How to Critique a Work of Art
Knowing how to critique a work of art will enhance your appreciation of paintings and sculptures. It will make the experience of visiting museums and art galleries more enjoyable.
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Instructions
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Describe what you see when you look at the artwork. Make notes on the subject. If an action is taking place--for example, one person is interacting in some fashion with another or performing some action--write what you see. Note also the media--tools and materials--the artist used.
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Identify the specific principles of design the artist used to organize the elements of artwork. Principles of design include balance, harmony, movement and emphasis. Elements of design include line, color, shape and form.
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Identify the feeling or message the artist has communicated through his choice of subject matter and the way in which that subject was expressed using the principles and elements of design.
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Note whether the artwork is a success--whether it succeeds in terms of its realistic subject, the strength of its composition, the power of its message or whether it succeeds in terms of all three.
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References
- Photo Credit water color and brush image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
