Art Essay Examples and Topics

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5,362 samples

If you are studying art, chances are that you will have to write a lot of essays during your time in school or college. To receive an excellent grade on them, it is essential that you learn how to write an art essay. Here are the top tips for writing essays on art:

Choose a subject that is interesting to you. For example, if you are interested in graphic art, focus on it in your essay. If you are not sure of what to write about, try searching art essay topics online and choose the one you like most.

Look for sample papers on the topic. If you want to write about a particular movie, look for a film analysis example featuring it. Using this tip, you will be able to get some ideas and add more depth to your writing.

Find relevant scholarly sources. You can search Google Scholar or your school’s library for high-quality articles and books on the subject. Instead of merely citing the information from sources, try to offer some critique. Are the views shared by the author supported by other scholars? Do you agree with their evaluation and why?

Include a personal response. Many forms of art are subject to personal interpretation, and some tutors want their students’ essays to be expressive. This means that you should share your views on the topic and explain why you think the way you do. Doing so will help you to show your understanding of the topic and earn you some extra marks.

Hopefully, these tips will help you to earn an A on your art and design essays! You can explore our site for free essay samples and topics.

5362 Best Essay Examples on Art

Books Vs. Movies: Similarities and Differences Essay

For both movies and books, the story is a central part and the authors or directors come up with themes and plotlines that can captivate and entertain the audience. In the Harry Potter Movies, the [...]
  • 3.6
  • Subjects: Cinema Art
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 713

Favorite Movie: “Home Alone” by John Hughes

Despite the fact that the film is primarily associated with Macaulay Culkin, the rest of the actors have contributed significantly to the movie's atmosphere.
  • 4.8
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 556

The History of Elizabethan Drama Era

The early Elizabethan dramas were not performed in permanent theaters. In most cases, traveling troupes performed these plays in the courtyards.
  • 5
  • Subjects: Theater
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 1009

Mona Lisa’s Elements and Principles of Art

The image involves a half-body portrait of a woman, and the enigmatic smile of the lady reflects the artist's idea of the connection between nature and humanity.
  • 1
  • Subjects: Paintings
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 590

Hidden Figures Movie

In the essay, two main arguments will be made based on the events described in the movie: while the women's colleagues at NASA did see the potential in them and tried to eliminate barriers that [...]
  • 5
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1130

“Mona Lisa Smile” Movie Analysis

One of the examples is when Katherine was getting to know the students and met Joan who was one of the smartest in the class.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 1960

Symbolism in “Get Out” Movie

Overall, the silver spoon is symbolic of the wealth and power of white people over minorities. Colors in the movie are used to oppose the characters and show their attitudes towards people of color.
  • 4
  • Subjects: Cinema Art
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 795

Photograph Description: Nature

The photograph reflects a marvelous landscape combining the elements of human interference in the form of buildings; it is necessary to underline the fact that the picture is to be referred to as representational [...]
  • Subjects: Photography
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 465

Benefits of Dancing Essay

Dance is an art that refers to the movement of part of the body, some of the parts or the whole body while keeping rhythmical to music.
  • 4
  • Subjects: Dance
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 607

Movie Analysis: “Slumdog Millionaire”

It is depicted in the assassination of Jamal's mother during the religious conflict and Salim and Jamal running into a rich man, as they try to escape from policemen.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 673

The “Avatar” (2009) Film Analysis

Given the deep plot, the eternal love line between the main characters seemed inappropriate, so I would say that the only thing I did not like was this moment in the plot.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1163

Greek and Roman Theatre Differences

The design was further involved in the seat arrangement that ensured that the actors were clearly heard by the people on the uppermost semicircular bench of the theater.
  • 1.8
  • Subjects: Theater
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1124

Why Was the Globe Theatre Important to Shakespeare?

