may encounter during your coursework:

Describe a piece of artwork that has inspired you.
A comparative analysis of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Michelangelo's David.
Analyze the cultural significance of a particular art movement.
Discuss the relationship between art and politics.
Compare and contrast two works of art from different time periods or cultures.
The representation of identity in art
The Evolution of Artists' Paintings:
From Traditional to Contemporary Art
The representation of identity in Frida Kahlo's self-portraits.
The significance of oil on canvas in the history of art.
The significance of the Mona Lisa in the Italian Renaissance

Art Essay Topics IELTS

Here are some art essay topics for IELTS students. Take a look:

The value of art education.
The role of museums in preserving art and culture.
The impact of globalization on contemporary art.
The influence of technology on art and artists.
The significance of public art in urban environments.

Tips For Writing a Successful Art Essay

Here are some tips for writing a stand-out art essay:

Develop a clear thesis statement that guides your essay: Your thesis statement should clearly and concisely state the main argument of your essay.
Conduct thorough research and analysis of the artwork you are writing about : This includes examining the visual elements of the artwork, researching the artist, and considering the historical significance.
Use formal and precise language to discuss the artwork: Avoid using colloquial language and instead focus on using formal language to describe the artwork.
Include specific examples from the artwork to support your arguments: Use specific details from the artwork to back up your analysis.
Avoid personal bias and subjective language: Your essay should be objective and avoid using personal opinions or subjective language.
Consider the historical and cultural context of the artwork: Analyze the artwork in the context of the time period and cultural context in which they were created.
Edit and proofread your essay carefully before submitting it: Ensure your essay is well-organized, coherent, and free of grammatical errors and typos.
Use proper citation format when referencing sources: Follow the appropriate citation style guidelines and give credit to all sources used in your essay.
Be concise and focused in your writing: Stick to your main thesis statement and avoid going off-topic or including irrelevant information.
Read your essay aloud to ensure clarity and coherence: Reading your essay out loud can help you identify inconsistencies or any other mistakes.

The Bottom Line!

We hope that the art essay examples we've explored have provided you with inspiration for your own essay. Art offers endless possibilities for analysis, and your essay is a chance to showcase your unique opinions.

Use these examples as a guide to craft an essay that reflects your personality while demonstrating your knowledge of the subject.

Short on time? Let CollegeEssay.org help you! All you have to do is to ask our experts, " write college essay for me " and they'll help you secure top grades in college.

Don't wait, reach out to our art essay writing service.

Take the first step towards excellence in your art studies with our AI essay writer !

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What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples

Published on September 14, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on November 21, 2023.

A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master’s program or a capstone to a bachelor’s degree.

Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation , it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete. It relies on your ability to conduct research from start to finish: choosing a relevant topic , crafting a proposal , designing your research , collecting data , developing a robust analysis, drawing strong conclusions , and writing concisely .

Thesis template

You can also download our full thesis template in the format of your choice below. Our template includes a ready-made table of contents , as well as guidance for what each chapter should include. It’s easy to make it your own, and can help you get started.

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Thesis vs. thesis statement, how to structure a thesis, acknowledgements or preface, list of figures and tables, list of abbreviations, introduction, literature review, methodology, reference list, proofreading and editing, defending your thesis, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about theses.

You may have heard the word thesis as a standalone term or as a component of academic writing called a thesis statement . Keep in mind that these are two very different things.

A thesis statement is a very common component of an essay, particularly in the humanities. It usually comprises 1 or 2 sentences in the introduction of your essay , and should clearly and concisely summarize the central points of your academic essay .
A thesis is a long-form piece of academic writing, often taking more than a full semester to complete. It is generally a degree requirement for Master’s programs, and is also sometimes required to complete a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts colleges.
In the US, a dissertation is generally written as a final step toward obtaining a PhD.
In other countries (particularly the UK), a dissertation is generally written at the bachelor’s or master’s level.

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The final structure of your thesis depends on a variety of components, such as:

Your discipline
Your theoretical approach

Humanities theses are often structured more like a longer-form essay . Just like in an essay, you build an argument to support a central thesis.

In both hard and social sciences, theses typically include an introduction , literature review , methodology section , results section , discussion section , and conclusion section . These are each presented in their own dedicated section or chapter. In some cases, you might want to add an appendix .

Thesis examples

We’ve compiled a short list of thesis examples to help you get started.

Example thesis #1: “Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807” by Suchait Kahlon.
Example thesis #2: “’A Starving Man Helping Another Starving Man’: UNRRA, India, and the Genesis of Global Relief, 1943-1947″ by Julian Saint Reiman.

The very first page of your thesis contains all necessary identifying information, including:

Your full title
Your full name
Your department
Your institution and degree program
Your submission date.

Sometimes the title page also includes your student ID, the name of your supervisor, or the university’s logo. Check out your university’s guidelines if you’re not sure.

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An abstract is a short summary of your thesis. Usually a maximum of 300 words long, it’s should include brief descriptions of your research objectives , methods, results, and conclusions. Though it may seem short, it introduces your work to your audience, serving as a first impression of your thesis.

Theoretical framework

Your literature review can often form the basis for your theoretical framework, but these are not the same thing. A theoretical framework defines and analyzes the concepts and theories that your research hinges on.

Cite this Scribbr article

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George, T. (2023, November 21). What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 2, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/thesis/

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How to write a thesis statement + examples

What is a thesis statement?

Is a thesis statement a question, how do you write a good thesis statement, how do i know if my thesis statement is good, examples of thesis statements, helpful resources on how to write a thesis statement, frequently asked questions about writing a thesis statement, related articles.

A thesis statement is the main argument of your paper or thesis.

The thesis statement is one of the most important elements of any piece of academic writing . It is a brief statement of your paper’s main argument. Essentially, you are stating what you will be writing about.

You can see your thesis statement as an answer to a question. While it also contains the question, it should really give an answer to the question with new information and not just restate or reiterate it.

Your thesis statement is part of your introduction. Learn more about how to write a good thesis introduction in our introduction guide .

A thesis statement is not a question. A statement must be arguable and provable through evidence and analysis. While your thesis might stem from a research question, it should be in the form of a statement.

Tip: A thesis statement is typically 1-2 sentences. For a longer project like a thesis, the statement may be several sentences or a paragraph.

