Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: How to describe the job
• Part 2 of 4: How to Analyze Work
• Part 3 of 4: How to Interpret Work
• Part 4 of 4: How to evaluate work
• Tips

Artwork criticism is a detailed analysis and evaluation of works of art. Each person experiences unique feelings when getting acquainted with the work, interprets the work in his own way, but there are several general rules for meaningful and detailed criticism. Thus, criticism of works of art includes four basic elements: description, analysis, interpretation and evaluation.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: How to describe the job

1. 1 Gather basic information about the job. You need information that is usually indicated on a plate in museums and galleries or in a caption to an image in an art album. This background knowledge greatly influences the interpretation and understanding of the work. At the very beginning of the review, the following information should be indicated:
   • title;
   • author's name;
   • time of creation;
   • place of creation;
   • media used (e.g. oil paints and canvas)
   • exact dimensions of the work.
2. 2 Describe what you saw. The work should be described in neutral terms. In the description, indicate the form and scale of the work. Describe central and secondary objects if the canvas depicts non-abstract forms.
   • For example, you might say, “This is a small half-length portrait of a young woman against a dark background. She clasped her arms over her chest, and her gaze is directed up and to the right of the viewer. The woman is wearing a pink dress and a long veil that falls below the shoulders. ”
   • Don't use words like “pretty,” “ugly,” “good,” or “bad." At this stage, you need to describe what you saw, and not express your own judgments!
3. 3 Consider the main elements of the job. Now it's time to describe the work in detail. Report the use of the five basic elements of visual art: lines, color, space, light, and shape.
4. 4 Describe the use of lines. Lines in a work of art can be both literal and implied. Different line types have different tone and effect. For example:
   • Smooth, curved lines create a calming effect, while torn lines have a rougher appearance or add energy to the canvas.
   • Rough, schematic lines create a sense of movement and freedom, while smooth, solid lines convey calmness and a sense of thoughtfulness in the image.
   • Line of sight or action can be implied by the location of objects or objects within a scene. For example, a group of shapes that are facing or facing the same direction can create an implied line that defines the direction of the gaze.
5. 5 Discuss the use of colors. Pay attention to parameters such as hue (red, green, blue), brightness (light or dark), and saturation. Notice common color schemes and analyze color combinations.
   • For example, are the colors opposed to each other or harmoniously combined? Are there multiple colors in the work or one primary color (for example, all shades of blue)?
6. 6 Describe the use of space. “Space” is the area around and between objects. When discussing space, you need to focus on depth and perspective, the overlap of objects, the combination of free and filled with details.
   • When describing a two-dimensional work, for example a painting, one should talk about the presence or absence of the illusion of depth and three-dimensional space.
7. 7 Describe the use of light. Light in the visual arts can be warm and cold, bright and muted, natural and artificial. Also pay attention to the role of light and shadow in the work.
   • When it comes to two-dimensional work, such as a painting, then focus on ways to create the illusion of light or similar moments.
   • When describing a three-dimensional work, such as a sculpture, one can discuss the effect of real light on the work. For example, does the sculpture have a reflective surface? Does the sculpture cast an unusual shadow? Which elements are best lit and which ones are in the shade?
8. 8 Pay attention to the use of forms. Are you presenting geometric shapes with straight lines and perfect curves, or more natural shapes? Is one particular shape predominant or different patterns?
   • Forms play an important role in abstract and representational works. For example, in the portrait of the bride by James Sant, the triangular shapes, formed by the folds of the veil on the shoulders and with the arms closed on the chest, draw attention to themselves.
   • Analyze how often specific shapes are repeated in the painting.

Part 2 of 4: How to Analyze Work

1. 1 Consider using the principles of composition. After the description, it's time to analyze or study the interaction of all the above elements. Start by discussing composition. When doing this, keep in mind a few key points:
   • Balance: How do colors, shapes and textures interact in your work? Are they creating a balanced harmonious effect or does the work look unbalanced?
   • Contrast: Are you using contrasting colors, textures or lighting? You can also bring out contrast in the use of different shapes or contours, such as ragged or flowing lines, geometric or natural shapes.
   • Movement: How is the sense of movement achieved in work? Does the composition draw your eye to certain elements and areas of the canvas?
   • Proportions: Are the dimensions of the painting elements familiar or unusual? For example, if a group of people is depicted, do they look larger or smaller than in real life?
2. 2 Determine your focus. Most works have one or more points that should attract attention. In a portrait, this can be the subject's face or eyes. In a still life, a central or well-lit object. Try to understand which parts of the work the author wanted to emphasize.
   • Take a look at the work and notice what details are instantly striking or do not allow you to look away from yourself.
   • Consider why you were drawn to these particular details. For example, if attention is focused on one person in a group, perhaps this figure is simply larger than the others? Closer to the viewer or better lit?
3. 3 Notice themes. Identify a few key themes and consider how the author uses elements of visual art (color, light, space, shapes, and lines) to convey such themes. What to look for:
   • Use a color scheme to give the work a particular tone or meaning. For example, consider the paintings of Picasso during the "Blue Period".
   • Symbolism and religious or mythological imagery. For example, consider the use of figures and symbols from classical mythology in Renaissance works such as Botticelli's Birth of Venus.
   • Repetitive images or motives in a work or group of works. Flowers and plants in the works of Frida Kahlo can be cited as an illustrative example.

Part 3 of 4: How to Interpret Work

1. 1 Try to define the purpose of the work. In other words, what was the author trying to say? Why did you create this work? Try to summarize your vision.
2. 2 Describe your reaction to work. It's time for some subjectivity. How do you feel when you look at work? How do you see the general tone of the piece? Does the work remind you of anything (ideas, experiences, other works)?
   • Describe your reaction in emphatic words. For example, does your job feel sad? Hope? Appeasement? Would you call the job beautiful or terrible?
3. 3 Support your interpretation with examples. Use examples from your description and analysis to explain your thoughts and feelings.
   • For example, “In my opinion, the portrait of a young bride by James Sant creates an image of the bride's spiritual devotion. This is expressed in the line of the composition, which directs the viewer's attention upward, following the gaze of the main object. Also, the painting uses warm light, the source of which is located a little higher than the girl. ”

Part 4 of 4: How to evaluate work

1. 1 Rate how successful the job is in your opinion. It is not necessary to categorize a work of art as “good” or “bad”. Better to focus on the “success” category. For example, think about the following:
   • How well does the work express the intentions of the author?
   • How well did the author use the tools and techniques available?
   • Is the work original or imitates other works?
2. 2 Explain your rating. When you have selected several aspects to evaluate, clearly state the main element. For example, you can say that you rate the work by how it is organized, how it is done in terms of technique, and how successfully it conveys the mood or themes chosen by the author.
3. 3 Summarize why you think the job is good or bad. Explain your judgment in a few sentences. Provide specific reasons for your assessment based on the analysis and interpretation of the work.
   • For example, “I consider the work to be successful because the used light, shapes, gestures and lines harmoniously combine with each other and convey the mood of the subject convincingly.”

Tips

• Remember, there is no one correct approach. Your goal is not to call the job good or bad, but to express your own understanding and reaction.