The role of the Globe Theatre in Shakespeare's life is significant because the possibility to participate in the theatre's The Lord Chamberlain's Men Group and to write plays for the theatre's performances contributed to the [...]
  • 3.8
  • Subjects: Theater
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1089

“Parasite” by Bong Joon-Ho

The film's title, Parasite, is a double entendre, which leads the viewer to question who is indeed the parasite; between the rich who exploit underpaid labor, or the poor who exploit the economic resources and [...]
  • 5
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1179

Review and Analysis of “The Message” Movie

The historical film The Message is dedicated to the era of the formation of Islam and tells about the events that took place in the period from 610 to 632.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1167

Musical Tradition of Japan, China, Korea Compared

This essay is dedicated to the comparison of Japanese, Chinese and Korean music and proving the fact of their sufficient continuity or similarity by means of detailed analysis of the original sources of the national [...]
  • Subjects: Music
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1338

The Film “Black Panther” Analysis

Moreover, the film and distribution of a motion picture allow the audience to consider such important issues as diversity and range, the importance of social media, and its impact on society, and women's power.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 936

Precious (2009): Patient Assessment and Treatment

Also, to put further reasoning in the proper context, it is critical to notice that the whole assessment and discussion of the treatment plan are based entirely on what is presented in the movie, and [...]
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 1969

Pride and Prejudice: Film Interpretation

Collins, the cousin of the five sisters, is the probable heir to the family's estate because of his close kinship to the family. In the midst of the journeys between London and Derbyshire, the viewers [...]
  • 5
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 1892

Mona Lisa and the Last Supper Paintings

The naming of Mona Lisa and the Last Supper paintings is based on the themes represented in the paintings and situations at the time.
  • 4.2
  • Subjects: Paintings
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 1674

Musical Usage of Ethos, Pathos and Logos

Thievery Corporation show a character of an upright fellow who stands to condemn the indifference of the richest man in Babylon.
  • Subjects: Musical Compositions
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 970

Critique of “Hidden Figures” Movie

The main theme of the movie is that the motivation to achieve results can overcome discrimination and benefit society. It forces Glenn to request that Katherine check the calculations.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 560

“The Future” by Leonard Cohen

Cohen then goes further to describe how it will be during the time of the end and he posits that order and meaning will vanish as, "Things are going to slide in all directions".
  • 1
  • Subjects: Musical Compositions
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 959

Analyzing the Songs of Les Miserables

If I had to pick six songs that tell the story of Les Miserables, I think they would have to be these: At the End of the Day Master of the House Do you hear [...]
  • Subjects: Musical Compositions
  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 1789

Beowulf

Beowulf and Grendel's mother make a deal and the warrior becomes the next king while the Water Demon gives birth to Beowulf's son.
  • 5
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 572

Turtles Can Fly Film Analysis

In effect this is to take the baby's point of view communicating a theme of confusion, and also the helplessness of the situation because almost all the characters in the film are young children.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 1084

A Rhetorical Analysis of the Titanic Film

The close-up shots used in the scene add to the emotional effect of the scene and create a sense of intimacy between the audience and characters, making the intended viewers experience the scene as if [...]
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1482

“Twilight”: The First Movie in the Saga

Twilight may be considered as a faithful adaptation to the book owing to the work of Catherine Hardwicke and the team of the filmmakers working under this movie.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1090

Arguments for Graffiti as Art

Given the comprehensive nature of art and the time and care necessary to produce a piece of graffiti, it should be considered a form of art.
  • Subjects: Visual Arts
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 850

Contemporary Art Practices Essay

Speaking about contemporary art, people usually mean the objects of art and artistic techniques that began to be used in the middle of the twentieth century.
  • 5
  • Subjects: Art Movement
  • Pages: 11
  • Words: 2962

Analysis of the Shirt Scene in “The Great Gatsby” Film

Although the shirts mean nothing to Gatsby without Daisy, the audience watches Gatsby's facial expression display a great deal of empathy and love whenever Daisy seems distressed, especially in this scene when she begins to [...]
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1111

“Hound Dog” Song by Big Mama Thornton and Elvis Presley

The most apparent difference between the two versions of the song "Hound Dog" is that Big Mama Thornton's version is slower, characteristic of blues, while Elvis Presley's cover is a classic example of upbeat rock-and-roll.
  • Subjects: Musical Compositions
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 279

