The Magic of Visual Analysis

The Magic of
Visual Analysis

Learn how to decipher the messages and meaning
within graphic novels from Merlin the magician!

A GUIDE
FOR INDEPTH
ANALYSIS OF
ILLUSTRATED TEXTS
IN A MULTIMODAL
LITERATURE
CLASSROOM
Written and Illustrated by Rebekah Cochell 1

CONTENTS

04 what is visual analysis
08 example of a graphic novel
14 discover perspectives
16 visual literacy-elements of art
18 visual literacy-principles of design
20 visual literacy-page design
22 visual literacy-graphic novel design

2

24 meaning of a picture
26 the meaning between frames
28 the meaning between images
30 the meaning of a page
33 the meaning of a spread
35 the meaning of the first and last
36 conclusion

3

VWIHSAUTAILS ANALYSIS?

Visual analysis is what artists and art
critics are trained to do when they
look at a piece of art. Sometimes it is
called Art Analysis.

In this book, you will learn how
to look at a graphic novel like you
would a painting in a museum.

Graphic novels are complex texts
and this process will help you gain a
deeper meaning of word and image.
I have broken the process up into

three steps for you.

4

Greetings!
My name is Merlin.
You may have heard
of me. I was King Arthur’s
teacher and trusty wizard.
Today. I am going to teach
you how to look at a graphic
novel like a piece of art. We
will learn all about “visual

analysis”.

5

TVHISEUBAASLICASTNEAPSLYOSFIS

1observeObservation is an important skill.
It is paying attention to everything
you see. When you look at a piece
of art or illustrated page, you must look
at what is there first without trying to
figure out what it means. Just look at the
details and write down everything! Pay
attention to what is in the illustrations,
what the letters look like, the colors
used and any other details you notice.

6

2discover perspectivesPerspective. Everything is a product of the
time and place it it is created in. That time
and place is different than yours. You need
discover these perspectives and figure out how
they affect the story and your interpretation.

3analyzeAnalyze the words and images like an
artist would analyze a painting. This
may sound like a tough job, but its
easy once you learn the language of art. The
Principles of Design, Elements of Art and
aspects of page design will help you.

Look at the next six pages and observe all
the details. Write down what you see without
judgment. Just observe what is on the page.

7

The Legend of King Arthur

A young squire, named Arthur,
loses his brother’s sword. During
his search, he finds a lone sword
in a stone. On the stone is written,
“He who draws the sword is the
rightful King of England”. He pulls
the sword out, unknowingly
claiming the throne.

8

The kingdom is united
as the knights show
allegiance to Arthur.

Arthur establishes the
Round Table, a symbol of
equality and justice.

Arthur establishes the
Round Table, a union
and gathering of the
knights and a symbol
of equality and justice.

9

He marries his true King Arthur’s
love, Guinevere, and kingdom enjoyed
vows to rule his peace and prosperity
kingdom with love. for many years.

10

I have
never felt such
despair. The two people
I loved the most in
this world have
betrayed me...

But the golden age did
not last. Arthur discovers
that his wife and best
friend betrayed him. As
Arthur’s health declines,
the land suffers and
becomes a wasteland.

11

Knights, This vision revealed to
you must find Arthur that the Holy Grail,
the cup Christ drank out
the Grail. of during the Last Supper,
would restore the health of
the land and himself.

Arthur, near
death, has a
vision of the
Holy Grail.

The knights found the
grail and brought it to
King Arthur. The land and
King were healed.

However, during the
time of despair, Arthur’s
enemies united and
planned an attack to
overthrow his rule.

12

The Prophecy told of how Arthur, always the first
Arthur’s body would rest in in battle, meets his
the Isle of Avalon, One day, mortal enemy on this
it is said, he will return to rule battlefield. His faithful
England again. knights lay his body
in a funeral barge to
 fulfill a prophecy.

Arthur’s last request, as he 13
laid dying on the battlefied,
had been a request for his
sword Excalibur to be thrown
into the lake nearby. HIs
knights took the sword and
did as Arthur asked. As the
sword was tossed into the
water, a silvery hand reached
out of the mist and grabbed
the legendary steel blade. The
sword and hand disappeared
into the watery depths. The
knights believed it would
reappear when Arthur returns
and the mysterious Lady of
the Lake would keep it until
his return.

