Art Criticism

& Reflection

Steps of Art Criticism & Reflection

Describe: What is the subject matter?Analyze: How do the Elements & Principles

work together?Analyze: What Compositional Tools are

being used? Interpret: What is the meaning, intention,

purpose? Evaluate: How successful is the artist?

DESCRIBE Describe what you see. Explain it as if the person you are “talking” to has never seen the work before. Classification & StyleMediumSubject MatterColors

DESCRIBE

Subject Matter What is the subject of the artwork? Be specific with details on subject

Classification & Style Realism, Expressionalism, Formalism,

Functionalism Portrait, Landscape, Still life, Abstract

Medium Painting, Graphite Drawing, Sculpture… 2-Dimensional or 3-Dimensional

Colors What colors are in the artwork? Be specific with color schemes

ANALYZEElements & Principles

How is the artist using the Elements of Art to create the Principles of Design? Be specific, give examples, support with evidenceAlways describe at least two examples

ANALYZECompositional Tools

What Compositional Tools did the artist use? Be specific, give examples, support with evidenceDescribe at least one tool: fill the page, touching 3 sides, overlapping, rule of thirds, space, zoom & crop, 2D 3D, simplifying imagery

INTERPRETWhat meaning, intention or purpose did the artist have for creating this piece? Use imagery from work to help determine the meaningLook at responses to previous questions for directionBe specific, give examples, support with evidence

EVALUATEDo you think the artist was successful? What artistic techniques did the artist use well?What do you like or dislike? Use details you have already explained in the previous responses to support your opinion.

Le Parc de Sources David Hockney

Oil on Canvas, 1970

Practice

The Starry NightVincent van Gogh

Oil on Canvas, 1889

Jan Van Eyck, The Arnolfini Wedding, (1434)

Let’s Play a Game! On the following slides are famous works of art. We’re

going to practice Art Criticism & Reflection for each piece.

INSTRUCTIONS: 1) Screen will show a work of art2) Teacher will call a student to give Description for the

piece. Get it right, earn a point...get it wrong, try again.3) Each step will be repeated for Analyze, Interpret and

Evaluate for remainder of class4) What do you win?…bragging rights!

Questions? Ready?