It is to be an American (USA) artist or architect from any period of American art. The paper will be analytical, but supported by research in secondary sources published articles, books, reliable Internet sources, etc. 

Part 1: Introduce the Artist by Discussing His/Her Style (4-6 pages)
Choose 1 or 2 key works by the artist. Describe the work(s) in as much detail as you can. Try to analyze how the artist achieves the final composition by carefully detailing how he/she utilizes the "formal" elements of the work (i.e. line, color, shapes or forms, mass and volume, light, texture, depth, balance, message, etc.) and how these work together to create the final composition. Discuss the content or meaning of the work. How has the artist manipulated and organized the artistic form to enhance and communicate meaning in the work? If you have chosen an architect, you will analyze the design, plan, structure, elevation, as well as the interior and exterior details and materials.

Part 2: Comparison-Contrast (3-4 pages)
Compare and/or contrast the work of the artist or architect discussed in Part 1 with 1 or 2 "historical" works of American art. The comparative works must be related in some way to the works of your artist/architect. For ex, comparative works could be 1) influential on your artist's style; or 2) by another artist/architect contemporary with yours, working in a similar or different style; analysis would point out the significance of the similarities and/or differences. Your comparison pieces can be ones that are similar or very dissimilar in style, or content, or images. You decide what would make an interesting comparison essay. Note: Construct a smooth transition between Part 1 and Part 2. The two parts should be integrated. The main subject of the comparison-contrast and of the paper will be the main artist's work.