Describe: What exactly what you see?
The first step in art criticism is description. When we look at a work of art, our minds naturally take notice of the general information that is present. When critiquing, start here with a simple description of what is seen in the artwork. This would be a visual inventory of what is seen.
Analysis: What are art elements and design principles doing?
The next step in art criticism is analysis. Analysis refers to how we see the art elements and design principles arranged. In this step, our minds take in the lines, values, and colors of the artwork. We also may take notice of the balance, proportion, rhythm, and unity found within the work. In a critique, students should point out what is happening with these specific elements and principles. Many times, the formal qualities of the artwork are what makes the art successful. Students should state how these qualities work and what makes them successful in artwork. They should also be able to discern when these formal qualities are unsuccessful as well.
The first step in art criticism is description. When we look at a work of art, our minds naturally take notice of the general information that is present. When critiquing, start here with a simple description of what is seen in the artwork. This would be a visual inventory of what is seen.
Analysis: What are art elements and design principles doing?
The next step in art criticism is analysis. Analysis refers to how we see the art elements and design principles arranged. In this step, our minds take in the lines, values, and colors of the artwork. We also may take notice of the balance, proportion, rhythm, and unity found within the work. In a critique, students should point out what is happening with these specific elements and principles. Many times, the formal qualities of the artwork are what makes the art successful. Students should state how these qualities work and what makes them successful in artwork. They should also be able to discern when these formal qualities are unsuccessful as well.
Interpret: Why was this artwork made?
The next step in art criticism is interpretation. Often we will automatically skip to this step of art criticism. We look for meaning in everything in our world. So this is natural that we look for meaning in artworks. In this step, we explore the meaning of the artwork. What is the artist trying to communicate to us? Why did the artist make the artwork? There are no wrong responses here; however, you must reference visual evidence to support the ideas you have stated.
Judgment: How successful or important is the work of art? The last step in art criticism is judgment. Is this work of art successful? Is this artwork unsuccessful? It is important that we go through all the previous steps in art criticism because they guide you to this step. The work of art may not be your favorite, but it may still be successful. In this way you can learn to appreciate good art, even if we personally do not like it.
The next step in art criticism is interpretation. Often we will automatically skip to this step of art criticism. We look for meaning in everything in our world. So this is natural that we look for meaning in artworks. In this step, we explore the meaning of the artwork. What is the artist trying to communicate to us? Why did the artist make the artwork? There are no wrong responses here; however, you must reference visual evidence to support the ideas you have stated.
Judgment: How successful or important is the work of art? The last step in art criticism is judgment. Is this work of art successful? Is this artwork unsuccessful? It is important that we go through all the previous steps in art criticism because they guide you to this step. The work of art may not be your favorite, but it may still be successful. In this way you can learn to appreciate good art, even if we personally do not like it.