Art Detective

ART CRITICISM is much like being a detective. You are trying to find out the secret message the artist has hidden in the artwork.

Art Critique: Verbal or written description, analysis, interpretation and judgment

Sixth and Seventh Graders: You need to know how to critique an artwork verbally and written!

DescriptionA description is a statement that creates a mental image of

something. State only facts!

In a critique, describe the work of art to someone as if they had never seen it before.

Make sure you refer to the Elements of Design - Value* Shape * Form * Color * Space *Texture * Line

*Things like….•Subject of the artwork •Objects in the painting. •First impression. Note the characteristics of the artwork that first jump out at you. •Colors used. •Shapes, lines and texture. •Value – where you see light/darks•Space - what is in the fore/middle and background•Sensory qualities. Identify the predominant mood and visual effect.•Location

AnalysisAnalyzing a work of art tells about the how the artist

has used the Elements of Design. State only facts! Make sure you refer to the Principles of Design- Balance

*Contrast * Emphasis * Movement* Pattern *

And how it applies to …Color. Shapes.Forms.lines. Texture. Light and shadow. (value.)

It answers the question, "How did the artist do it?"

InterpretationBased on what you have learned so far about

the artwork….• What do you think the artist was trying to

say?• Why did the artist create this artwork? • What do you think it means? • What feelings do you have when looking at

this artwork? • Do you think there are things in the artwork

that represent other things - symbols?

Judgment• Do you like this artwork?

• Do you think it is a good artwork?• Do think it is an important artwork?• Would display this artwork in your home? • Is this artwork good enough to put in a

museum?Justify your opinion. Explain why you feel

the way you do about this artwork based on what you have learned about it.