Art Appreciation

The works of Art in the Ancient culture were of various forms which included architecture, sculpture, and graphic arts. Architecture and sculpture are the oldest forms of art that existed and still exist in the [...]
  • 4.3
  • Subjects: History of Art
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 676

“2012” Directed by Roland Emmerich

The Mayans calendar cyclic end inspires the movie's story, and a general picture of dooms day is seen throughout the entire movie.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 622

Comparison and Contrast of Art History

Daniel Strobel, Jr.and Her Son, George is one from the pair of neoclassical portraits of the Strobel family Daniel Strobel, the American Diplomat in France, and his wife, Anna Church, the daughter of the first [...]
  • Subjects: Paintings
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1401

Goodfellas: Cinematography Analysis

The shallow focus is used when Karen directs the gun to Henry, and the image of the gun is not clear as the director makes a decision not to mention a true essence of the [...]
  • 3.7
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1540

The Starry Night by Van Gogh

Different colors represent different emotions and feelings in a work of art such as a painting; perhaps one of the most important facts in the use of color is the ability to actively involve the [...]
  • Subjects: Paintings
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1166

The Film “Precious”: Claireece Precious Jones’ Case

To resolve the identified problems of the client, the social worker needs to establish consent, discuss confidentiality terms, carry out assessment procedure, and thoroughly address the steps of interventions implementation within the treatment plan.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 8
  • Words: 2309

“Tuesdays With Morrie” Film by Mick Jackson

Nature, loved and praised by Morrie, is used in the film to show the end of his life. The conversations with Morrie help him to remember who he actually is, reconsider his life, and focus [...]
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1436

“Shoshone Love Song” a Native American Song

For a considerable amount of time, this masterpiece was neglected yet in the twentieth century the tide turned, and this work of art began to attract the attention of many musicians, and poets.
  • Subjects: Musical Compositions
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 545

Hirokazu Koreeda’s ‘Nobody Knows’ Movie Analysis

1 The purpose of this paper is to analyze such aspects of Nobody Knows as the theme of family, the genre combining elements of fiction and documentaries, a linear narrative, the children's perspective, and camera [...]
  • Subjects: Cinema Art
  • Pages: 8
  • Words: 2217

The Movie “Outsourced” by John Jeffcoat

Specifically, the misalignment between the expectations that the leading character has of the new staff members and the Indian employees' perception of their role in the organization, as well as the approach toward managing their [...]
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 8
  • Words: 2330

Analysis of “Precious Knowledge” Film

The film Precious Knowledge focuses on the fall and defense of the ethnic studies program within the Tucson district. Music is also another form of code used in the film to show the film's pace [...]
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1106

Maurice Ravel: Bolero Analysis of Music Piece – Research Paper

Incidentally just like the minimalist composers of today, Ravel developed the Bolero piece in a controlled form of monotony but contained within its self the capacity to sedate and capture an audience, the Bolero piece [...]
  • 3.2
  • Subjects: Musical Compositions
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1423

“Kingdom of Heaven” Film Analysis

Apart from the fame that may come with such leadership, there is the need for the leaders to fight and ensure that the city is maintained.
  • Subjects: Historical Drama
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 2127

“The Pursuit of Happyness”

In the following paper, the lessons of success from the movie The Pursuit of Happyness will be characterized and evaluated. It is a challenge to become successful in the sphere of professional sales.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 1941

“Salaam Bombay!” (1988) by Mira Nair

Consequently, the story also incorporates a variety of themes and ideas that are interesting to explore in terms of the functioning of the society, the role of the city in marginalization and poverty, and human [...]
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1121

“The Tragedy” by Pablo Picasso

An impression of three people at a beach on the sea creates an open form, and the artist used blue colour to indicate the beach and the sea. Contour lines bring out the shape of [...]
  • Subjects: Artists
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 613

The Film ‘Coach Carter’

