How to Write

Writing

WRITING AND TALKING ABOUT ART

Writing About Art

1.     Describe what you see. This is the objective portion of the art critique. It involves a technical description-nothing more. It should include things like:

o   Artist's name

o   Title of work

o   Type of artwork

o   Subject of the painting (scene)

o   Objects in the painting

o   First impression––note the characteristics of the artwork that first jump out at you

o   Colors used

o   Shapes, lines and texture

o   Light saturation

o   Sensory qualities––identify the predominant mood and visual effect.

2. Analyze the artwork. Evolve the art criticism from a technical description to an in-depth examination of how the technical elements were utilized by the artist to create the overall impression conveyed by the artwork. Technical elements you need to analyze when you critique artwork include:

• Color.
• Shapes, forms and lines.
• Texture.
• Light and shadow.
• How each technical element contributes to the mood, meaning and aesthetic sensation of the artwork.

3. Interpret the artwork. This part of an art critique is more subjective than the others, as you are expected to use your analysis of the technical aspects of the piece of art to apply your own supposition to the artist's intended purpose for the artwork. Try to accomplish the following things when formulating your interpretation:

• Communicate the artist's statement. Describe what you think the artist is trying to say through the work of art.

·        Expound on the feeling conveyed by the artwork. Describe what the artwork means to you, and why.

·       Explain what you feel is the artist's intended purpose for creating that particular work of art. Examine why the artist made the choices in technique, materials and subject matter and how they relate to the intended purpose.

·        Identify symbols in the artwork and describe how they relate to the artist's technical choices and contribute to the artist's execution of the intended purpose.

Evaluate the artwork. This is a summation of the art criticism process leading up to this point. Use your analysis and interpretation to draw conclusions and reach judgments about the artwork.

• State what you think the artwork's value is. For example, its value may be to evoke nostalgia, to incite anger or to impart beauty. Explain why you feel this way.
• Describe the artwork's relevance to the art community and to people as a whole.
• Explain where you feel the artwork has strong value and where you think it falls short.

There are many words that can help you be descriptive when it comes to critiquing art. In fact, there are words to comment on every single aspect of art. The line, tone, movement, texture and shape are just a few ways in which art can be critiqued. However, the following list will go into more depth of the words that you can use to critique art.

Criticism Guide:

The following guide is designed to give you the skills to argue your point of view.  This first version gives my answers to one work as an example.  The answers are then arranged in essay form with at least one page per museum.   Leave the questions out and you have an example of a museum paper.