How to Critique Artwork

Pablo Picasso's 1937 "Guernica"

A critique is a critical evaluation of a work of art or literature. When critiquing art, a standard four-step form of evaluation looks at aspects of the work, such as the craftsmanship, concept, design and originality. Only after looking at the work with an objective eye should you consider your own feelings and reactions to it.

Instructions

How to Critique Artwork

1. Tell what you see using objective facts. Start with basic information, such as the kind of work it is: sculpture, painting, textile, photograph, etc. Ask yourself the following questions: Who is the artist? What is the title? What materials/tools did the artist use? Where and when was this work produced? Place the work in a historical context by considering what major events occurred in this period.

2. Break the work down to its elements and consider how they work together in the work as a whole. Looking at such elements as colors, texture, lines, shapes, movement, repetition, empty space, light and contrast, see how these aspects are organized to achieve the overall effect.
   Asses the artist's craftsmanship and techniques. Are the materials, colors, and textures appropriate to the aesthetic design? Does the overall design appear harmonious or discordant?

3. Express what the work means to you and how it makes you feel. Use your experiences and knowledge to determine what the artist is trying to say with the work. Personalize this step and indicate how this work relates to you. What is the concept? What is the artist trying to express? What sort of reaction does it rouse in you?

4. Evaluate the work based on the results of the previous steps. Decide if you think the work is a success or failure. Is it original? Does have value? If so, why? Does it bring beauty to the world? Does it convey a poignant universal truth or scalding social commentary?

Tips & Warnings

• Use specific examples to support your opinions and to explain the reasons why you hold them.

• Use descriptive words (bright, cold) in the first two steps and not words that assign value ("good," "beautiful," etc.). Avoid judgments without explanations. "I don't like it" and "It's great" are not critiques.