'Describing Art': Barrett Chapter 3 Description

     In Barrett's chapter 3, 'Describing Art', he writes about the importance of using 'lively' descriptive language when critiquing and discussing works of art in order to captivate the readers attention. Having a detailed description of the visual and mental aspects of a piece of art can help the reader (and viewer) better understand what they are viewing, and your specific interpretation of the piece. Barrett emphasizes that what must be brought up while critiquing is how and what mediums are used, what forms are present in the image (abstract or realistic), and the subject matter. As you discuss these aspects it is important to use visual words like 'flowing' or 'radiant' while also using comparisons, cultural contexts, and personifications. By doing this, as a writer and a critic, you are able to illustrate the connections between each aspect of the art, allowing the viewer/reader to have a better understanding of the art and even a better grasp as to why or what feelings arose within themselves while observing the piece for the first time. Within chapter 3, Barrett provides numerous examples of criticisms about multiple pieces of art which greatly accomplish an effective criticism.