The second issue is the lack of values, respect, and attitude among the members in the team. The issue of discrimination and racism is another sociological concern in the film.
  • 3
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1193

Formal Analysis: Empress Theodora and Her Attendants

The focal point of the composition is the figure of the empress, highlighted through color and light. The mosaic 'Empress Theodora and Her Attendants' provides a glaring example of how formal elements of design work [...]
  • 4.5
  • Subjects: Art Movement
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 611

The Concept of Pop Music

Deriving from rock and roll, Pop music found its distinctiveness in the 1950s to not only become one of the world's most listened style of popular music, but also one of the very few styles [...]
  • Subjects: Music Genre
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 565

“Mi Familia” (1995) by Gregory Nava

The Mexican culture is evident in the kind of music that the characters enjoy dancing to or listening to in the course of their romance.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 578

“Young Sheldon” (2017): Character Case Study

The purpose of "Young Sheldon" is to show his younger years, as the adult version of the character was known for his genius combined with a complete lack of social literacy.
  • Subjects: Comedy
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1167

The King’s Speech: Prevailing Through Weakness

When the king spoke, all the country was still and quiet listening to the radio and waiting for the words to reveal themselves from the unbearable throat seizures. The movie is about the attempt to [...]
  • Subjects: Historical Drama
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 541

An Analysis on Elton John’s Candle in the Wind 1997 Song

Candle in the Wind 1997 is a masterpiece for it was able to deliver its purpose in being a farewell song of the people to the Princess, portrayed Diana as a kind-hearted humanitarian who had [...]
  • 5
  • Subjects: Musical Compositions
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 944

“300” by ‎Zack Snyder Film Analysis

It is based on this that when viewing the movie, it is obvious that the director wanted to depict the "manliness" and bravado of the Spartans.
  • 1
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 560

American Dream in “The Pursuit of Happiness” Film

In America today, there is a general belief that every individual is unique, and should have equal access to the American dream of life "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 12
  • Words: 4437

Bollywood Movies: History and the ‘Bollywood Movement’

It is based in the city of Mumbai, India and although people often incorrectly use the term for referring to the entire Indian cinema, Bollywood only represents a part of the Indian movie industry and [...]
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1139

“12 Years a Slave”: An Analysis of the Film

The movie was based on the memoir Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup. Although 12 Years a Slave is a film about slavery, the issues of collectivism and individualism are also raised.
  • Subjects: Cinema Art
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 617

Series “Breaking Bad”

Due to the fact that the episodes in the series vary in their dramatic effect and tension, the episodes' culminations and endings are always unpredictable, and this aspect, along with the focus on the antagonist [...]
  • 3
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 645

The Theories of Theatre’s Origins

The play's inspiration was the Greek mythology a part of the Greek religion. The governing body of the city convened and decided whether to allow the staging of a Corpus Christi play.
  • Subjects: Theater
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 1131

Monet’s and van Gogh’s Paintings Comparison

Impressionists showed the development of the urban environment at the end of the 19th century. Monet was the representative of impressionism, whereas van Gogh represented post-impressionism.
  • Subjects: Paintings
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 896

“The Mission” Movie Analysis

The mission tells us about life the struggles of the Guanari tribe, and the representatives of the Jesuit Order, who have entered the tribe to convert it.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 873

Se7en: Theme, Concept and Characters

The Theme of the Film and The general theme of the film is that even if the world is a bad place to live in, it is still worth fighting for in the end.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 617

“Hotel Rwanda” (2004) by Terry George

The events in the movie unfold in 1994 when the Rwandan genocide was just about to begin. Thereafter, the country plunges into a state of chaos after the death of the president.
  • 5
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1161

Bob Dylan Blowin In the Wind

The audience of Blowing in the Wind is primarily the United States of America government and to some extent the whites living America around this time.
  • Subjects: Musical Compositions
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 1816

Persepolis: Movie vs. Book Comparison Essay

But it is still easy to realize that two chapters in the book have been completely done away with in the movie: those of 'The Letter' and 'The Jewels'. The scene at the end of [...]
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1100

