Critical Analysis
Art Criticism The description, analysis, evaluation,
interpretation, and judgment of works of art. It
is a common assumption that criticism is
necessarily negative, when actually it can
vary in degrees of positive as well as
negative remarks. Critical methods vary
considerably in their approaches to
considering the forms, contents, and contexts
of works of art.
"I don't know anything about art,
but I know what I like."
Gelett Burgess (1866-1951).
Step 1
Description
Describe what you see.
Think of this step like you are trying to describe the
painting to someone on the telephone.
Take nothing for granted!!
…only the facts of what can be seen.
Step 2
Analysis
Break the painting down by :
Elements of Art
Principles of Design
Elements of Art
Line
Shape
Space
Mass
Time & Motion
Light
Color
Texture
Principles of Design
Unity & Variety
Balance
Emphasis & Subordination
Contrast
Repetition & Rhythm
Scale & Proportion
Step 3
Interpretation
What was the artist trying to say, express?
What does the painting say to you?
Step 4
Judgment
Do you like it , and why or why
not.
Auguste Renoir
Luncheon of the Boating Party
1881
Wassily Kandinsky
With the Black Arch, No.154
1912
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Petroglyph Park
1986