C R I T I Q U E GIVING THE GIFT OF FEEDBACK TO PROMOTE ARTISTIC GROWTH

T I P S ON GIVING A PURPOSEFUL CRITIQUE Be gentle but do not lie. Put yourself in the artist shoes. Remember critiques are about helping one another to grow.

Comment on the use of the elements and principles of art and how they support or do not support the artist’s efforts.

Consider the skill level and experience of the artist and make comments accordingly.

Always be specific! “The lighting doesn't work" is not very useful. “The lighting is too dim for me to see the character clearly – I would suggest putting another spotlight in" is much more helpful.

If you can not see anything for the artist to improve on comment on the best aspect of the work so the artist learns their strengths and can build on them.

The ideal result is that the artist will learn something from you that will improve their work.

Don't try to candy-coat your words. "It's just my humble opinion, but..." or "I'm sorry but I think I can see a tiny little problem..." and other such phrases should not be used. Phrases like this can be taken as patronizing or false.

Begin with something positive. Suppose I were to critique the painting above, of a “Woman Plucking a Duck” by Nicholas Maes, I might begin by saying “I love the way the artist used shadow to eliminate the unnecessary corners of the canvas. I appreciate how he filled the floor with objects mostly circular to contrast with the square tiles. “ “Woman Plucking a Duck” by Nicholas Maes After you have said a few positive comments, then mention, your constructive criticism. The first thing I thought when I saw this was “If she is plucking the duck, where are the feathers? I also found the pattern made by the fallen apples to be too perfect, perhaps if one were moved slightly out of line or removed altogether.”

T I P S ON RECIEVING CRITICISM Remember that you as a person are not being criticized. Move beyond denial so you can get the most out of your critique. Every critique should be approached with the idea that they may have a point.

It is safe to assume that the harsher the critique, the higher the standard that you are being compared to. This isn't something to treat lightly. In fact, you should feel flattered, because any reviewer who takes the time to compare you to that high standard probably believes you can achieve exactly that.

To practice the skills of giving and receiving constructive criticism we will… We will not include artist names on the work or while referring to it. Identify artwork, with the permission of the artist, for us to practice our critiquing skills on.

The critiquing process should be a positive experience for all involved. Like any other skill it must be learned and practiced. Some will observe and some will participate but together we will grow.