A good thesis statement needs to do the following:

Condense the main idea of your thesis into one or two sentences.
Answer your project’s main research question.
Clearly state your position in relation to the topic .
Make an argument that requires support or evidence.

Once you have written down a thesis statement, check if it fulfills the following criteria:

Your statement needs to be provable by evidence. As an argument, a thesis statement needs to be debatable.
Your statement needs to be precise. Do not give away too much information in the thesis statement and do not load it with unnecessary information.
Your statement cannot say that one solution is simply right or simply wrong as a matter of fact. You should draw upon verified facts to persuade the reader of your solution, but you cannot just declare something as right or wrong.

As previously mentioned, your thesis statement should answer a question.

If the question is:

What do you think the City of New York should do to reduce traffic congestion?

A good thesis statement restates the question and answers it:

In this paper, I will argue that the City of New York should focus on providing exclusive lanes for public transport and adaptive traffic signals to reduce traffic congestion by the year 2035.

Here is another example. If the question is:

How can we end poverty?

A good thesis statement should give more than one solution to the problem in question:

In this paper, I will argue that introducing universal basic income can help reduce poverty and positively impact the way we work.

The Writing Center of the University of North Carolina has a list of questions to ask to see if your thesis is strong .

A thesis statement is part of the introduction of your paper. It is usually found in the first or second paragraph to let the reader know your research purpose from the beginning.

In general, a thesis statement should have one or two sentences. But the length really depends on the overall length of your project. Take a look at our guide about the length of thesis statements for more insight on this topic.

Here is a list of Thesis Statement Examples that will help you understand better how to write them.

Every good essay should include a thesis statement as part of its introduction, no matter the academic level. Of course, if you are a high school student you are not expected to have the same type of thesis as a PhD student.

Here is a great YouTube tutorial showing How To Write An Essay: Thesis Statements .

How to Write a Thesis Statement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a thesis statement is an essential step in academic writing, yet it often proves to be a stumbling block for many students. Imagine trying to construct a building without a foundation; it’s bound to collapse. In the same way, your thesis statement serves as the foundation of your essay or research paper. It outlines your main point and guides your readers on what to expect as they navigate your work.

Without a strong thesis statement, your paper lacks direction and focus. The process may initially seem daunting, especially if you are a beginner or tackling a complex topic. However, crafting a powerful thesis statement doesn’t have to be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the process for you. So let’s dive in and explore how to write thesis statement that will lay a robust foundation for your academic endeavors.

What Is a Thesis Statement?

The term ‘thesis statement’ can be somewhat intimidating, but it’s simpler than it sounds. A thesis statement is a single sentence that encapsulates the main point or argument you’ll be making in your paper.

Think of it as the heart of your essay or research paper, pumping life and direction into your work. This sentence provides a snapshot of what the reader can expect through your writing. It summarizes your argument, offers insight into your perspective, and provides a roadmap for the entire paper.

A well-crafted thesis statement makes it easier for you to organize your ideas and for your readers to understand them. So, it serves a dual purpose: providing a guide for you as you write and offering a roadmap for your readers as they read.

A thesis statement is not just a topic; it is a complete sentence that says something about that topic. It is not merely an observation; it’s a claim that you will back up with evidence and examples. For instance, stating that “The Internet has changed human life” would be a weak thesis statement because it simply describes a fact. A stronger thesis statement would be: “The Internet has revolutionized human life by democratizing information, fostering global connections, and transforming social interaction.”

Where to Place a Thesis Statement?

When crafting an essay or research paper, the placement of your thesis statement matters as much as the statement itself. Typically, you’ll find the thesis statement at the end of your introductory paragraph. This strategic placement serves several crucial functions.

First, it allows you to present background information or context before hitting the reader with your main point. Second, placing the thesis at the end of the introduction serves as a transition to the body of your paper, effectively signaling to the reader that the introduction is over and the core argument is about to begin. Whether you use a thesis generator or write yourself, a thesis statement has the same place.

Think of it as a guidepost that informs your reader, “Here’s what this paper will focus on, so pay attention.” While some exceptions may be based on stylistic preferences or specific assignment guidelines, adhering to this general rule of thumb will serve you well in most academic writing scenarios.

To reiterate, putting your thesis statement at the end of the introductory paragraph ensures that it is readily found by the reader, thereby providing a roadmap for the rest of your paper.

How to Write a Thesis Statement: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: understand the assignment.

Before you embark on the journey of crafting your thesis statement, it’s imperative that you fully grasp the assignment’s requirements. Take time to read through the assignment prompt multiple times. If there are any terms or phrases you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to consult your instructor or classmates.

Misunderstanding the assignment could result in an off-target thesis statement, undermining the entire essay or research paper. Some assignments are more straightforward than others. For instance, if you’re asked to analyze a particular issue, your thesis will naturally lean towards an analytical style. Knowing the assignment’s objectives inside-out is the first cornerstone in writing a relevant and strong thesis statement.

Step 2: Conduct Preliminary Research

Jumping straight into writing a thesis statement without first conducting some basic research is like trying to hit a target in the dark; you’re setting yourself up for failure. Use academic databases, reputable journals, and other credible sources to gather information about your topic.

This preliminary research will provide the background to understand the various perspectives on the topic and help you form your viewpoint. Understanding the nuances of your topic will allow you to craft a thesis statement that is strong but also compelling and well-informed.

Step 3: Identify Your Main Point

Now that you have conducted preliminary research, it’s time to hone in on your main point. This is essentially what you’re trying to argue or convey in your paper. Remember, your thesis statement isn’t just stating a fact; it’s making a claim that you will back up with evidence later on. It should be something you can support through your research or logical reasoning.

Identifying your main point might require some brainstorming and plenty of introspection. The clearer your main point, the clearer your thesis statement—and the easier it will be to write the rest of your paper.

Step 4: Write a Draft

When you clearly understand the assignment, have conducted your preliminary research, and have identified your main point, you’re ready to draft your thesis statement. Don’t aim for perfection here; your goal is to get your ideas down in one clear and concise sentence. This draft gives you something to work with and build upon. It serves as the backbone of your paper, helping you and your readers stay focused. Keep it simple but clear; complexity at this stage can only make the process more challenging.

