2. What is Art Critique?
• An art critique is a detailed analysis and evaluation
of a work of art. Different people may have
different interpretations of a single artwork and
they may have varying reactions to it but to achieve
a more detailed, thoughtful critique, a few basic
guidelines could be used. These guidelines are the
components of (or the stages in writing) an art
critique. These components are description,
analysis, interpretation and judgment.
3. The Voyage of Life, Youth
Thomas Cole painted in the style of Romanticism.
4. Components of an Art Critique
1. Description: the visual facts
• An art critique can be written by first providing
some basic information about the artwork like the
title of the work, artist's name, when the piece was
created, where it was made.
7. 2. Analysis: the use of design
principles
the focus shifts to how the artwork utilizes design
principles.
The analysis should explore how these principles are
applied in the artwork to organize its various
elements.
8. Elements:
:
1. Balance: It is like having equal weight on both sides of a
scale. In design, it means arranging elements so that they feel
stable and not lopsided.
2. Contrast: Contrast is about making things different to
create interest and draw attention. It's like pairing black and
white or big and small.
3. Movement: Movement is like guiding someone's eyes to
look around.
4. Proportion: Proportion is about making sure things look
right together. It's like making sure a big object doesn't
overpower a small one.
9. • In addition, look for the themes in the work and
discuss how the artist used the elements of art
(line, color, shape, etc.) to express these themes.
Themes might include things like symbolism and
religious or mythological imagery, or the use of a
particular color scheme to give the work a
particular mood or meaning
10. 3.Interpretation: the meaning of
the artwork
• An interpretation seeks to explain the meaning of
the work based on what you have learned so far
about the piece. What do you think is the
message behind this artwork? What do you think
the artist is trying to convey?
• In the first component (Description), you have to
be objective. In this component, you can be a
little more subjective. Use expressive language to
discuss your reaction to the artwork.
11. 4. Judgement: personal evaluation
involves making a personal evaluation or assessment
of an artwork. It focuses on forming an opinion
about the artwork's quality, aesthetic appeal, or
impact. Judgment considers factors such as the
technical skill, creativity, originality.
12. Here are a few questions to consider:
• Do you think the work says what the artist wanted it to
say? Did the artist use their tools and techniques well?
• Why do you think this work has intrinsic value or
worth?
• Do you find that the work communicates an idea,
feeling or principle that would have value for others?
