The document outlines a 4-step process for discussing and critiquing artwork: 1) Describe the key elements and subject matter, 2) Analyze use of design principles, 3) Interpret meaning and symbolism, 4) Judge quality and express opinion. Examples provided illustrate applying the process to various paintings and sculptures.

1. How to Discuss
Artwork
4 Easy Steps to master
the Art Critique!

2. 1. Describe
2. Analyze
3. Interpret
4. Judge

3. Step 1: Description
-What kind of artwork is this
-Who created it, and what is the title?
-When was this artwork created? What major events in
history occurred around this time?
-List the objects you see (trees, people, shapes, etc).
-Consider the significant art elements that are present in
this artwork and describe them:
LINE TEXTURE
SHAPE COLOR
FORM VALUE
SPACE PATTERN

4. 1. What objects do you
see?
2. Describe the texture
of the brushstrokes.
3. Are the colors neutral
or saturated?
4. How are dark and
light values used in this
painting?
5. What path do your
eyes take in this
painting?
Umberto Boccioni Still Life with Glass and Siphon 1914

5. Step 2: Analysis
In this step, consider the most significant art
principles that were used in the artwork. Describe
how the artist used them to organize the elements.
BALANCE CONTRAST
EMPHASIS VARIETY
HARMONY MOVEMENT
GRADATION UNITY
RHYTHM DEPTH
PROPORTION COMPOSITION

6. 1. How is movement
created in this print?
2. Can you find
repeating shapes that
create rhythm?
3. Does the size of
objects describe depth
in this image? How?
4. Is this print
balanced? Why or why
not?
5. Do the tones in this
print create high or low
contrast? Katsushita Hokusai The Waterfall where Yoshitsune Washed his Horse 1832

7. Step 3: Interpretation
Based on what you have learned so far about the
artwork, what do you think the artist was trying to
say?
Why did this artist create this artwork?
What do you think it means?
What feelings do you have when looking at this
artwork?
Do you think there are things in the artwork that
represent other things- symbols?

8. 1. What do you think the
artist is trying to say?
2. What do you think it
means?
3. What feelings does
this work give you?
4. Do you see symbols
that might represent
something important?
Ida Applebroog Mother I am Ill 1993

9. Step 4: Judgment
Do you like this artwork?
Do you think it is an important artwork?
Would you display this artwork in your home?
Does this belong in a museum?
Explain why you feel the way you do about this
artwork based on what you have learned about it.

10. 1. Do you like this
artwork?
2. Do you think it is a
good artwork?
3. Would you display
this in your home?
4. Is this artwork good
enough to put in a
museum?
5. Why do you feel this
way?
Friedensreich Hundertwasser The 30 Day Fax Picture 1994

11. 1. Describe
2. Analyze
3. Interpret
4. Judge
5. Additional Comments
Ellen Gallagher
Millie Christine from “Deluxe”
2004-2005

12. 1. Describe
2. Analyze
3. Interpret
4. Judge
5. Additional Comments
Gianlorenzo Bernini Apollo and Daphne 1622-25

13. 1. Describe
2. Analyze
3. Interpret
4. Judge
5. Additional Comments
Ingres Josephine-Eleonore-Marie-Pauline de Galard de Brassac de Bearn 1853

14. 1. Describe
2. Analyze
3. Interpret
4. Judge
5. Additional Comments
Fred Wilson Safe House II (Speak of Me as I Am) 2003

15. 1. Describe
2. Analyze
3. Interpret
4. Judge
5. Additional Comments
Frida Kahlo The Two Fridas 1939

16. 1. Describe
2. Analyze
3. Interpret
4. Judge
5. Additional Comments
Cai Guo-Qiang Inopportune:State Two 2004

17. 1. Describe
2. Analyze
3. Interpret
4. Judge
5. Additional Comments
Gustave Caillebotte The Garden at Petit Gennevilliers in Winter 1894

18. 1. Describe
2. Analyze
3. Interpret
4. Judge
5. Additional Comments
Piet Mondrian Broadway Boogie Woogie 1942-1943

19. 1. Describe
2. Analyze
3. Interpret
4. Judge
5. Additional Comments
Jaques-Louis David Death of Marat 1793

20. 1. Describe
2. Analyze
3. Interpret
4. Judge
5. Additional Comments
Richard Diebenkorn Ocean Park No.54 1972