Step 5: Be Specific

Ambiguity is the enemy when you’re writing a thesis statement. Your statement should be as specific as possible, summarizing your main point in a way that clarifies what your paper will be about.

Now is the time to refine your draft and flesh out your thesis statement by adding elements that make it more specific. This could include clarifying your position, indicating the significance of your claim, or even specifying the groups or individuals your claim pertains to.

For example, instead of saying, “Social media has impacted human interaction,” you could say, “Social media has negatively impacted the quality of human interaction among teenagers.”

Step 6: Use Active Voice

Active voice tends to be more direct and clearer than passive voice, often making sentences harder to follow. For instance, instead of saying, “It is believed by many that climate change is caused by human activity,” you can more effectively say, “Many believe that human activity causes climate change.” Active voice focuses on the subject and action, making your thesis statement more impactful and easier to understand.

Step 7: Revise

Your first draft is just that—a draft. It’s rare to get a thesis statement perfect on the first try. Be prepared to revise it multiple times to align it more closely with your paper’s objectives. Each revision should refine your thesis, making it clearer, stronger, and more aligned with the content of your paper. Revising also allows you to clarify your argument and eliminate any ambiguities that might confuse your readers.

Step 8: Get Feedback

Once you’ve revised your thesis statement to your satisfaction, it’s always a good idea to get feedback before finalizing it. Consult with your instructor, classmates, or academic advisors. They can offer a fresh perspective and may catch mistakes or ambiguities you didn’t notice. Feedback can also provide insights that help you further strengthen your thesis statement.

By following these eight steps in a focused and methodical manner, you can demystify the process of writing a thesis statement. It may seem like a formidable task at first, but it becomes much more manageable and achievable with patience, diligence, and a systematic approach.

Types of Thesis Statements

When writing a thesis statement, it’s crucial to understand that not all are created equal. The type of thesis statement you choose depends on the kind of paper you’re writing. You can specify the type to thesis writing services you have hired. Here are the most common types:

Analytical Thesis Statement: In an analytical paper, you are breaking down an issue into its components, evaluating the issue, and presenting this breakdown and evaluation to the audience. An example would be, “The rise of gig economy jobs can be attributed to technological advances, changing workforce demographics, and shifting societal attitudes towards flexible work schedules.”

Expository Thesis Statement: This type is usually found in expository essays where the goal is to explain a topic in a straightforward and logical manner. For example, “The process of photosynthesis involves several steps, including light absorption, carbon dioxide intake, and oxygen release.”

Argumentative Thesis Statement: Here, you’re making a claim that you will back up with evidence. For instance, “Governments should invest more in renewable energy sources because they are more sustainable and less harmful to the environment than fossil fuels.”

Compare and Contrast Thesis Statement: This type is often used in compare-and-contrast essays to show how two subjects are similar and different. For example, “Although both fruits, apples and oranges differ in taste, texture, and nutritional value.”

You can more effectively convey your message by identifying the thesis statement you need to write. Tailoring your thesis statement to suit the style of your paper can make a significant difference in how your readers receive and understand your points.

Qualities of a Strong Thesis Statement

Clarity and conciseness.

Clarity in a thesis statement means that the main idea you’re trying to convey is understandable at first glance. There should be no ambiguity that leaves the reader guessing what you’re trying to say. Being concise is also important.

Long, complex sentences can confuse readers. A concise thesis statement gets straight to the point, allowing the reader to quickly understand your stance. This focused approach ensures that your audience immediately grasps your argument, setting a clear direction for the remainder of your paper.

Specificity

A specific thesis statement is like a roadmap for your readers; it tells them what to expect as they read your paper. General or vague statements don’t provide much guidance. Instead of saying, “Technology has changed our lives,” you could say, “The advent of smartphones has drastically altered our daily routines by making access to information instant.”

The latter not only specifies the type of technology but also how it has changed daily routines, offering a clear guidepost for both you as the writer and your audience.

Arguability

A thesis statement should present a claim or an argument that invites debate or discussion. If your thesis statement is universally agreed upon, then there’s little to argue or discuss. For example, saying, “Pollution is bad for the environment,” is not arguable because it’s a widely accepted fact. Instead, you might say, “Government regulations on pollution are insufficient and fail to protect vulnerable communities.” This statement presents a claim that people can argue for or against, thus adding depth and substance to your paper.

Relevance ensures that your thesis statement is tightly connected to the topic and directly answers the assignment or essay question. If your paper is about the impact of social media on mental health, a thesis statement about the economic benefits of social media would be irrelevant. Always align your thesis with the main theme and objectives of your paper. A relevant thesis makes for a coherent and focused essay or research paper.

Supported by Evidence

A strong thesis statement is not just a statement of your opinion; it should be a claim you can back up with concrete evidence. Your thesis should have a solid foundation, whether it’s data from a scientific study, expert quotations, or real-world examples. This lends credibility to your thesis and makes it more compelling. Remember, a thesis without evidence is just an unsupported opinion and will not stand up to scrutiny.

A coherent thesis statement logically flows with the rest of your paper. It should harmonize with your introduction, conclusion, and topic sentences. Think of your thesis as the backbone of your paper; all other parts must connect to it meaningfully. A coherent thesis statement sets the stage for a well-structured, logical argument throughout your paper.

Originality

While your thesis statement doesn’t need to present a groundbreaking revelation, it should offer a fresh perspective or a new interpretation of existing data or viewpoints. Originality sets your paper apart and engages your reader.

Even discussing a well-trodden issue, try to find a unique angle that offers something new. For example, if you’re writing about gender roles, instead of stating, “Gender roles have changed over time,” you could say, “The concept of masculinity has evolved more slowly compared to femininity over the past fifty years.”

How Long Should a Thesis Statement Be?

The length of a thesis statement can vary, but it’s generally comprised of one to two sentences. The key is to be as clear and specific as possible while conveying your main point effectively. Overlong thesis statements can confuse the reader or muddy the main point.

Conversely, too short a thesis may lack sufficient information to give the reader an idea of what the paper is about. Aim for a thesis statement that is concise yet comprehensive enough to cover the main point or argument you will discuss in your paper.

Where Does the Thesis Statement Go?

The thesis statement typically appears at the end of the introduction paragraph in an academic essay or research paper. Its placement here allows it to introduce the main point and set the tone for the rest of the paper.

