How to Critique Artwork

How to Critique Artwork. An art critique is a detailed analysis and evaluation of a work of art. While no two people will experience the same reaction to a work of art or interpret it the same way, there are a few basic guidelines you can follow to achieve a thoughtful, thorough critique. The basic elements of an art critique are description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment.

Part 1: Describing the Work

Step 1: Gather Basic Information About the Work

Start your critique by providing the following information:

• Title of the work
• Artist’s name
• When the piece was created
• Where it was made
• The types of media used to create the work (e.g., oil paint on canvas)
• The exact size of the work

Step 2: Describe What You See

Using neutral terms, describe the artwork. Include:

• The form and scale of the work
• If the art depicts figures or objects, describe what is represented
• Avoid using subjective terms like “beautiful” or “ugly”
• Example: “This is a small-scale portrait painting of a young woman, shown from the mid-torso up, against a dark background. She is clasping her hands in front of her chest and looking up and slightly to the viewer’s right. She wears a pink dress, and a long veil that falls behind her head.”

Step 3: Discuss the Elements of the Work

Describe the work in more detail by discussing the five basic elements of art and design:

1. Line: Describe the use of lines, whether they are literal or implied, and their characteristics (curved, jagged, rough, smooth).
2. Color: Talk about hue, value, intensity, and how the colors work together (clashing, harmonious, monochromatic).
3. Space: Discuss depth, perspective, overlapping of objects, and the use of empty versus detailed space.
4. Light: Describe the role of light and shadow, whether it looks warm or cool, bright or dim, natural or artificial.
5. Shape: Describe whether the shapes in the work are geometric or natural, and whether one particular type of shape dominates the work.

Part 2: Analyzing the Work

Step 1: Discuss How the Work Uses the Principles of Composition

Analyze how the work is composed, keeping these ideas in mind:

• Balance: Do the colors, shapes, and textures create a balanced or harmonious effect, or is the piece imbalanced?
• Contrast: Does the work make use of contrasting colors, textures, or lighting? Contrast can also be found in the use of different shapes or contours.
• Movement: How does the work create a sense of movement? Is your eye drawn through the composition in a particular way?
• Proportion: Do the sizes of the different elements appear the way you would expect, or are they surprising?

Step 2: Identify the Point(s) of Focus of the Work

Most works of art have one or more points designed to catch your attention:

• Identify which parts of the work are emphasized
• Ask yourself why your eye is attracted to these features (size, position, lighting)

Step 3: Look for Themes in the Work

Identify key themes and discuss how the artist used the elements of design to express these themes:

• Color Scheme: Does the work use a specific color scheme to convey a mood or meaning?
• Symbolism: Look for religious or mythological imagery
• Repeating Images or Motifs: Note any recurring elements within the work or group of works

Part 3: Interpreting the Work

Step 1: Identify the Purpose of the Work

Consider what you think the artist was trying to convey with the work and summarize the overall meaning as you see it.

Step 2: Describe Your Own Reaction to the Work

Think about how you feel while looking at the work:

• Describe the overall mood
• Use expressive language (e.g., sad, hopeful, peaceful)

Step 3: Back Up Your Interpretation with Examples

Use examples from your description and analysis to explain why you think and feel the way you do about the piece.

Part 4: Judging the Work

Step 1: Decide Whether You Think the Work is Successful or Not

Focus on whether you think the work is “successful”:

• Does the work say what the artist wanted it to say?
• Did the artist use their tools and techniques well?
• Is the art original, or does it imitate other works?

Step 2: Explain How You Are Judging the Work

Clearly state the focus of your evaluation (e.g., organization, technical execution, portrayal of themes).

Step 3: Summarize Why You Think the Work is Successful or Unsuccessful

Explain your judgment of the work, using specific reasons based on your interpretation and analysis.

• Example: “I believe this work is successful because the use of light, shape, gesture, and line all work together harmoniously to portray the mood of the subject.”