Critical AnalysisCritical Analysis

Art Criticism -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 positivepositive 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, "I don't know anything about art, but I know what I like."but I know what I like."

Gelett Burgess (1866-1951).Gelett Burgess (1866-1951).

Step 1Step 1

DescriptionDescriptionDescribe what you see.Describe what you see.

Think of this step like you are trying to describe Think of this step like you are trying to describe the painting to someone on the telephone.the painting to someone on the telephone.

Take nothing for granted!! Take nothing for granted!!

……only the facts of what can be seen.only the facts of what can be seen.

Step 2Step 2

AnalysisAnalysisBreak the painting down by :Break the painting down by :

Elements of ArtElements of Art

Principles of DesignPrinciples of Design

Elements of ArtElements of Art

LineLine

ShapeShape

SpaceSpace

MassMass

Time & MotionTime & Motion

LightLight

ColorColor

TextureTexture

Principles of DesignPrinciples of Design

Unity & VarietyUnity & Variety

BalanceBalance

Emphasis & SubordinationEmphasis & Subordination

ContrastContrast

Repetition & RhythmRepetition & Rhythm

Scale & ProportionScale & Proportion

Step 3Step 3

InterpretationInterpretation

What was the artist trying to say, What was the artist trying to say, express?express?

What does the painting say to you?What does the painting say to you?

Step 4Step 4

JudgmentJudgment

Do you like it , and why or Do you like it , and why or why not.why not.

Auguste Renoir

Luncheon of the Boating Party

1881

Wassily KandinskyWith the Black Arch, No.154

1912

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Petroglyph Park

1986