Critiquing Artwork
Critique: A written or oral analysis of a work of art
Part I: Description: “the facts” the basic information of the artwork
Name:
Date:
Title of the artwork (Ex: Contour Shoe Drawing, Still Life, or Untitled)
Medium:
Size:

Discuss the subject matter or the artwork. List the objects in the painting (trees, people, animals, mountains, rivers, etc.).
Part II: Analysis: “contemplation” an in-depth examination of the elements of art and how they are used to create the principles of
design
When writing the analysis, consider how the work is organized. Discuss the elements and principles of design and how they are used
in the work. How do the elements work together to create the principles. After writing each section read it aloud to hear how it sounds.
Does it flow well or is it abrupt.
Strong Example: The drawing has three triangles that are repeated, but they are different sizes; this demonstrates repetition with
variation.
Weak Example: The drawing has triangles. There is repetition.

Consider the significant art elements that are present in this artwork and describe them
o Lines, shapes, forms, space, value, texture, color
 Which ones and how were they used in your composition?
 Lines: How did you use line? Is it contour or gesture lines? Is it a sketch?
 Shape: What are the significant shapes in the work?
 Form: What are the significant forms in the work? Did you create these forms with value or line?
 Value: Did you use all 5 values? Do all 5 values look correctly placed? Do all 5 values make your objects look
three dimensional?
 Color: What colors did you use? Was it a color scheme, if so which one(s)? Do you feel you used the colors well?
Do they work with each other?
 Texture: Did you create any textures? What are they and how?
 Space: is enough space filled? Did you leave too much negative space – i.e. does your composition look too
empty?
 Volume/Mass: (where applicable)

Analyze how the artwork is arranged; consider the most significant art principles that were used in the artwork.
o Balance, proportion, contrast, focal point, rhythm/harmony, variety, pattern, repetition, movement
 Balance: is it symmetrical or asymmetrical
 Proportion: Were you objects created in proportion to each other? Did you try to use perspective and measuring
techniques? Were you successful?
 Focal Point: Do you have a strong focal point? Which object is your focal point?
 Variety: Did you use variation in your design? How?
 Pattern/Repetition: Are there any patterns or repetition in the work? How where they created?
 Contrast: is there a noticeable contrast of shape, form, space, etc…in the work?
 Movement/rhythm/harmony: Which shapes, lines and forms in your work create a visual movement around the
piece? Is there a rhythm to your piece, if so what specifically show this? Do all the elements create a harmonious
work?

Overall Composition: Does you work follow the rule of thirds? Do you feel that all your elements and principles work together
well?
Part III: Interpretation: “the meaning” the purpose or meaning or the artwork *(may not apply to all artworks)
Go back and reread how you described the facts (step 1) and how these facts are put together (step 2). These are the clues to
the meaning and purpose of the artwork.

Is there any meaning or symbols in the work, what is it? What were they/you trying to express with their work?
Part IV: Evaluation: “judgment” put everything together and present your final opinion of the work. What is your conclusion? This
is an evaluation based on the understandings you have come to about the work by using the first 3 steps.
To like or not to like:
 Explain if you like the work or not and why. What makes you like/dislike the artwork? Give details.
 How do you feel when you look at the work? What does the piece remind you of?
Strong Example: I like the artwork because the subject matter and colors the artist used remind me of a cool summer day. The artist
used strong examples of line quality showing movement that creates the feeling of a breeze.
Weak Example: I like the artwork. It’s pretty.
For your own artwork:
 Did you meet the minimum project requirement or did you try a more creative approach?
 What were the strong and weak aspects of the work and why? What areas can you improve?
 Did your final outcome express and showcase the meaning of your work? *(May not apply to all artworks)
 Did you carefully sketch and plan the work before creating the final piece?
 Do you feel you tried the best you could possibly do, or did you rush through the work?
Description
Elements of Art (Analysis)
Principles of Design (Analysis)
Interpretation
(when applicable)
Evaluation
Comments:
Scoring Guideline
Thoroughly describes the artwork, and includes title, size, medium, artist, art
movement, subject matter, and year produced.
The student thoroughly analyzes the work of art through a complete
discussion of all Elements of Art applicable to the project.
The student thoroughly analyzes the work of art through a complete
discussion of all Principles of Design applicable to the project.
Synthesizes a reasonable hypothesis about the meaning, message, and/or
mood of the artwork using support and details from all relative aspects of
description and analysis.
The student relates to how the work makes him/her feel personally.
The student’s opinion of the work is stated clearly and supported with
explanation. They scrutinize the artwork carefully and identify all the
strengths and weaknesses based on previous aspects of the critique. Answers
are justified with a full and clear explanation.
______/5
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Total: