Unit 3Critiques
Critique
A critique is an evaluation of an artwork's sensory and
aesthetic qualities.
Aesthetics the study of beauty
Steps in a Critique
1) Describe the object's sensory qualities.
Shape & formgeometric (having a regular shape/form; ex. -
square, oval, circle)organic (having an irregular shape/form; ex. -
blobs, animal/human forms)
Line - width (thick, thin), length, sharpness/fuzziness,
continuous/broken, flowing, movement, direction (horizontal,
vertical, diagonal), boundaries/ edges
Colourhue (lightness/darkness of a colour), intensity, opacity
(is it see through or not?)
SpacePositive space (space that is taken up by the
object)negative space (space within a vessel, or within the
boundaries of an object; ex. - underneath a chair)
Texturerough, smooth, ridged, pebbly, grooved, high relief, low
relief, intaglio
Steps in a Critique
2) Describe the object's formal qualities.
BalanceImagine a line through the object. Are the sides
balanced? How do colour, line, and texture contribute to a feeling
of balance? Is the object symmetrical (the same on both sides) or
asymmetrical (not the same on both sides)? Is it top-heavy (more
visual weight at the top)? Or bottom-heavy (more visual weight at
the bottom)?
UnityAre all the parts harmonized? Do the texture and decoration
make sense with the form?
Proportion & sizeHow would you describe the size of the
object? Think of length, height, width, volume, weight, thickness.
Do the proportions of the vessel make sense considering its
function? If a sculpture is representational, does it accurately
copy the proportions of a model? Are the proportions unusual, and
how does this affect the overall object?
Steps in a Critique
2) Describe the object's formal qualities.
Movement and RhythmAre any designs or shapes repeated? Are they
repeated in the same way each time, or do they vary? How? Do the
designs or textures feel fast or slow?
EmphasisDoes one area grab your attention more than others? Why?
How did the artist emphasize that part?
PatternAre the patterns random or planned? Are they because of
repeated lines, colours, shapes, or textures? Think of words like
radial (radiating from a centre point), grid, alternating, border
or band.
Steps in a Critique
3) Describe the object's expressive qualities.
Moodhappy, witty, whimsical, playful, clumsy, mysterious,
reflective, calm, quiet, sad...
TensionWhat kind of energy does the object have:tranquil,
dynamic, powerful, relaxed, conflicted, heavy...
Ideals/conceptsDoes the work represent an ideal or
concept?Heroism, nobility, villainy, ...
By Richard Notkin
1. Sensory properties Shape, form, line, colour, space,
texture
2. Formal properties Balance, unity, proportion/ size,
movement/rhythm, emphasis, pattern
3. Expressive properties Mood, tension, idea/concept
1. Sensory properties Shape, form, line, colour, space,
texture
2. Formal properties Balance, unity, proportion/ size,
movement/rhythm, emphasis, pattern
3. Expressive properties Mood, tension, idea/concept
By Claire Palastanga
1. Sensory properties Shape, form, line, colour, space,
texture
2. Formal properties Balance, unity, proportion/ size,
movement/rhythm, emphasis, pattern
3. Expressive properties Mood, tension, idea/concept
By Magda Gluszek
1. Sensory properties Shape, form, line, colour, space,
texture
2. Formal properties Balance, unity, proportion/ size,
movement/rhythm, emphasis, pattern
3. Expressive properties Mood, tension, idea/concept
Fernand Leger
Eva Hild
1. Sensory properties Shape, form, line, colour, space,
texture
2. Formal properties Balance, unity, proportion/ size,
movement/rhythm, emphasis, pattern
3. Expressive properties Mood, tension, idea/concept
Debra Fritts
REFLECTION: UNIT 3
1) Do you think you were successful in using slab building?
Explain.
2) What areas of your project are the most successful?
Explain.
3) What would you change about your project?
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