This document outlines the 4 steps of art criticism: description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment. It provides guidance on gathering factual details about the artwork in the description step. The analysis step involves examining how art elements and principles are used. Interpretation considers the artist's intent and meaning. Judgment evaluates whether the artwork is successful and merits display or in a museum based on the prior steps. The document aims to teach a methodical process for critically examining and understanding an artwork.

1. Art Aesthetics &
Criticism
How to “Read” Art

2. 4 steps of art criticism
• Description
• Analysis
• Interpretation
• Judgment
Paul Klee. Ad Parnassum. 1932. Oil
on canvas. (39 x 49 in.).

3. step 1: description
Gathering Facts...
• What is the name of the artist?
• What kind of artwork is it?
• What is the name of the artwork?
• When was it created? Hughie Lee-Smith. The Piper. 1953. Oil on
canvas. (22 x 35 1/4 in.).
• Name some other major events
in history that occurred at the
same time as the artwork.

4. step 1: description
• List the literal objects in the
painting (trees, people, animals,
mountains, rivers, etc.)
• Consider the significant art
elements that are present in the
artwork and describe them.
•Line •Texture Hughie Lee-Smith. The Piper. 1953. Oil on
•Shape •Color canvas. (22 x 35 1/4 in.).
•Form •Value
•Space

5. Vincent Van Gogh. The Starry Night. 1889. Oil on canvas. (29 x 36 1/4 in.).

6. step 2: analysis
• How are the principles of art used to organize the art elements?
• Rhythm • Pattern • Proportion • Variety
• Movement • Balance • Emphasis • Unity
Hughie Lee-Smith. The Piper. 1953. Oil on canvas.
(22 x 35 1/4 in.).

7. Vincent Van Gogh. The Starry Night. 1889. Oil on canvas. (29 x 36 1/4 in.).

8. step 3: interpretation
• Based on what you have learned so
far about the artwork, what do you
think the artist is trying to say?
• Why did the artist create this
artwork?
• What do you think it means?
• What feelings do you have when
Hughie Lee-Smith. The Piper. 1953. Oil on
looking at this artwork? canvas. (22 x 35 1/4 in.).
• Do you think there are things in the
artwork that represent other things
- symbols?

9. Vincent Van Gogh. The Starry Night. 1889. Oil on canvas. (29 x 36 1/4 in.).

10. step 4: judgment
• Do you like the artwork?
• Do you think it is an important
artwork?
• Would you display it at home?
• Is it “good” enough for a museum?
• Justify your opinion! Explain yourHughie Lee-Smith. The Piper. 1953. Oil on
opinion using observations from thecanvas. (22 x 35 1/4 in.).
previous three steps.

11. Aesthetic Qualities
Which of the following Qualities did the artist give to the artwork?
• Imitationalism (Literal Quality): focuses on a
realistic representation.
• Formalism (Formal Quality): Places emphasis
on the arrangement of the elements of art
using the principles of art.
• Emotionalism (Expressive Qualities): Requires
that an artwork must evoke a response of
feelings, moods, or emotions in the viewer.

12. Vincent Van Gogh. The Starry Night. 1889. Oil on canvas. (29 x 36 1/4 in.).