Art History. Nods & Scams

NODS & SCAMS

Use this mnemonic to help you write or talk about a piece of art. 

N; Name

O; Opinion

D; Date

S; Subject Matter

&

S; Story

C; Composition

A; Art Elements

M; Medium

S; Style

Try in your first sentence to state the name of artist and painting, date,medium and subject matter.

Next try and tell the story of the piece while describing the composition.

Finally describe the artist's style/characteristic and techniques using the art elements.

Wondering how to form an opinion on a piece of art? Use these questions to help create your own opinion.

• Does the piece evoke any emotion in you? If so, why? 
• Is there any special affect or meaning derived from the style and art elements?
• Can you draw any comparisons to the art that proceeded or preceded it to form an opinion?
• Is the piece trying to communicate? Does it succeed in your opinion? Why?
• Is there any thing that links the art to the social issues of the time and do you have any opinions on how the art links those issues?

Feel free to email me any other ways to form an opinion hweir@eurekaschool.ie