DPIESRCOSVPEERCTIVES

Everything comes from a particular
time and place affecting its message.
Because of this, nothing is ever
neutral. Stories, news and art all
reflect the time and place it was made.

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

◊ Who wrote this story?
◊ Where did it originate?
◊ How does the origin affect the meaning?
◊ What is the illustrator’s time and place?
◊ How does that affect the style or meaning?
◊ And what about your perspective?
◊ How do your experiences affect our

interpretation? (Your gender, age, culture
and background affect how you interpret
what you see, read and hear.)

14

Our perspectives
dictate how we see the
world and understand
everything. Our perspectives
affect how we understand

every thing.

The legend of King Arthur
is probably familiar to
you. It is a story about a
king who lived in England
during the 6th century
CE. Some people believe
these legends are based
on a real king. There are
many versions that have
been written, from the
12th century all the way to
today’s movie versions. This
version is loosely based on
Le Morte D’arthur by Sir
Thomas Malory (1485 CE)
and The Once and Future
King by T. H. White (1958).

15

VEILSEUMALELNITTESRAOCFY ART

The
elements of art
are the building blocks
of visual art. They are the
ingredients that artists
and illustrators use to

communicate.

16

cTdhahiarreereaycmctctiaaoernrnkishsatanitcvhdsea.ltemghanantvyhe.s LSinEpealsecementsToexftAurretA ooltdorahiraomriesasntkmrwp.dhTsltoniooeeceowadxfxtttontt,hiuuanr.bmnrroWeeeauaoskrcpg?bheeahijaeane,otclcpebboatrerjrioefceecfketlylss
ntbehiinesgreaauttenwsivedoiedmimodatiroegmnepces.orinSoesspaintiaotiavecnle,ead.lce, apnth
hape ColorbrCaeaciscislwriotccaasildsneethtsgdwha,lepoapasreo-nedaslday.rime.ghoIettenhnihgsesahiaostn.ndal
foA idn(hnatisearaksnmcsrtoeiehtr)ayr,telve(iegbadhlrautibsgeyiphte(tlihincsg)oethswsat:sn.)hId.tue
rmwoisibdajtehct,ht.hreAeeig-fhodtrimmanehdnasdisoenpatlh.

17

PVIRSUINALCLIPITLEREASCOY F DESIGN

The Principles of Design are the rules
that an artist or designer uses to create a
cohesive composition. The Elements of Art
are used to achieve the Principles of Design.

Balance Contrast

refers to the visual happens when
weight of an image. Even elements are
distribution of weight is different than each
achieved through usage of other. Contrast
the elements of art. directs your eye and
commands attention.

Emphasis Repetition

is when something in an is the reoccurence
image stands out. This can of elements
be achieved through a sharp throughout a page.
contrast with elements A pattern is a
or an extremity in any of regular arrangement
the principles of design. of repeated or
An artist or designer will alternating elements.
use emphasis to direct This creates a
your attention to the most rhythm within the
important aspects. image.

18

Movement

is the path the viewer’s eye takes
through the work of art, enabled
by the usage and placement of the
Elements of Art. The usage and
placement of the elements can also
cause an object in an image to have
the impression of movement.

Proportion

refers to the comparative
size of objects. Larger
elements are more
important. Proportion can
signify what objects are
closerto the viewer.

Variety is when different

elements are used to create
interest in a composition.

Unity is when the Elements of

Art work together to create a
harmonic composition, creating
a sense of completeness.

19

VPIASUGAEL DLIETESRIGACNY

puBbotloiictklaetoiron TITLE
nTucihtmlaebpsetaresnrsdof
Chapter Number
Border
This is body text. This is where words tell the story.
In a lot of books, there are not many images, and the
whole story is told through words. When images
are included, the placement and size are important.
What do page sized illustrations communicate?
What do little ones?

