Approaches to Art Criticism

Approaches to Art Criticism

​Art Criticism

• The way we analyze artworks to ga​in information and understand the artworks.

• ​Organized approach based on the elements & principles, historical context, and our opinions

​The 4-Step Process

1. Description: ​Objectively describe what you see, no opinions here.

2. ​Analysis: Think about how the artwork organized the elements using the principles.

3. ​Interpretation: What you think of the artwork.

4. ​Evaluation: Express your opinion about the artwork, and whether you think it is successful or not.

​Let's practice!

1. ​Observe

2. ​Analyze

3. ​Interpret

4. ​Evaluate

The elements

• ​Color

• ​Value

• ​Line

• ​Texture

• ​Shape

• ​Form

• ​Space

​The principles

• ​Contrast

• ​Emphasis

• ​Movement

• ​Rhythm

• ​Proportion

• ​Balance

• ​Unity

• ​Variety

​Let's practice!

1. ​Observe

2. ​Analyze

3. ​Interpret

4. ​Evaluate

The elements

• ​Color

• ​Value

• ​Line

• ​Texture

• ​Shape

• ​Form

• ​Space

​The principles

• ​Contrast

• ​Emphasis

• ​Movement

• ​Rhythm

• ​Proportion

• ​Balance

• ​Unity

• ​Variety

Open Ended

Now, try on your own. 

4 steps: Observe, Analyze, Interpret, Evaluate

Elements: Color, Value, Line, Shape, Form, Texture, Space

Principles: Contrast, Emphasis, Movement, Rhythm, Proportion, Balance, Unity, Variety

Multiple Choice

Organic shapes are...

• Natural shapes

• Defined by math

Multiple Choice

What is texture?

• The appearance or actuality that you can feel something in an artwork

• Feeling of wholeness of the artwork

• A mix of different elements to make the artwork more interesting. 

Multiple Choice

Unity is...

• A mix of elements to add interest to the artwork.

• The look or actuality that you can feel an artwork.

• The feeling of wholeness of an artwork.

Multiple Choice

What is variety?

• A mix of elements to create interest. 

• A feeling of wholeness of the artwork.