The introduction captures the reader’s attention and provides some background on the topic, leading naturally into the thesis statement, which then transitions the reader into the body of the paper. It serves as a bridge between the general topic at the beginning and the specific content that is to follow.

How Do I Know if My Thesis is Strong?

Determining the strength of your thesis statement involves checking for several key qualities: clarity, conciseness, specificity, arguability, relevance, and evidence backing. If your thesis statement clearly communicates your paper’s main point and does so in a concise way, it’s off to a strong start.

Can a Thesis Statement Be a Question?

While thesis statements are traditionally declarative sentences, using a rhetorical question as a thesis statement can sometimes be effective. However, this approach is often considered less formal and may not be suitable for scholarly papers. The objective of a thesis statement is to make a claim, and questions generally do not accomplish that.

When Should I Write My Thesis Statement?

It’s often beneficial to draft a preliminary thesis statement before you begin your research, as it can guide your information gathering. However, be prepared to revise or even rewrite your thesis after reviewing your research findings. It’s not uncommon for a thesis to evolve as the paper develops.

Writing a thesis statement is far from a trivial endeavor; it’s an essential component that determines the strength and focus of your academic paper. Every step is crucial, from understanding a thesis statement to knowing where to place it, from identifying the types to realizing the qualities of a robust statement.

When crafted carefully, your thesis statement can serve as a powerful tool that outlines your main point and sets the tone and direction for the entire paper. Remember, your thesis is like a mini-summary of your paper. It prepares the reader for what’s to come and offers a concise but complete overview of your argument.

Take your time, revise multiple times, and don’t hesitate to seek feedback. Once your thesis statement is strong and clear, you’ll find that the rest of your paper comes together more easily, helping you excel in your academic endeavors.

If you are burdened with other academic tasks and finding it difficult to start with your thesis writing, hiring a My Essay Writer can be a big sigh of relief. From writing good thesis statements to well-researched essays, they offer it all!

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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This resource provides tips for creating a thesis statement and examples of different types of thesis statements.

Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

Explain the analysis of the college admission process
Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

A peer-reviewed online journal

18 Theses on Art and Science

Text: Peter Tepe | Section: On ‘Art and Science’

Abstract: Peter Tepe uses the brochure RESISTANCE COGNITION [WIDERSTAND ERKENNTNIS] to express theoretical thoughts on the topic of Art and Science . Both the arts and the sciences reach creative achievements which involve overcoming different kinds of resistance. The empirical sciences (the focus of the text) primarily solve cognitive problems: Aspects of reality are described and, by means of theoretical constructions, explained. The arts, on the other hand, primarily deal with problems of artistic creation within the context of art programmes based on specific values.

To mark its 15th anniversary, the Schering Foundation has published the brochure titled RESISTANCE COGNITION. Discussions with personalities from science and art [ WIDERSTAND ERKENNTNIS. Gespräche mit Persönlichkeiten aus Wissenschaft und Kunst ]. Several texts emphasise that in science as well as in art, the realisation of something new involves overcoming resistance. This is certainly true. My intervention will first of all propose further differentiation when thinking about creativity in the sciences, the arts and other areas of life; more theses will be added later. Other aspects mentioned in the brochure worth reading are left out here.

Introductory quotes

The biophysicist Ilme Schlichting writes:

“[One] challenge within the scientific field is to pursue one’s own research interests without being misled by others […]. Too many thoughts about the future or one’s retirement can have a paralysing effect. In any case, one only realises in hindsight whether a decision was right or wrong. I encounter an extremely delightful form of resistance in my research topics, to which I develop a personal relationship.” (8)

Nobel Laureate Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard expresses a similar opinion:

“In my experience, it is indispensable in both science and art to believe in one’s own concept and to enforce it against any resistance. This may be risky, but worth it if you have a new, original and forward-looking idea. Creativity, a combination of productivity and originality, is not very common in science; many researchers tend to rely on the mainstream, which is safer. […] Most of them base their projects on career considerations, meaning they do what is expected of them and choose the path of least resistance. This is an attitude that seldom results in anything truly new.” (14)

Neuroscientist Ivana Nikić-Spiegel answers the question

“What do you think constitutes an outstanding scientist?”: “Thirst for knowledge, a sceptical mind and infinite patience, which one has to show for the sometimes extremely tenacious processes in the laboratory. What outsiders don’t suspect: Scientists require a lot of perseverance and diligence, as experiments are often frustrating and gruelling at first.” (18)

A central category in the writings of the science-historian Hans-Jörg Rheinberger is “the resistance of the material – something which both artists and researchers struggle with alike” (28). Artistic and scientific practice

“are both experimental fields that require breaking new ground and initiating things that have never been done before. In the studio as well as in the laboratory, you work your way through the material, ideally encountering connections and phenomena that you would never have dreamed of. Presuppositions are shattered, and one experiences something fundamentally new.” (28)

The artist Hiwa K writes:

“The work becomes interesting to me at the point where the material causes me difficulties and offers resistance; when something is stuck inside that has to be lured out. Then I must do everything it requires of me and, like an obstetrician, bring to light what was not visible before.” (16)

Proposals for differentiation

My first suggestions relate to the sciences. The scientists quoted are active in disciplines which commit to principles of empirical-rational thought — the empirical sciences. They are dealing with aspects of reality of any kind; I exclude logic and mathematics in this context.

Thesis 1 : Principles of empirical-rational thought can be applied in all disciplines that deal with aspects of reality, e.g. also in the humanities. However, not all scientific disciplines follow these principles. Furthermore, only some of these disciplines — not all — operate in a laboratory.

Thesis 2 : The basic form for great innovation of an empirical science begins with the development of a new theory on a specific aspect of reality. This new theory, according to cognitive criteria, is superior to the pre-existing theories with which it competes. Such a theory has, for example, a higher degree of explanatory power than the other theories, as well as better consistency with the established facts.