The aspects of the text, such as size, alignment
and style all communicate meaning to a reader,
but often we don’t realize it because these aspects
are so common, they have become invisible to us.
However, page aspect affect how we well we can

read it and how well we can
process the information.
They communicate tone
and mood. They affect how
we feel about the page and
whether we read more or
put the page aside.

IlolursVtrisautiaoln Page Number
20

The overall layout of where the letters, images and white space are
placed create its own piece of art. Each choice has its consequences
on the unity and balance of the page, as well as our emotional and
cognitive reactions to the information in it.

Borders and margins Some look Large letters draw
frame the page. modern, some your attention and
Borders can be look handwritten. create a hierarchy of
decorative or even Font style can importance.
contain pictures in communicate
them. The size of the playfulness, business
borders and margins or nostalgia.
affect the text and
image size and their FONT BASICS
balance on a page
too. The size, color Serif fonts have small lines attached to the letter
and decorations lines. They are timeless and classic.
set apart the inner Serif fonts are modern and clean.
part of the page and Letters with thick strokes are
emphasizes the text assertive and bold.
and complements Thin strokes communicte care and sensitivity.
the meaning. Borders Fonts that have a high contrast of stroke
set apart different
sections of a book. Swicdrtihptaldodokdsigelneigtaynatnadnrdefcilnaesmsye. nt.
Fonts have different
styles, sizes and Handwritten fonts can reflect
weights.
playfulness and personality.
When the x-height (height of lower cased vowels) is
low, the letters communicate artistry and extroversion. A
high x-height communicates introversion and stability.

21

VGIRSUAAPLHLIITCERNAOCYVEL DESIGN

Panels contain Gutters are the Thought bubbles
the sequential spaces between contain the thoughts
images. This panels.
means that the of the characters.
images are in a
specific order A caption is a small
to tell a story. panel that contains
Sometimes the narrative text of
panels have the story.
thin frames.

WhamB! OOM! Graphic novels
and comic books
Sound effects are words, sometimes use
sometimes colored and extreme perspective
bold that mimic sounds. to add visual
interest and engage
the reader. Bird’s
eye and worm’s
eye view are two
examples.

22

Speech bubbles And we can’t forget the unique
contain the words visual language that graphic
the characters say. novels and comic books have.

The pictures in a graphic novel are
broken up into frames, with multiple
frames on a page. The pictures are
sequential and are read from left to
right and top to bottom. They are often
framed by thin lines called panel frames.
Speech and thought is shown in bubbles.
Gesture lines are used to show emotion
and movement. The fonts often look
handwritten.
What other aspects of page design are
peculiar to graphic novels?
How do these aspects change how you
understand what the meaning is?

Let’s use our new visual
literacy to analyze some
images from the story.

23

OTHFEAMEPAINCITNUGRE

maLteenextaa’tslnyalizonneodgkhstotahwotartayth.csoiisnmigmplelaefgmreaemcnotensavtenhydes

QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOU

The knights all look the same, but there is
variety. How is the monotony broken up
and what is the effect?
What elements of art create emphasis?
Where draws your attention? What
elements of art are used to show contrast
and balance?
The lines of the swords create a rhythmic
pattern. What else do the swords achieve?
The trees are all different sizes. What does
this tell you about their distance?
How is color used to convey meaning?
Green can mean harmony, growth, nature,
power, peacefulness, wealth, envy and
greed. What do you think it means here?
How does the context inform?

24

Diagonal lines can add movement and energy to a
composition. Vertical lines suggest height, rigidity and
stregnth. Horizontal lines bring a sense of calm and
serenity to an image. Used together, horizonal and
diagonal lines bring a sense of stability and structure.

25

BTHEETMWEAENEINNGFRAMES

Look at these two frames and analyze how
they work together to create meaning beyond
that of a single frame.

QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOU

The figures in the first frame are larger
and fill the picture frame. It is a cropped
closeup of the second image. How do
the proportions affect each image? What
principles of design do these two images
accomplish together?
Patterns and colors can often be symbolic
of ideas and concepts. What could the
multi-colored window be symbolic of?
How is the texture of hair implied? What
other elements are used to create the
texture?
How do Arthur’s and Guinevere’s facial
expressions convey how they feel? Where
are they both looking? How does this direct
your eye while looking at the image?

