DRAWING: CRITICISM PAPER
RANK 2
Where to begin:
Choose a famous drawing that interests you from any time period. If you need help
choosing a piece, see me for suggestions.
Procedure:
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Consult at least two sources- Encyclopedias, books, magazines, Internet sources may
be used
Take appropriate notes from each
Write a first draft
Read and correct the draft
Type and proofread the final paper
 Paper must be double spaced
 Paper must be at least 3 pages
Body of the report:
First Section: Description (What do you see?)
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Describe all the things you see in the art work
Write 3-6 paragraphs
Go slowly! Think about what you see
Write only the facts
Include the size of the work, medium used, artist, subject matter, etc.
I should be able to imagine the art work through your description
Second Section: Analysis (How is this work organized?)
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Discover how the work is organized
Look for the elements and principles of design (line, shape, form, space, color,
texture, variety, emphasis, unity, balance, rhythm, movement, proportion)
Describe which elements and principles of design are being used and how (notice the
folds in the fabric, the texture of the hair, the shape of the figure, etc.)
Note: not every element and principle of design is used in every work. Each artwork
has different elements and principles of design that are used to portray what the artist
is trying to say.
Third Section: Interpretation (What is the artist saying to you?)
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Use imagination, intelligence, and courage to develop your answer
What is the artist trying to say through the use of the elements and principles of
design?
Give your interpretations of the artwork
Fourth Section: Judgement (Is this a successful work of art?)
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Determine the degree of the artistic merit
Does the artwork succeed or fail?
Give your opinion
Make up your own mind and state why you like or don’t like the art work
Fifth Section: What theory is this piece aligning with: Imitationalism, Formalism, or
Emotionalism?
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Imitationalism: focuses on realistic representation
 A work is successful only if it looks like and reminds the viewer of what he or
she sees in the real world.
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Formalism: places emphasis on the design qualities
 The composition is the most important factor in the work of art.
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Emotionalism: requires strong communication of feelings, moods, or ideas from the
work to the viewer
 Some critics claim that no object can be considered art if it fails to send a
message to the viewer
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These are three aesthetic theories in art: You can judge art based on one or more than
one of these theories. Which of these three theories guided you in making your
judgement about the success of the artwork you chose?
Why?
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USE YOUR OWN WORDS! Cite work when necessary using proper quotationseven when paraphrasing.
Presentation:
ATTRACTIVE COVER: Consider design, color, and lettering. The name of the artwork
should appear on the front cover.
*You may want to put a picture of the artwork you chose on the cover.
TITLE PAGE: The name of the artwork, artist name, and date should be included as well
as your name and section.
BODY OF THE REPORT: Completed report.
EVALUATION OF THE SOURCES: List the sources you used and give a brief opinion
of each.
EVALUATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
Which elements of the assignment were most beneficial?
How has the assignment contributed to your art education?
Other.
The body of the report must be at least three (3) typed pages. The cover page, title
page, evaluation of the sources, and the evaluation of the assignment are not
included in the body of the report.
You do get graded on presentation, so consider your cover design, binding and
typestyle when completing this report.
See me if you have any questions.