This document provides guidance on critiquing works of art through constructive criticism and positive feedback. It explains that critiques have four main components: description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment. Description involves objectively noting technical and formal qualities of the work, while analysis examines how elements are composed and relate to each other. Interpretation explores how the work makes the viewer think and feel. Judgment presents an opinion on the work's success based on stated criteria. The document also provides an example student critique and self-evaluation form to guide students in critiquing their own works.

1. VISUAL ARTS | 2010-2011
CRITIQUE GUIDE: CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM & POSITIVE FEEDBACK
A critique is an oral or written discussion strategy used to analyze, describe, and interpret works of art. Critiques help students grow artistically and creatively. There are four main areas of a critique: Describe – Analyze – Interpret – Judge.
DESCRIPTION
Describe the work without using value words such as "beautiful" or "ugly.” Begin by describing the work itself – the title, the artist, the subject and the type of artwork. Think about when and where the work was created. Describe the elements of the work (i.e., line movement, light, space). Describe the technical qualities of the work (i.e., tools, materials, methods). Focus on the SUBJECT (the What?), the METHOD (the How?) and the CONTENT (the Why?).
ANALYSIS
Describe how the work is organized as a complete composition. How is the work constructed or planned (i.e., acts, movements, lines)? Identify some of the similarities throughout the work (i.e., repetition of lines, color schemes etc.). Identify some of the points of emphasis in the work (i.e., specific scene, figure, movement). If the work has subjects or characters, what are the relationships between or among them?
INTERPRETATION
Describe how the work makes you think or feel. Describe the expressive qualities you find in the work. What expressive language would you use to describe the qualities (i.e., tragic, ugly, funny)? Does the work remind you of other things you have experienced (i.e., analogy or metaphor)? How does the work relate to other ideas or events in the world and/or in your other studies?
JUDGMENT
Present your opinion of the work's success or failure. What qualities of the work make you feel it is a success or failure? Compare it with similar works that you think are good or bad. What criteria can you list to help others judge this work? How original is the work? Why do you feel this work is original or not original?
This project is composed of pictures taken at my house. I used candies from Halloween
to make this project.
These are macro photos. They emphasize the candy with good focus.
This project makes me hungry. It reminds me of Halloween.
I believe this project was a success. The pictures are in focus and consistent.
5pts
5pts
5pts
5pts

2. VISUAL ARTS | 2010-2011
SELF-EVALUATION: CHECKING FOR SUCCESS & AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
A self-evaluation is a way to critique your work, point out areas you found successful and identify areas that need improvement. Complete the grading rubrics below and be as honest as possible (your grade is not affected by what grade you give yourself, it is only affected that you put forth time and effort to complete this form).
PROJECT GRADE
5.0/A+
4.4/B+
3.9/C+
3.4/D+
1.0/F
POINTS
synthesis component
subject – the what? – do you have a clear subject defined? is this subject matter purposeful? does it represent something important to you? have you communicated this through images?
subject matter is clear and has meaning
subject matter has some meaning
subject matter lacks meaning or lacks clarity
subject matter is confusing
subject matter is not emphasized
up to 5 pts
concept – the why? – did you show a message and/or clear purpose? did you show originality in your idea and create something interesting to draw in the viewer? is the viewer engaged and moved by the piece?
concept is original and creative, is tied to studies
concept is creative but lacks originality
concept is copied or mimicked
concept is plagiarized
there is no idea or forethought
up to 5 pts
method – the how? – did you use techniques and methods learned in class to create a unique image through style, quality and content? does the method match the subject and concept?
in-class media studies & techniques were used with great skill
in-class media studies & techniques show some skill
media usage & techniques are mediocre and lacks effort
media usage & techniques are poor and shows little effort
student did not follow directions
up to 5 pts
theory & skill – mastery – did you apply yourself? did you produce the strongest and most aesthetically pleasing work you could have created? this is an evaluation of overall effort, dedication, responsibility and the final outcome of the project.
mastered skills and demonstrated effort above and beyond what was expected
used new skill-sets to create strong work, and pushed oneself to excel
average effort, average outcomes
poor effort
gave up or didn’t try
up to 5 pts
analysis & evaluation component
communication – interpretation – did you present your work to the class? did you showcase your skill and ideas? did you listen to feedback and internalize your peers’ suggestions? did you own your success and praise?
presentation was professional and impressive
presentation was successful
presentation was adequate
presentation was poor
presentation was unprofessional & lacked effort
up to 5 pts
self-evaluation – introspection – did you complete this SELF-EVALUATION form? again, did you take it seriously? did you fairly assess your effort and product? did you fairly asses overall project?
demonstrated insight and critical thinking
demonstrated a good sense of self- critique and praise
could have spent more time analyzing and reflecting
did not take process seriously
lacked effort and showed disinterest in the process of growth
up to 5 pts
TOTAL POINTS:
5
5
5
5
5
5
30