Thesis 3 : In order to build an innovative theory of this kind, the psychological belief “in one’s own concept” and the will to “enforce it against any resistance” is necessary. One must “pursue one’s own research interests without being misled by others”. Renewers of this kind are “not very common in science; many researchers tend to rely on the mainstream” i.e. on the work based on already established theories. Anyone who strives to implement a truly innovative approach undoubtedly has more resistance to overcome than someone who aims for smaller advances in knowledge within the framework of an established theory, which of course is also important. To “break new ground and initiate things that have never been done before” requires a certain attitude that is relatively rare. In the case of success “presuppositions are shattered, and one experiences something fundamentally new”.

On the other hand, it must also be considered that not everyone who believes in their own concept and has the will to enforce it against any resistance pursues a theoretical programme whose realisation actually leads to empirical-rational advances in knowledge. It can also be a research dead-end, or an approach that is inferior to the present one. Not all thoughts pursued with great commitment are original and forward-looking.

“Thirst for knowledge, a sceptical mind and infinite patience” are often also prevalent among those who work within the framework of already established theories. A certain “resistance of the material” with which the researcher struggles can be found in all of these forms. Now I turn to art.

Thesis 4 : The basic form for innovation in art is not the development of a new theory about a specific aspect of reality that is superior, in terms of cognitive criteria, to the pre-existing theories with which it competes. In art, the basic form for great innovation is rather the development of a new art programme, opening up many possibilities for implementation and deviating significantly from pre-existing programmes. By an art programme I mean general art goals of a certain kind, which enable a variety of realisations in individual works or projects; these goals do not have to be formulated explicitly; they can also be implicitly effective. The concept of progress is not applicable here, or only in special cases requiring particular analysis.

Thesis 5 : In order to establish an innovative art programme, the psychological belief “in one’s own concept” and the will to “enforce it against any resistance” is also necessary. One must pursue their own artistic interests “without allowing oneself to be led astray by others”. Renewers of this kind are not to be found on every corner of the art world either, but they probably appear somewhat more frequently here than in the academic world. Most artists likewise “tend to rely on the mainstream”, i.e. on work within the framework of already established art programmes, which can lead to important innovations on a smaller scale. To “break new ground and initiate things that have never been done before” requires a certain attitude in art that is relatively rare.

On the other hand, however, also here one must take into account that not everyone who believes in their own artistic concept and has the will to pursue it against resistance follows an art programme that is actually innovative. Not every art project pursued with great commitment is original and forward-looking. Such a commitment can also be found among those who carry out their work within the framework of already established art programmes. A certain “resistance of the material” which artists struggle with must be overcome in all these forms. For many (but not all) artists, the following applies: “The work only becomes interesting to me then, when the material causes me difficulties and offers resistance”.

Cognitive and value-based innovations

In the next step, I put the discussion about creativity and innovation into a larger context:

Thesis 6 : Creative individuals who promote new ideas and try to enforce them against great resistance do not only appear in the sciences and arts but, ultimately, in all areas of life: Craft, industry, ideology, politics, gender relations, sport, etc. The following applies to all: in a particular area, a particular regulation is established to solve particular problems; this has proven worthwhile — at least for some time — and its application has become implicit for many who are active in that area. Now, if an attempt is made to replace the old regulation with a new one, it is to be expected that its implementation will only succeed if we are prepared to engage with overcoming many obstacles. With some modifications, the formulated theses can, therefore, be transferred to other areas of life which I will not go into at this point. Creativity is not exclusive to the arts and sciences.

Thesis 7 : A distinction must be made between innovations in solving cognitive — and their sometimes related technical — problems, and innovations whose primary aim is to enforce certain values. The development of a new political programme is driven by a related set of values which determine what is most important in this dimension — contrary to what was previously thought. Accordingly, the development of a new art programme is driven by a certain set of values which determine what is most important in art practice — contrary to what was previously thought. This difference must be observed on a theoretical level: Whilst the various creative processes do reveal some common elements and structures, there are also important differences specific to each area.

About art and science

In the next step, I focus on the relationship between art and science and consider how general statements about this relationship can be made. In art generally, and in the visual arts in particular, various different art programmes have been and are still being pursued; cf. thesis 4. Artists working expressionistically, for example, pursue a different art programme to those working with a naturalistic approach.

Thesis 8 : When making statements about art, it is a mistake to orient oneself to one specific art programme in an open or covert way, neglecting other art options. This mistake can be avoided by utilising a formal concept of art when defining the relationship between art and science in general terms. This means that art is always the realisation of a certain art programme that can be pursued at different degrees of awareness; the content of the different art programmes, i.e., the general art goals, vary.

The approach described in Thesis 8 can be applied to the sciences: although for the sake of simplicity I shall continue to restrict myself to the empirical sciences.

Thesis 9 : Different science programmes have been and continue to be pursued in those disciplines with a claim to scientific knowledge of aspects of reality. By a science programme I mean general epistemological goals of a certain kind, which enable a variety of realisations in individual scientific projects; these goals do not have to be formulated explicitly; they can also be implicitly effective.

In the next step, I will make a differentiation in order to arrive at the most concise statements possible about the relationship between art and science.

Thesis 10 : A distinction has to be made between two types of past and present scientific disciplines relating to aspects of reality. Whilst the first type is based on principles of empirical-rational thought, the second type is not, or only to a very limited extent: here, principles are used that are more or less in great conflict with those of empirical-rational thought.

According to Theses 8 and 9, it makes sense to first of all interpret the question surrounding the relationship between art and science in this way: What is the relationship between art (understood as the realisation of this or that art programme) and science (understood as the realisation of this or that science programme)? One can go down this path, but I do not consider it particularly productive, as the difference between the two types of scientific disciplines relating to aspects of reality, which are in conflict with one another, is neglected. Therefore, the following path looks more promising.

Thesis 11 : It is proposed to split the initial question on the relationship between art and science relating to aspects of reality into two questions. Question 1: How does art relate to those scientific disciplines that are based on principles of empirical-rational thought? Question 2: How does art relate to those scientific disciplines that are not or only to a limited extent based on principles of empirical-rational thought?

In this text, I will limit myself to the first question. Thesis 4 already includes a first response to this question, referring to the aspect of great innovation. Both art and empirical science reach creative achievements: while new art programmes are developed on the one hand, new theories on aspects of reality, representing empirical-rational advances in knowledge, are developed on the other.

