How to Write a Good Visual Analysis Essay

Visual Analysis Essay

• How to start
• How to write an outline
• Outline example of a visual analysis essay
• How to write an introduction
• How to write a thesis statement
• Example of a thesis statement for a visual analysis essay
• Example of an introduction for a visual analysis
• How to write body paragraphs
• Tips on body writing
• Example of body paragraphs
• How to conclude
• Example of a good visual analysis conclusion
• Paper revision

There is no standard structure of writing a visual analysis; nevertheless, such a paper should be engaging. The audience should make sense of what the essay writer is presenting by reading the first paragraph. A visual analysis should be focused on an artwork presented within the standard essay structure having an introduction, followed by a sequence of linked paragraphs that forms the body and a concluding paragraph.

How to start

In the introductory paragraph, the paper should briefly describe the picture to be analyzed, providing general information about the artist and its significance. Important details like relevant dates and the period need to form part of the introductory paragraph. The opening paragraph should present a thesis statement. The type of introduction will depend on the type of assignment, the purpose, and the text. For example, a historical photo is an example of an image with a purpose.

How to write an outline

An outline can be whatever you want it to be, from using it to sort out the formatting to use it to simply hold information. To write one, use an outline whatever manner makes the most sense to you.

Outline example for an visual analysis essay

I. Introduction

1. Facts about the artwork
2. Use hook sentence to get the audience interest in the image
3. Describe the image to the readers using vivid language
4. Inform the audience about the image and why it was painted or why the photo was taken
5. Explain the intention of the artists
6. Any interesting theme about the art, any controversy or any misunderstanding.
7. Thesis statement to justify why the image is worth describing and the intention of the theme as presented by the artist.

II. Body

1. Support the thesis ideas
2. Present three main ideas to support the argument
3. Describe the object  and technique  used in the artwork
4. Describe your interpretation of the meaning of the artwork and the intention of the picture

III. Conclusion:

1. Summarize the main points and facts
2. Compare the image with other similar artwork
3. Present suggestions  of how the picture fit in the work of an artist

How to write an introduction

To write an introduction, make sure that you have everything you need within easy reach. This is where you first come into contact with the reader, so you need to have all your arguments laid out clearly, your thesis statement, and any relevant background information.

1. Have a thesis statement
2. Don’t make any original arguments
3. Make sure that you hook your audience in with your writing
4. Use this opportunity to give background information
5. Summarise your arguments

How to write a thesis

The best way to write a thesis is to take all of your research and work out what the fundamental point of your work is. That argument is what your thesis statement should be. A thesis statement should be written to reference every argument of the essay.

Example of a thesis for a visual analysis essay

Even though the photo was used to raise funds during Russian famine, the images still speak to the audience today who are not aware of the severe consequence of famine in Russia. The image brings to mind the effects of famine all over the world.

Example of an introduction to a visual analysis essay

Photos have been used to draw the audience response to dire situations that need public intervention. One of the photos taken by Fridtjof Nansen depicted Russian famine. The photo was used to raise money during that period. The photo was produced on postcards sold to raise money and raise awareness of the effects of famine in Russia. The text written in French was published to raise money among French-speaking countries. The photos present images showing two boys feeding each other in their final stages of hunger. It presents skeletal limbs and swollen bellies showing the need for immediate action.

How to write body paragraphs

Developing a good visual analysis means discussing each element of the photo you might find helpful. Each body sentences should start with a topic sentence stating the significance of the photo. The body of the essay should be analyzed according to the effect of the composition. Each paragraph of the body section needs to focus on a specific element like the color, the image, and text. The body needs to present evidence or relevant examples to justify your argument. When analyzing an image, describe the artwork as if you are presenting it to someone who has not seen the picture. Present important features that make it intriguing and how the features contribute to the overall picture effect.

Tips on body writing

1. Write clearly and coherently, to get your arguments across more effectively.
2. Remember to stick to the topic – no tangents.
3. One argument per paragraph is the maximum, to keep things from getting confused.
4. Use a topic sentence at the start and a concluding sentence at the end.
5. Remember to reference the thesis statement.

Example of body paragraphs

Example of the 1st body paragraph

The Last Voyage is a painting by Soto presenting human-like characteristics presenting an isolated land that is similar to earth. The picture presents the connection between humanity and the environment. The figure in the foreground depicts an overcrowded ship that is seen as desolate in a polluted landscape. The bottom of the picture is gray with the sky painted blue and green. Soto uses circles, spiral graffiti to make the earth look polluted. The steam exhaustion from the ship makes it appear to be floating. The black steam from the ship represents the struggle of humans in their daily lives.

Example of the 2nd body paragraph

The Last Voyage is a painting which is meant to inspire feelings of loneliness and reflection in the viewer. Despite the hopeful nature which some people might see in it, the artist no doubt wanted his viewers to view the painting as a reference to the endless nature of the ocean, and perhaps also the endless nature of the human soul along with it. This is not unusual among paintings, many of which are used to explore the human psyche.

• Describe how this artwork fits into the world of art around it.

Example of the 3rd body paragraph

Many paintings are used to explore the inner workings of the human soul, as well as wider questions about who we are. The Last Voyage seeks to take its place among this gallery of pictures and make its own mark on the viewer. Everyone has their own interpretation of the material they see: thus, it is not entirely up to the artist whether or not they succeed in getting their point across.

How to conclude

A good conclusion should summarize the main theme and relate back to the introduction. Conclusion present new idea or insight the writer has gained the artwork during analysis. A visual analysis conclusion needs to reiterate the thesis using different wordings. A conclusion summarizes all the main points covered during the analysis.

1. Do not add any original arguments at this stage.
2. Restate the thesis statement.
3. Remember to summarise all the arguments.
4. Present your final argument.
5. Use this as the last attempt to get people to agree with your stance.

Example of a good visual analysis conclusion

Even though Soto artwork represents ideal artwork about the relationship between human and environment, his work seems to be criticizing humanity at the same time celebrating it.  Using juxtapositions of darks graffiti, he presents inspiring imagery combined with bright colors to convey a metaphor about destruction. Using cartoon illustrations, graffiti, and realistic imagery, the viewer can understand the dynamic relationship about the connection between humans and the surrounding.

Paper revision

Revisions are important because they let you mold your essay to become more than it otherwise was. Everybody makes mistakes – revisions let you fix them before they become a problem. There are different kinds of revisions, and it is up to decide which ones you want to use.

1. Revise for spelling\grammar and also for formatting and structure.
2. Revise after you have left it for a while so that you can look at things with fresh eyes.
3. Check that everything which needs to be in the essay is – thesis statements, topic sentences, concluding sentences, and the like.
4. Check that your argument makes logical sense through the essay.
5. Make sure that your bibliography is complete and consistent.

Need a custom paper?