An art critique is nothing more than a detailed analysis of a work of art. As much as everyone has a different reaction to the works, there are some basic techniques that can be followed to write a thorough and well thought-out review. The basic elements of the process are: description, analysis, interpretation and judgment. Come on?
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Describing the work
Step 1. Gather basic information
Do you know those captions you would find in museums and art galleries, right below the works? Knowing the story of a play can make a huge difference in how you interpret and understand it. Begin the review by citing the following information:
- Title of the work.
- Artist name.
- Creation date.
- Creation location.
- Type of media (eg "oil paint on canvas").
- Size.
Step 2. Describe what you see using neutral terms
The description should include things like shapes and scale. If the work represents figures and objects rather than abstract shapes, describe what you are looking at.
- For example: "This small painting depicts a young woman, represented from the torso up against a dark background. She has her hands in front of her chest, looking up, almost in the direction of the viewer's gaze. She is wearing a pink dress. and a long veil, falling behind her head."
- Avoid subjective adjectives like "beautiful", "good", "bad" and "ugly". For now, the idea is to describe what you see, not criticize the work!
Step 3. Discuss the elements of the part
Now describe the work in detail, talking about how the artist uses the five basic elements of art: line, color, space, light and form.
Step 4. Describe the use of the lines, whether literal or imaginary
Different types of lines can create different sensations and effects. For example:
- Curved lines create a relaxed feeling, while jagged lines are more rigid and create a feeling of energy.
- Irregular lines, with a sketchy look, create a feeling of freedom and movement. On the other hand, solid and firm lines seem more planned and well finished.
- A line of sight can be suggested by the arrangement of objects within the scene. For example, a group of figures looking the same way can create an imaginary line, drawing the viewer's eye in a specific direction.
Step 5. Discuss the use of color in the piece
Note the different characteristics such as hue (green, blue, red, etc.), value (light and shade) and intensity. Also review general color schemes and color combinations.
For example, are the colors harmonious or do they fight with each other? Does the artist use several different colors or limit themselves to a variation of the same shade?
Step 6. Describe the use of space
Analyze the areas around and between objects in a job. When discussing space, focus on depth and perspective, overlapping objects and use of empty spaces compared to spaces populated by details.
If you're criticizing a two-dimensional work, such as a painting, talk about the artist's illusion of three-dimensionality and depth
Step 7. Analyze light usage
Lighting in works of art can create pieces that are warm or cool, light or dark, natural or artificial. Take time to discuss the role of lights and shadows in the piece.
- If you are analyzing a two-dimensional work, such as a painting, focus on how the artist creates the illusion of light.
- In the case of three-dimensional works, think about how light from the real world interacts with the piece. For example, is its surface reflective? Does the sculpture cast interesting shadows? Are some parts more shaded or brighter?
Step 8. Notice how shapes are used
Are they geometric, with perfect lines and curves? Or are they natural? Is the piece dominated by a specific type of shape or does it have variations?
- Shapes are important in both abstract and realistic pieces. For example, in James Sant's portrait of the bride, there are triangles formed by the bride's veil draped over her shoulders and her hands in front of her chest.
- Once you've identified a shape in the painting, see if it repeats at other points.
Part 2 of 4: Analyzing the Work
Step 1. Discuss how he uses composition principles
After describing the artwork, it's time to analyze and discuss it. Start by explaining the composition, taking the following basic ideas into consideration:
- Balance: do colors, shapes and textures work together? Do they create a balanced or unbalanced effect?
- Contrast: does the work use contrasting colors, lighting and textures? Contrast can also be identified in different shapes and contours, moving from curved or geometric lines to natural and sinuous shapes.
- Movement: does the work have a sense of movement? Is the viewer's gaze guided in any way?
- Proportion: Do the sizes of the represented elements follow what you expect or are they surprising? For example, if the work features a group of people, do any of the figures look smaller or larger than they would in real life?
Step 2. Locate the focus points
Most artworks have one or more points designed to catch the viewer's attention. In a portrait, the focal point is usually the face or eyes of the person depicted. In a still life piece, the focal point can be a central or well-lit object. Identify which parts of the piece were highlighted by the artist.
- Observe the work and analyze which features immediately catch your attention.
- Ask yourself why your eye is drawn to the point in question. For example, if you find yourself looking at a single person in a group, is it because they are larger? Is it closer to the viewer? Better lit?
Step 3. Look for the theme of the work
Find some key points and discuss how the artist used the design elements (color, space, shapes, lines, and lighting) to express the desired themes. Some examples:
- The use of a color scheme to represent a meaning or mood. See, for example, Picasso's blue period paintings.
- Symbolism and religious or mythological images. For example, note the use of symbols and figures from classical mythology in Renaissance works such as Botticelli's "Birth of Venus."
- Images repeated within a work or group of works. For a good example, see how plants and flowers are used in much of Frida Kahlo's paintings.
Part 3 of 4: Playing the Play
Step 1. Try to identify the artist's objective
In other words, what idea do you think he was trying to get across with the work? Why did he create this piece? Try to summarize the overall meaning of the work for you.
Step 2. Describe your reactions
Obviously, this is all subjective, but think about how you feel when you look at the work. What do you think is the main feeling of the work? Does it remind you of an idea, experience or other piece of art?
Use expressive language to explain your reaction. For example, does the play make you sad? Hopeful? In peace? Would you describe her as beautiful or ugly?
Step 3. Support your interpretations with examples
Use the description and analysis you gave earlier to explain how you feel watching the work and what your reasons are for reacting in this way.
For example: "I believe that the portrait of a young bride of James Sant was intended to represent the woman's spiritual devotion. This idea is indicated by the line of the composition, which guides the viewer's gaze upwards, following the contemplation of the girl portrayed. This is also suggested by the warm lighting coming from an unrepresented upper source."
Part 4 of 4: Judging the work
Step 1. Analyze whether you believe the work was successful or not
Your objective is not to choose between "good" or "bad", but to focus on achieving what you think is the objective of the piece. For example, think about the following:
- Do you believe that the work passes what the artist intended to do?
- Did the artist use the techniques and tools correctly?
- Is the piece original or does it imitate other works?
Step 2. Explain how you are going to analyze the part
After defining some aspects to work on, explain the focus of your assessment well. For example, you can say that you will judge the work by organization, technical quality and representation of the theme.
Step 3. Summarize the reasons you believe the work was successful or unsuccessful
In a few sentences, explain your entire judgment of the piece, giving specific reasons and using your interpretation of the artist's work.