On the relationship between art and empirical science

Thesis 12 : The empirical sciences solve cognitive problems, epistemological problems of a certain kind: The examined aspects of reality are described as precisely as possible according to certain criteria (which are not further discussed here), and the findings are explained with help of theoretical constructions. An innovative empirical theory can better explain its respective aspect of reality according to certain criteria than the pre-existing theories with which it competes.

Thesis 13 : The arts also reach cognitive achievements — to varying degrees — which cannot be determined in detail at this point. Here, however, we are primarily dealing with solving problems of artistic creation that are related to various art programmes which, themselves, are based on art-related values; cf. Thesis 7. Declaring a found object (objet trouvé) an art phenomenon can be seen as a borderline case in solving a problem of artistic creation.

Thesis 14 : Thus, the basic difference between art and empirical science is that both areas primarily set out to solve different problems: where one focuses on problems of artistic creation, the other deals with cognitive problems of a descriptive-determinative, but above all theoretic-explanatory nature. However, this does not exclude the possibility that an arts practice can also encounter cognitive problems and an empirical scientific practice can also encounter problems of artistic creation; these interrelations require a separate analysis.

On the relationship between science-related art and empirical science

Finally, I will briefly address the relationship between science-related artists (i.e., artists who base their work on theories/methods/results of any scientific field) and the empirical sciences. Sentences from the conversation with Rheinberger, which refer to the exhibition Eavesdropping Fish [Fischen lauschen], serve as a starting point:

“The Swiss media artist Hannes Rickli had latched onto the primary data stream of biologists exploring marine life near Spitzbergen. In this way he was able to take scientific video and audio recordings out of their context and transform them into an artistic research object. With the help of this moment of alienation, he succeeded in eliciting impressive aesthetic effects and new insights from the material.” (28)

Thesis 15 : Rickli draws on video and audio recordings made in a scientific context: he then uses this scientific material to solve certain problems of artistic creation within the framework of his art programme. He thus represents one variant of the science-related artist.

In principle, I am open to concepts of artistic research. When reading relevant texts, however, it has become apparent that the term is used in various contexts that are often not distinguished from one another. Therefore, if no clarification is made, the question “What exactly do you understand by artistic research?” becomes relevant. Thesis 15 now makes it possible to grasp one of these meanings more precisely.

Thesis 16 : The transfer of scientific video and audio recordings into a project of artistic research can be understood as the use of these recordings for a project of artistic creation supported by a particular art programme. Rickli thus succeeded in “eliciting impressive aesthetic effects from the material”.

But does Rickli also arrive at new knowledge? The answer depends on what exactly is meant by knowledge — also here, there is a need for conceptual clarification and a reference to the fact that many different things are referred to as knowledge.

Thesis 17 : If one interprets the concept of cognition to be scientific thought of an empirical-rational nature and its pre-forms in everyday life, then the following applies: The claim that a science-related project of artistic creation reaches new insights in the empirical-rational sense — insights which are directly relevant to the sciences dealing with such aspects of reality — requires examination in each individual case. Such a gaining of insights may be conceivable, but in many cases seems rather unlikely. The following constellation, however, is probably more likely: a science-related project of artistic creation dealing with certain phenomena can help a scientist who is also concerned with these phenomena to come to new ideas, the further pursuit of which then leads to an improved or even completely new theory. It would be worthwhile to examine more closely whether there are cases of this kind and, if so, what the individual effect of art is in encouraging the gain of new scientific knowledge. Furthermore, Rheinberger addresses another way in which science-related art benefits science: “It is important for science to create such points of contact. This opens up the gates to a universe that otherwise remains rather alien to laypersons.” (28)

Thesis 18 : In some cases, science-related art provides the layperson, who may not be able to find direct access to a certain science, with a first access to a universe that seems strange to them.

This is one reasonable option amongst many others.

Picture above the text: Cover picture of the magazine: Resistance Cognition [Widerstand Erkenntnis].

Translated by Rebecca Grundmann.

How to cite this article

Peter Tepe (2020): 18 Theses on Art and Science. w/k–Between Science & Art Journal . https://doi.org/10.55597/e5977

Artistic Research
cooperation between artists and scientists
Empirical Science
science-related artist

Prof. Dr. Peter Tepe | Herausgeber Der Herausgeber ist für die Gesamtplanung zuständig und koordiniert die drei Bereiche. Außerdem wirbt er neue Beiträger und Kooperationspartner an und beteiligt sich an der redaktionellen Betreuung der eintreffenden Beiträge. Peter Tepe ist Philosoph, Literaturwissenschaftler und bildender Künstler. Er ist auch nach dem Ende seiner Dienstzeit im Institut für Germanistik und im Institut für Philosophie an der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf verankert, betreut noch viele Doktoranden und leitet weiterhin den von ihm 1987 begründeten interdisziplinären Studien- und Forschungsschwerpunkt Mythos, Ideologie & Methoden.

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Writing like an artist

I’m working on the second edition of ‘How to fix your academic writing trouble’ with Katherine Firth at the moment. We’re doing a new chapter on writing process, specifically how to think with generative AI tools. For inspiration, I am thinking about Artist Studios and how they support making work.

Artist studios are filled with tools and materials for creating, as well as storage for supplies and finished works. At the center of any decent artist’s studio is a workbench, where projects come to life. An artist’s studio is also a place of self expression: filled with inspiring objects to prompt the Artist’s creativity. Here’s what ChattieG’s DALLE3 thinks that looks like:

As a writer with a background in architecture, I no longer have a physical studio, but I still consider myself an artist of sorts, just with words. Over the past 20 years, I’ve generated a staggering amount of text files in my laptop hard drive. I have polished pieces – dissertations, books and articles – as well as half-finished drafts and abandoned ideas.

With each new computer, I’ve simply cloned the files from the previous one, avoiding the tedious task of cleaning up. As a result, my file mess has multiplied. Some of my best writing is all but lost, buried deep inside my digital freezer in a folder labelled ‘drafts May 2022’, or something similarly unhelpful. If I think about the inside of my laptop, it’s like a disorganised post office, with piles of unopened mail. I asked Chattie to make me a picture of this thought too:

Yeah, not bad Chattie. That’s how the interior of my computer feels . Maybe you can relate? Even if you are only at the start of your PhD, you are probably generating un-opened letters at a furious rate.

