Final answer:
Formal analysis is an analytical approach to studying art that focuses on the design elements and composition of the artwork. It helps us understand the impact and meaning of the artwork on the viewer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Formal analysis is a close and analytical way of looking at and discussing a work of art. It involves describing the work in terms of various design elements such as line, shape, space/perspective, texture, light, mass, and color, and discussing how those elements have been used in the artwork. Formal analysis focuses on the structure, materials, and composition of the artwork rather than its subject matter or historical context. It helps us understand the overall meaning of the work and the effects it has on the viewer.