26

An important aspect in historical paintings that artists study is “the gaze”. This deals
with how the characters in a painting affect the meaning by what and who they are
looking at. What does the gaze mean here?
Value differences are often used to draw our eyes to a particular part of a picture.
Extreme differences between light and dark create a contrast. Low value differences
result in a low energy image, but can give one a sense of calm.

27

28

TBHEETMWEAENEINNGIMAGES

Now let’s look at two frames and analyze
how they work together to create meaning
beyond that of a single frame.

QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOU

This castle landscape suggests a particular
type of setting. What characteristics are in
this land? Is it a positive or negative place?
How do the elements of art such as color,
value and texture create this sense of
place?
These pictures are full of forms. The
mountains, the trees and the castle all
suggest three dimensional objects. How do
the forms of the trees change between the
two images?
How is space used to create a sense of
depth and distance?
What happens to objects as they are
farther away in the picture plane such as
mountains and trees?
How do these two images contrast?
How do the elements of art create these
differences?

29

TOHNE MAEPAANGINEG

Let’s look at a page and analyze how the
images and content work together.

QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOU

What elements of art are used to achieve
this contrast between the outside of
Arthur’s window and the inside?
The gaze of the image in the forefront
directs your eyes to the catalyst of the
story. What other aspects in the image help
inform the point of the story cycle this is a
part of?
This image is filled with variety. Look for
instances that variety creates tension.What
elements of art help convey a mood in each
image and how do these contrast?
How do we know the difference between
thoughts and words by the characters?

Pay attention to where your eye naturally goes
on a page and think about what attracts your
attention. On a comic book or graphic novel page,
the frames position and size can all help direct
your eyes in a non traditional way.

30

31

OTHNE MAESAPNRINEGAD

Lacoentnd’tsealnnotaolkwyozaertkhaottowwgoethtpheaeigrm.easgperseaadnd

QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOU

In a graphic novel, facing pages often work
together as one, both with composition,
themes and story aspects.
What are some themes or components
consistent this spread?
What style of lettering does the font
remind you of? How does it fit the time and
place of the story?
How does the proportion of the images
and the order help tell the story?
Always consider how all the components
of art and design work together to convey
meaning.

32

Often when a crisis is happening, the colors and
values become darker. When there is hope and
positivity, the colors and values become lighter.

33

TFHIRESMTEAANNINDGLIANSTTHEIMAGES

Let’s look at the first and last
images and analyze how the
images relate to each other.

QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOU

What differences do you notice between
these two swords and what does the
difference mean? What type of mood do
these each suggest?
How does visually seeing images help you
create a meaning about the beginning and
end of the story?
It is important to consider the whole story
cycle and how the images support the
themes and message.
\What do the swords in the beginning and
end represent? What about the use of
colors and composition support these ideas
and concepts?

34

S

35

Now the skill of
visual analysis is within
your reach. The more you
analyze, the more insightful
you will become. enjoy the
magic of Word and Image

on a page!

36

PRACTICE!

Now when you read a graphic novel,
comic book or any illustrated text,
you can understand the many layers
of meaning on a page! The more you
practice these steps and talk to others
about what you see, the better you
will get. It will help your reading
comprehension and your critical
thinking skills.

And for fun, you can go to an art
museum or cocktail party and talk
about paintings like a pro!

37

DgaeralqvpuehediscteenfoporvineinltssoiagtshhMte aevnrisldiunakglnuloaiwdneglesudayggoeeu. of
on

Illustrated books and graphic novels are being utilized in
upper level classrooms due to the trend of multimodal
literacy. Once relegated to elementary classes,
illustrated books are now recognized as appropriate and
complex for all levels of instruction. However, reading
these texts to their full potential takes a set of skills.
These skills are similar to those taught in a fine arts
appreciation class. This book will guide you through
the steps and vocabulary and help you gain a deep
understanding of how to read the interaction of words
and images in graphic novels and illustrated texts.

38