To be truly creative amidst this writerly mess, we need something to gently hold all that text, much like an artist’s studio supports the creation of art. Enter Obsidian. Obsidian is a database program, but that’s a bit like saying a library is merely a book storage facility. Obsidian is an elaborate knowledge management system for writers. It can hold thousands of bits and pieces of writing, both finished and unfinished, in a loosely organized way, allowing you to create with confidence, knowing that nothing is ever lost.

Obsidian works with markdown files (.md), which are essentially text files with some extra formatting. The Obsidian interface supports linking between these files, so individual pieces of writing become pages of your own personal Wikipedia. You can also access PDFs and images with Obsidian, enabling you to build a rich set of resources for your writing. A collection of these markdown notes, PDFs, and images is called an Obsidian Vault. A Vault stored locally on your hard drive can accessed by Obsidian and any other programs that can read markdown, like MS Word, making your notes more portable.

Obsidian is a different kind of writing environment built for the digital world, not to mimic analogue processes. If you think about it, MS Word is a digital form of a typewriter: producing digital letters, which sit in digital envelopes, stuffed inside digital pigeonholes. Because you can’t easily see inside all those files, you get the messy post office problem. By contrast, Obsidian is more like a terrarium – or one of those self contained eco-domes they lock people inside for five years to see if we could live on Mars. All your writing is viewable and searchable within a single interface.

I’ve written about Obsidian before as a way to keep notes for your PhD but I think I under sold the potential. It’s an incredibly powerful program, but so exquisitely customisable that teaching people how to use it is really hard. There is no single “right way” to set it up because every writer is different. Like an artist’s studio, the perfect Obsidian setup is a work of creation in its own right.

After talking about the teaching problem with my pod co-host Dr Jason Downs on the last episode of On The Reg , I decided to set up a sample Obsidian Vault. I created Coffee Vault by imagining myself as a researcher working on, well – the topic of coffee. It’s got a simple file structure and only two plug ins. Think of my Coffee Vault as a seed for your own Obsidian terrarium. Feel free to adapt it to your needs or start from scratch—we’re all different kinds of artists, and what works for me might not work for you.

You can download the Coffee Vault from my GitHub page , install it on your computer, and start exploring. It’s a good idea to look at the ReadMe file first, which has a set of instructions for the plug ins and some teaching notes. If you don’t want to download, you can simply go to this GitHub link, to see the file structure and look inside the individual notes to see how it works. My sample Vault holds a bunch of writing (composed with ChattieG and Claude Opus).

My Vault has a (kind of) logic developed after a lot of trial and error. I also watched countless videos of dudes talking about their Vaults on YouTube so you don’t have to (you’re welcome). The Coffee Vault has a logical structure inspired by Tiago Forte’s PARA system. It includes an Inbox for temporary storage, a Projects folder with subfolders for work in progresss, in this case a dissertation and book proposal. I have a Freezer for deep storage of valuable past writing, a Carpark for notes and thoughts, an Images folder for visual resources, and a Zotero folder for academic references.

While my sample vault is currently lightly populated in terms of content and links between documents, you can see the emerging structure using the “graph view” function:

The Projects folder has two subfolders: one for a dissertation about Coffee and the other for a book proposal. If you go to the Book proposal note, you will see how I am working on pieces of the proposal as separate notes, with the book proposal outline as a kind of ‘contents’ page:

By distilling the task of the book proposal into separate notes linked to a ‘home page’, I can focus on one section at a time and avoid the temptation to ‘polish’ already finished text. In this way Obsidian allows you to write in ‘chunks, not chapters’, following advice offered by Pat Thomson and Barbara Kamler in their excellent book ‘Helping Doctoral students write’ (Pat continues to blog on Patter ).

The Freezer folder is my imaginary ‘deep storage’ for text. Like most working researchers, I have a stock of past grant applications, briefing notes, reports, magazine articles and blog posts inside my messy digital post office laptop. I also have a bunch of references for people and old peer review reports. All these are relatively polished ‘genre pieces’ that hold extrodinary value as a personal store of training data for generative AI tools.

Recently, I wrote an article about Claude Opus for the AARE blog with only two prompts and a few edits. People were genuinely shocked by my mad skills of Claude, but it was possible to write this article in around 10 minutes because I already had plenty of finished examples of similar writing in my Vault. I simply showed Claude some of these samples, then wrote a list of the points I wanted to make in the article. Claude does me better than me – sometimes*. Many of us will write this way in the future, so you should think of all your finished writing as your own store of training data. Obsidian can help you keep this valuable past IP tidy and accessible.

The Carpark is the place I put what I typically think of as ‘notes’ – tentative thoughts finding their way into writing but not yet fit for public consumption. The Carpark is really my attempt to build a Zettelkasten : a note taking method documented in Sonke Ahren’s How to Take Smart Notes . There’s a lot of buzz about the Zettelkasten idea, with a lot of dudes on YouTube making big claims that working this way will change your life… In my experience the Zettelkasten doesn’t work quite as advertised, but every writer needs a place to store thoughts and Obsidian’s ability to make links between these thoughts is useful.

I have a separate folder for Images, mostly so I can easily locate them when it comes time to publish something. Finally I have a Zotero folder. The Zotero Integration plug in enables me to highlight text and make notes on PDFs inside Zotero and sync them into Obsidian. The plug in relies on a template file to format the notes and highlights into markdown. It took me a long time to get this bit of my Vault functional, so I’ve supplied my Zotero integration template based on an example supplied by Peter Hayes (thanks Peter!). I’ve included some notes on how to set it up in the ReadMe file.

Setting up an Obsidian Vault may seem complicated – that’s because it is. If you’re new to the program, you might want to start by simply installing Obsidian (it’s free) and experimenting with its features before diving into my Coffee Vault. At the very least I hope I have inspired you to explore Obsidian’s potential. Stay tuned for the second edition of ‘How to fix your academic Writing Trouble’ – we hope to have it out in the new year.

