Critical Analysis

Critical Analysis

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 positive 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, but I know what I like." Gelett Burgess (1866-1951).

Step 1 Description Describe what you see. Think of this step like you are trying to describe the painting to someone on the telephone. Take nothing for granted!! …only the facts of what can be seen.

Step 2 Analysis Break the painting down by : Elements of Art Principles of Design

Elements of Art Line Shape Space Mass Time & Motion Light Color Texture

Principles of Design Unity & Variety Balance Emphasis & Subordination Contrast Repetition & Rhythm Scale & Proportion

Step 3 Interpretation What was the artist trying to say, express? What does the painting say to you?

Step 4 Judgment Do you like it , and why or why not.

Auguste Renoir Luncheon of the Boating Party 1881

Wassily Kandinsky With the Black Arch, No.154 1912

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith Petroglyph Park 1986

Critical Analysis