Descriptive Painting «The Creation of Adam»

The Creation of Adam painting is the most notable as can be seen in the frescoes of the Sistine chapel. Michelangelo uses the enlarged figure of Adam and God in this painting so as to [...]
  • 5
  • Subjects: Paintings
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 930

School Music Festival Concert

The preliminary rounds will be designed to ensure that only the participants who measure up to the high standards of the competition are allowed to go on to the next stage of the competition while [...]
  • 3.6
  • Subjects: Music
  • Pages: 8
  • Words: 2208

Race and Gender in “Hidden Figures” (2016)

Discussing the restroom scene within the context of the main theme of race and gender in Hidden Figures is important because it showed the tension between the urgent scientific work and the lack of logic [...]
  • Subjects: Historical Drama
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1109

Rain Man and Psychological Concepts

The concepts of autism, conformity, and trust are described in the movie; and the peculiarity of this story is that one concept is closely connected to another concept, and the consequences of one concept influence [...]
  • 5
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1154

Exhibition Review

The photographs on the exhibition are all from the permanent section of the museum. The unifying factor in the photographs on this exhibition is the use of Photoshop software in enhancing their appeal.
  • Subjects: Art Exhibitions
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 818

Sociology Within the “Parasite” Movie

Similar to the connection between "structure" and "culture" in society, there is a connection between film and sociology. The Parasite uses an exaggerated narrative through the wealth gap to emphasize class struggle and social inequality.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1149

The Movie “Split” Analysis

When a dissociative identity disorder hits a person severely, the only recommendation for the main character to resolve the psychological issue is contacting a psychotherapist and conducting comprehensive treatment.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 331

Rio (2011) and the Issue of Freedom

As a matter of fact, this is the only scene where Blu, Jewel, Linda, Tulio, and the smugglers are present at the same time without being aware of each other's presence.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 1228

The Film “The Social Network”

One of the most important characters in the film is Garfield who plays the role of Saverin, the only friend Zuckerberg had while in college.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1570

Different Types of Music

One of the commonest types of music is Gospel music. It is a type of music where songs are written and played with the objective of praising or honoring God.
  • Subjects: Music Genre
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 548

“Not Afraid” by Eminem Analysis

Some of the lyrics in "Not Afraid" are similar to the ideas of "Lose Yourself," which show the rapper's disagreement with some of the societal norms. This song is relevant to the global problem of [...]
  • Subjects: Musical Compositions
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 576

Italian Neorealism Impact on the French New Wave Movies

The most appropriate for comparison are two movies; the representative of the Italian neorealism is the Thief directed by Vittorio De Sica and the second one is the work of the French New Wave director [...]
  • Subjects: Films Comparison
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 821

Jazz and Hip Hop: Similarities and Differences

Both hip hop and jazz are closely linked and for that matter there are a number of similarities they share prompting some individuals to pronounce that hip hop is 'the jazz of young individuals in [...]
  • 3
  • Subjects: Music Genre
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 932

Music as a Weapon During the Vietnam War

Music to the soldiers in Vietnam acted as a tool to remind all troops of the responsibility that they had taken by being on the battlefield.
  • Subjects: Music
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 1603

“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” by Lasse Hallström

The family needs assistance because of its inability to cope with the death of their father and husband and evolve. It impacts the hierarchy within the family as the mother is deprived of any power [...]
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 8
  • Words: 2397

“Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio

The example of this device in the song is "I take a look at my life and realize". The example of repetition in the song is:
  • Subjects: Music Industry
  • Pages: 11
  • Words: 2036

Sound Techniques in the Truman

The director is using a variety of techniques such as lighting, camera work, and sound to convey the story and shape the meaning of the film.
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 632

Moonlight by Barry Jenkins: A Movie Analysis

This paper is divided into sections to; highlight the stages of development of Chiron, theoretical perspectives in understanding behavioral development and the impact of the behavior on the main characters life, impact on the society, [...]
  • 1
  • Subjects: Film Studies
  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 1982
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