Art Term Tuesday: Art Critique

Miranda Dyson, Children’s Education Associate

“Tell them you like it,” is something I’ve heard many adults say to a group of students after they’ve encouraged a child to share their art. Verbal feedback on the other side of creativity is so common, we often don’t label it. Any time a work of art is being analyzed and evaluated for its visual elements, and/or underlying message, this is referred to as
an art critique.

During a critique, viewers look at a work through the lens of artistic elements (line, color, shape, form, value, texture, and space) and principles (balance, movement, contrast, unity, rhythm, pattern, and emphasis). The application of these elements and principles will effect how viewers respond to the piece. Additionally, there may be discussion on how these elements and principles impact a viewer emotionally.

While we all love complements, this is only one side of a critique, and it’s usually not complete without constructive feedback. Some prefer to avoid this kind of discussion altogether, fearing they’ll be too blunt or offensive. “Isn’t the point to only appreciate what someone makes, and not overanalyze it?” We might be remember incorrectly guessing what a child’s drawing was, and recall their discouragement. Some feedback leaves an unwanted impact. But supportive creators look for opportunities to share honest thoughts in an encouraging way. Afterall, the best critiques are intended help an artist move forward! Here are a few instances where you might see art critiques.

In a classroom
If a student is learning about the elements of art and critical thinking, it’s a great time to learn how to critique. The levels of specificity and amount of feedback expected varies by age and experience. Younger students or beginners are typically taught how to give validating comments and identify the artistic choices they enjoy the most. In the beginning stages of practicing critique, a professional artist’s work may be used as the object of commentary instead of a classmate’s, until the process is familiar.

In advanced art spaces, critiques are in-depth and not optional. Every art student is expected to apply their art vocabulary (no use of “interesting” here), to describe why they liked a piece. Or not. While this process can feel a bit squeamish, it’s as much a part of the educational experience as learning how to create, and students learn transferrable skills like respectful disagreement.

When an artist asks for feedback
Yes, after having no choice in the matter on whether or not they receive feedback, an artist may ask for a critique of their own free will! This can surface in several ways, commonly in shared studio spaces or art clubs. The opportunity to receive validating and constructive feedback from a fellow artist is a coveted experience, as it doesn’t occur naturally outside classroom spaces. Creatives who seek out these conversations view this experience as positive, sometimes begging for the hard truths, and acknowledge it’s an essential step in development.

Having a community willing to invest in a discussion of an individual’s work is a point of pride and relief for many artists. If an artist is frustrated with their own work, but can’t name why, a critique can help them find definitive areas to improve that they couldn’t see before. If an artist asks your honest opinion, don’t be shy. You might be doing them a huge favor!

During a juried art show
When a group of judges selects submitted works to put in a gallery or show, they go through the same process of an art critique. It looks different than a classroom setting, as the artists themselves typically won’t receive feedback, but will only know whether or not their work was accepted. Specific shows may also have a theme, material, or style required for every artist to include, which influences what the judging process looks like. Judges are given an outline or rubric to follow, and will assign scores individually or in discussion with a group. Artists find it helpful to receive feedback from their personal community, in case adjustments are needed, before submitting their work for judging.

In discussion groups
Have you ever talked about art in a museum before? If you have, you’ve participated in a critique! Our FWMoA volunteer docents lead school groups through the galleries, encouraging students to talk about what they see. They’re asked what they notice, how works make them feel, and are given tools to decipher stories within an artwork. Some tours lean into the specific elements and principles that students are learning about in their classes. Having practice in observational discussion makes museum visits more enjoyable and meaningful, and can help viewers understand why they’re drawn to specific works.

With comment cards
Comment cards, or “Compliment Boxes”, are a direct way to give validating feedback to an artist. While this mode of communication isn’t used for constructive criticism, it does give opportunity to highlight elements that were impactful. During our annual Scholastic Art and Writing Award exhibit, guests were encouraged to leave compliments behind for the students participating in the show. These were reviewed and given to the students with their work. Even when feedback can’t be given in person, it can still be an encouragement, especially to an artist at the beginning of their creative journey!

These are just a few of the ways we see critiques used in artistic communities! They impart confidence, give guidance, and help us consider other’s viewpoints. Understanding their value can make it a little less intimidating when an artist asks, “What do you think? Be honest.”