Practice: AH or AC?

Inform, convince, persuade: "Quilty was war artist in Afghanistan and created startlingly moving works of pain"

An explanation: "Idealised human figures representing gods or heroes were the main subject matter"

Interpretation offered: "Swirling clouds at the top of the painting in a disturbing way like a prophecy of doom"

Facts, information: "Commissioned by the Medici family"

Personal response: "I sense a mood of fear and to me it shows the despair of war time"

Description: identifying qualities: "Quilty paints in thick gestural swipes of oil paint"

Matter of fact writing: "Since 1969, Baselitz has been inverting his paintings"

Opinion, judgement: "beautifully painted"

Creates or challenges history: "Levine forces us to consider the value and purpose of art"

Writings from or about the artist

Provides context - place, time, style

Creates an artist's reputation: "Gary Hill is one of the most important contemporary artists working in film"

An evaluation: "Hearman has wonderful control over her chosen medium of oil paint"

Provides known purpose or intention: "El Greco's principle means of expression were light and colour"

Passionate writing: "The face is bold, exciting and intriguing - a wonder to behold!"