What annotation is for
- Annotation is written notes in your sketchbook that explain your thinking: your intentions, what you tried, what worked and what you'd change.
- It supports all four objectives, but it should never replace visual work.
Writing good annotation
- Describe: what you did and which materials and techniques you used.
- Analyse: how the formal elements work and why you made your choices.
- Evaluate: what was successful, what wasn't, and what you'll do next.
- Use specialist vocabulary, such as tone, composition, complementary and impasto.
- Link to artists: explain how their work influenced a decision.
Things to avoid
- Long biographies copied from the internet.
- Vague comments such as "I like it" without reasons.
- Writing that doesn't match the images next to it.
Key terms
- Annotation
- Notes that explain your ideas and decisions.
- Intentions
- What you are trying to achieve in your work.
- Evaluation
- Judging what worked and what to change.
- Specialist vocabulary
- Art words used precisely.
- Analyse
- Explain how and why something works.