How to Give an Art Critique: Constructive Criticism for Artists

What is a critique? A critique is an oral or written discussion strategy used to analyze, describe, and interpret works of art. Critiques help students use their persuasive oral and writing, information-gathering, and justification skills. Provide direction and guidance with the critique to ensure that students stay on task and address the purpose and objectives of the lesson

Sample focus questions for an art critique: description, analysis, interpretation, judgment. Describe the elements of the work (i.e., line movement, light, space). Describe the technical qualities of the work Analysis – Identify some of the points of emphasis in the work (i.e., specific scene, figure, movement). If the work has subjects or characters, what are the relationships between or among them

Sample focus questions for an art critique: description, analysis, interpretation, judgment. Describe how the work makes you think or feel: Evaluation – Present your opinion of the work's success or failure

1. Take a look through the artist’s eyes If you’re going to be critiquing another artist’s work, it helps to know where they’re coming from. If their intent is coming through, think about ways to help enhance their vision even more. Focus on what they could do to improve the work.

2. Don’t nit-pick the little stuff oddly shaped ears, squarish trees, or an off-color sky. . . Sometimes it’s helpful to point out those flaws, but if there are really a lot of them, focus on the big picture instead. It’s much better to help them improve their technique or process ONCE than fix the end-results a hundred times. Of course, if the artist asks for a nit-picky critique (and some will) then go ahead. It might not be the best way to help, but at least you know they won’t mind.

3. Start positive and end positive Always make sure to start off by saying something nice. Even if it’s difficult, find something to say. After that, be as honest as possible—without being brutal—and then close with another encouraging, positive statement. Artists can occasionally be sensitive about their art (a little known fact) so it just makes sense to cushion the blows a little bit.

4. Never be vague There’s nothing worse than a vague critique. They usually sound a little bit like this: “There’s something about your painting that‘s not right. . . I don’t know what, it’s just, you know. . . Something.” The truth is, if you don’t have anything to say about the painting it’s probably better to not speak up in a group critique. On the other hand, if you’ve got a gut feeling about it, do your best to figure it out so you CAN critique it correctly.

5. Lastly, keep it short Say your piece and be done. Remember, the point of a critique is to help artists improve. If you aim for that you won’t go to far wrong.