In order to write an art research paper, you must choose a focus, outline the body of the research paper and prepare a bibliography of resources used. The best art research papers include a research paper abstract that summarizes the main points and conclusions reached by the author of the research paper in one or two paragraphs. You must also be fluent in the language of the type of art and historical period about which you are writing.
A well-written art research paper requires precise description. You must be able to recreate the work of art in words to the point where the reader can visualize it in his or her mind. You’ll also need to consider why or how the artwork’s details are significant or representative of the period in which it was created.
An art research paper outline looks like a list of bullet points. At least one paragraph is required to describe and analyze each point. The list of points should flow in a logical order; for example, a discussion of the religious atmosphere in the days of Michelangelo logically would appear earlier in the art research paper than a detailed description of Michelangelo’s statue of David.
A bibliography must be attached to the end of an art research paper, just like any other research paper. A bibliography is a list of all the sources used by the author to research and write the art research paper. The research paper’s abstract is usually the last section to be written. It is easier for a writer to say what he or she has already fleshed out in the body of the paper in a few sentences. Also, because writers’ focus can shift while writing a paper, it’s best to write an accurate abstract last.