Paintings: How to Write a Long Description

Depending on the context, a painting may need a complex description. These can be especially complicated and overwhelming since art is so subjective, and if it requires a long description then the painting may be very detailed. Like all long descriptions, break it down into logical parts and start describing.

The description of a Painting needs to reference the following elements:

An overview of the artwork piece including style
the title
a brief description of the main components

Often this is enough, and can go into the Alt-text with no long description required. If the context calls for more then proceed with a long description.

The Poet Centre has a few tutorials on writing Alt-text for paintings that are very helpful.

For a complex description it is important to consider the context for which you need the description. This may include:

The painting style
The color and composition
The style and location of the figures/elements in the image
Allegorical Meaning
Historical Context

For examples, go to Alt-text Samples: Paintings.

Go to Writing Tip: Using Point Form Technique for a breakdown on how you can start the writing process

If you have any questions, post your question on the Alt-Text Q&A

Navigate Back to Complex Images and Long Descriptions