Jewelry/Metal Design Critique Guidelines
As visual arts students you are explorers of the world. You will sometimes be called upon to look at the art we create in our Jewelry Design class using art criticism or art critiques. A critique is a strategy for analyzing, describing, and interpreting
works of art.
As with your reflections that you turn in about your own art, always use complete sentences and thoughtfulness when writing your critique. Often we will be writing down a few notes, and then sharing them aloud with peers. Be thoughtful and thorough in your critical thinking.
Remember to use words from the Elements of Design the to help justify your thoughts:
Line
Shape
Space
Color
Texture
Value
Constructive and Useful Criticism
Art is extremely personal. When you share your art you are also sharing a piece of yourself with whomever views it. This is why it is integral that the art classroom is a safe place to share work. Use positive language that has a purpose. In other words, offer suggestions instead of putting someone down and be specific with compliments so the artist knows exactly what it is you like about the work. Use the golden rule and treat other artists the way you would want to be treated. Many times I will ask you to consider recording or saying “I like (be specific) or and I wish
(and then a constructive suggestion)”.
Critique Guidelines
Describe
It is important to be objective when you first critique a work of art. Describe the work of art without judgment as if your audience hasn’t seen the piece. Here are some questions to guide you:
What do you see?

Line
Line draws the eye around the piece. Think about the line of the piece; will it lie gracefully against the body when worn?
Color
What colors have been used? Color can create emotion; something the wearer will emotionally enjoy This is a very powerful principle to employ. What emotions may have been created by the color choices?
Shape
What shapes or types of lines have been used? Shape is pretty self-explanatory. Is the shape of a pendant graceful, dramatic, pleasing, or otherwise interesting? Is the piece more geometric or organic in shape How does it work with the line of the piece?
Value
Value describes how light or dark a color is. How was value used to create a range of feelings?
Texture
Texture is the actual or perceived texture of the surface of the work. Texture is life, and it adds interest to the piece. What does the texture add to the piece? Does it distract, or does it make the piece “sing”.
Pattern and more
Consider the Principles of design – rhythm, repetition, movement, proportion, balance, variety, harmony, unity and emphasis. Once the eye sees a particular shape, when that shape is repeated, it makes the eye comfortable. Repeating a shape more than three times in a regular design makes it a pattern. Does the piece have a pattern that makes it more organized? Emphasis that has been purposeful (like placing a stone or other focal element) to draw the eye is a powerful design device.
How is this achieved in this piece?
Technique
In this part of the critique you describe what techniques you believe the artist used in his/her work. Use vocabulary, techniques, and skills learned in class to describe this portion. Here are some sample questions you may use as a guide:

Interpretation
You will focus mainly on what the artwork means and/or represents during the
Interpretation portion of the critique. Use the description and techniques used to give you clues about what story, point of view, emotion, etc. the artwork is trying to say or evoke. The artist still has developed a piece or design that is either bold, or subtle – used soft colors and patinas and gentle lines and shapes, or bright, opaque colors and or dynamic shapes or lines. Here are a couple questions to think about while considering this portion:
How does the artwork make you feel? Why?
What does the artwork make you think about?
Who would wear this piece? Why do you think it is suitable for the wearer you are imagining?
Judgment
Finally, this is where you can really voice your opinion. In the conclusion of the critique you will need to give your input. The input needs to be specific – explain why you like the work or what don’t you like about it and how can it be improved upon. Use gentle words – specific likes and a wish are great ways to share your judgements.
Description
Describe the work without using value words such as "beautiful" or "ugly":
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What is the title and who is the artist?
When and where was the work created?
Describe the elements of the work (i.e., line movement, light, space).
Describe the technical qualities of the work (i.e., tools, materials).
 Describe the subject matter. What is it all about? Are there recognizable images?
Analysis
Describe how the work is organized as a complete composition:
 How is the work constructed?
 Identify some of the similarities throughout the work (i.e., repetition of lines, pattern, theme).
 Identify some of the points of emphasis in the work.

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If the work has multiple layers, what are the relationships between or among them?
Interpretation
Describe how the work makes you think or feel:
Describe the expressive qualities you find in the work. What expressive
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 language would you use to describe the qualities (i.e., edgy, bold, primitive, polished).
Does the work remind you of other things you have seen (i.e., archtechtural elements, colors in nature, etc.)?
How does the work relate to other ideas or themes in the world?
Judgment or Evaluation
Present your opinion of the work's success, or how it can be improved:
 What qualities of the work make you feel it is a success or failure?
 Compare it with similar works that you think are strong.
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What criteria can you list to help others judge this work?
How original is the work? Why do you feel this work is original or not original?
Other aspects to consider in glass design:
1. Craftsmanship
Was the process done in a neat and complete way? Were the best methods chosen for the success of the piece? Were there other ways the piece could have been constructed? Would that have impacted the look and/or the final design?Does the piece look complete and professional?
2. Composition
Is it balanced? Does it have a strong design? How does your eye move through the design? Is there any distraction in the design?