*I wrote the first version of this post and put it into Claude Opus to see it if could be improved. Claude did an ok job, but seemed to struggle with the step by step detail and the quirks of my writer’s voice, which is weird because other times it’s done a bang up job. Maybe it thinks it’s the spring break? Anyway, I used some of what it gave me, but this one is mostly what Mr Thesiswhisperer calls IngerGPT 🙂

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COMMENTS

Writing about Art
The writer's thesis statement offers this substantial but concise assertion of her/his understanding (usually in one to two sentences in the introduction or near the beginning of the essay), thereby providing an essay with its judgmental focus. Perhaps, though, in writing about art you might be asked to offer a well thought-out central
PDF HOW DO I WRITE SUCCESSFULLY ABOUT MY ART PRACTICE?
An artist statement is piece of writing by you that helps the audience access or understand your artistic work. It is written in the first person, while artist bios are written ... Begin with a thesis statement and continue to build statement. Most statements are no longer than one page, 1-3 paragraphs long. 3.
How to Write a Thesis Statement
Step 2: Write your initial answer. After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process. The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.
Thesis Statements
Thesis Statements. A thesis statement establishes your purpose and point of view in argumentative or persuasive writing. It focuses the reader's attention before the rest of the paper leads them step-by-step through the analysis and evidence. In a finished paper, a thesis statement sakes your opinion concisely, sometimes in a single sentence ...
PDF MFA THESIS STATEMENT GUIDE
WRITING A THESIS ARTIST'S STATEMENT Your written "thesis statement" is an artist's statement intended to provide clear insight into your MFA studio work while addressing its conceptual, biographical, historical and philosophical underpinnings. SUGGESTED STRUCTURE 1. Memoir: life experience that's relevant to your art; how I got here.
art history guide final
Guide for Writing in Art History. Art history courses cultivate critically analyze images, objects, and architectural spaces as well as academic discourse, scholarship, and historical sources. Art history is a humanistic discipline that brings together research to explore historical contexts while engaging in ways of looking at, describing, and ...
How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Critical Analysis of a ...
What are the best strategies for writing a thesis statement for a critical analysis of a painting? Powered by AI and the LinkedIn community. 1. Analyze the painting. Be the first to add your ...
LibGuides: ARTS
Thesis Statement. The thesis for a comparison/contrast essay will present the subjects under consideration and indicate whether the focus will be on their similarities, on their differences, or both. ... States your thesis, which mentions the art works you are considering and may indicate whether the focus will be on similarities, differences ...
Describing Art: Writing a Formal Analysis
Writing. The conventions for a formal analysis for a work of art is similar to other writing in the humanities. You. should have a thesis statement and structured paragraphs, and you should adhere to general rules of grammar and style. Remember that you are not simply describing the work; rather, you are using your descriptions of the work to ...
Guidelines for Analysis of Art
Guidelines for Analysis of Art. Knowing how to write a formal analysis of a work of art is a fundamental skill learned in an art appreciation-level class. Students in art history survey and upper-level classes further develop this skill. Use this sheet as a guide when writing a formal analysis paper. Consider the following when analyzing a work ...
How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay: Examples & Template
Art Thesis Statement Examples & Tips . Formulating a thesis is an essential step in every essay. Depending on the purpose of your paper, you can either focus your visual analysis thesis statement on formal elements or connect it with the contextual meaning. To create a strong thesis, you should relate it to an artwork's meaning, significance ...
Art History 101: How to Write an Effective Art Analysis
4. Make an outline and write a thesis statement. It can become overwhelming to analyze a piece of art, especially if it is your first time doing so. An outline will keep your ideas organized and help you identify patterns easier. Note that the patterns you identify will help you to come up with a thesis statement that drives your argument.
Best Art Essay Examples
Develop a clear thesis statement that guides your essay: Your thesis statement should clearly and concisely state the main argument of your essay. Conduct thorough research and analysis of the artwork you are writing about: This includes examining the visual elements of the artwork, researching the artist, and considering the historical ...
Art History Essays
Art History Analysis - Formal Analysis and Stylistic Analysis . Typically in an art history class the main essay students will need to write for a final paper or for an exam is a formal or stylistic analysis. A formal analysis is just what it sounds like - you need to analyze the form of the artwork. This includes the individual design ...
What Is a Thesis?
A thesis statement is a very common component of an essay, particularly in the humanities. It usually comprises 1 or 2 sentences in the introduction of your essay, and should clearly and concisely summarize the central points of your academic essay. A thesis is a long-form piece of academic writing, often taking more than a full semester to ...
How to write a thesis statement + Examples
It is a brief statement of your paper's main argument. Essentially, you are stating what you will be writing about. Organize your papers in one place. Try Paperpile. No credit card needed. Get 30 days free. You can see your thesis statement as an answer to a question. While it also contains the question, it should really give an answer to the ...
Master the Art of Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement
Step 4: Write a Draft. When you clearly understand the assignment, have conducted your preliminary research, and have identified your main point, you're ready to draft your thesis statement. Don't aim for perfection here; your goal is to get your ideas down in one clear and concise sentence.
11 Artist Statement Examples (Plus Steps for Writing Yours)
Follow these steps to write an effective artist statement: 1. Give yourself enough time. Artist statements are often required for time-sensitive applications, such as graduate school, internships or special programs. Allow plenty of time before your deadline to think about, write and edit your artist statement.
Creating a Thesis Statement, Thesis Statement Tips
Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement. 1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing: An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.; An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.; An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies ...
18 Theses on Art and Science
Thesis 8: When making statements about art, it is a mistake to orient oneself to one specific art programme in an open or covert way, neglecting other art options. This mistake can be avoided by utilising a formal concept of art when defining the relationship between art and science in general terms. This means that art is always the ...
Thesis Generator
Remember that the thesis statement is a kind of "mapping tool" that helps you organize your ideas, and it helps your reader follow your argument. After the topic sentence, include any evidence in this body paragraph, such as a quotation, statistic, or data point, that supports this first point. Explain what the evidence means. Show the reader ...
Forming a thesis statement Flashcards
Refinishing antique furniture is a precise art., Rewrite this unrestricted thesis statement to make it restricted. Art can be a profitable hobby. and more. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like 1.of the heart and blood vessels 2.any of a number of sides or aspects 3.a little world 4.to proceed along on a specific ...
Writing like an artist
At the center of any decent artist's studio is a workbench, where projects come to life. An artist's studio is also a place of self expression: filled with inspiring objects to prompt the Artist's creativity. Here's what ChattieG's DALLE3 thinks that looks like: Not bad. As a writer with a background in architecture, I no longer have ...