As the writing component of this Writing Enriched Course you will be completing two critical review papers that will consist of 500 words each. They must be typed, using a 12Gpoint font and doubleG spaced.
Critical thinking combines:
o Evaluation of all available information
o Analysis of visual relationships
o Exploration of alternative solutions
Objective criticism is used to assess how well a work of art or design utilizes the art elements and art principles of design.
Subjective criticism is used to describe the personal impact of an image, the narrative implications of an idea, or the cultural ramifications of an action. Discussion generally focuses on the subject (or topic) and content (emotional or intellectual message) of the design, including:
o The meaning of the artwork
o The feeling it evokes
o Its relationship to other cultural events
o The artist's intent
Descriptive Critique
A descriptive critique can help you see details and heighten your understanding of the design/artwork.
The first step is to look carefully and report clearly. Without evaluating, telling stories, drawing conclusions, or making recommendations, simply describe the visual organization of the work presented.
Carefully examine the artwork and determine which aspects of the design are most eyeGcatching and readable and which areas are muddled and need work (if any).
**Cause;and;Effect Critique
(Formal Analysis)
A causeGandGeffect critique is one in which the viewer seeks to determine the cause for each visual or emotional effect in a design.
In a simple description, you might say that the design is primarily composed of diagonals. Using cause and effect, you might conclude that, because of the many diagonals, the design is very dynamic. In a causeGandGeffect critique, you discuss consequences as well as choices.
Use the appropriate, applicable terminology that we have learned in class through the PowerPoint presentations, your project assignments and those terms that you have read about in your textbook or researched on the Internet.
This terminology may include for example the art element "Line", and the art principles of "Unity", "Variety", "Repetition", and "Rhythm". (These are the terms we have encountered from the first two projects.)
Reference the PowerPoint presentations on MOODLE, the Internet, or your textbook for further information about the following:
Describe the type of lines used in the image: Contour Lines, Gesture Drawing, Volume Summary, Calligraphic Lines, and Organizational Lines.
Does the artist use implied lines? Remember that implied lines can be visually constructed through the placement of objects etc. in an image.
How is the artist employing "Line Quality"?
o Orientation: Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal, Curved?
o Direction: refers to implied movement of a line. Line weight can accentuate direction.
o Degree of Continuity: (or linear flow) can enhance direction.
o Medium (materials): each medium can be used to produce a range of distinctive lines.
Line Quality and Expressive Intent: how has the artist used the line quality to generate their expressive intent?
Describe the linear networks that the artist is using: Hatching, CrossGHatching, CrossGContour, Stippling (dots)
Describe how the composition is organized. How does the viewer move through the work? Does the artist employ the Rule of Thirds?
Describe how you feel looking at the artwork...does it feel balanced and just right or does something need to be added or does something need to be taken away? Describe what you would change if you feel that the artwork is not unified.
Describe how the artist is using positive space and negative space.
Describe the way that the artist was able to make their artwork demonstrate "Unity". Describe how the artist was able to make their artwork demonstrate "Repetition".
Describe how the artist was able to make their artwork demonstrate "Variety".
Describe how the artist was able to make their artwork demonstrate "Rhythm".
Did the artist use "regular rhythm", "progressive rhythm", "flowing rhythm" or "alternating rhythm"? Describe how this was achieved.
Did the artist use objective shapes or nonobjective shapes? Please explain. Is the artwork objective or nonobjective? Please explain.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Consider the following when writing your critical review:
Formal aspects:
o Medium: What is the medium the artist is using? Why is the artist using this particular medium? What are the advantages or disadvantages concerning conveyance of content through the selected medium? (Medium=graphite, paint, mixed media, etc.)
o Line: What qualities of line are used? What does this use of line achieve?
o Color: Are the colors bright or muted? Are they expressive or realistic? Are they warm (red family or cool (blue family)?
o Light, Value: Where is the light source? How is the light used to communicate to the viewer? How is shadow used? Is the light realistic or did the artist take liberties? How is value used? Is the light source found inside the image or outside the picture frame? Is the light consistent? Is light used to emphasize a particular area of the image? Does the light generate a particular mood?
o Texture: What are the surfaces like? Are they Actual Textures or Visual textures, (simulated texture)? How do the textures help the artist tell their story?
o Space: How has the artist used space? Is there a sense of shallow space or deep space? How does this sense of space affect you when you are viewing the artwork? Did the artist use linear perspective or atmospheric perspective? Did the artist use overlapping or selective placement of elements on the picture plane? (Foreground, middle ground, background)
o Composition: How does the artist move the viewer through the work of art? How does the composition convey the artwork's content? What is the focal point (the first thing your see in an image)? Talk about how the positive space and the negative space are used?
o Balance: Discuss the type of balance used by the artist in the composition? How is the visual weight distributed? Is the work symmetrical, asymmetrical, or does it demonstrate any radial balance?
o Rhythm/Repetition/Pattern: Does the artwork convey a sense of rhythm? How is this achieved? How does the artist utilize repetition? How does the artist utilize pattern? How do these contribute to a sense of unity?
o Shape: Did the artist use geometric shapes or organic shapes? Are these shapes dominant and how do they convey meaning?
o Variety: How has the artist used variety to create visual interest? (Variety=spice)
o Emphasis: What is the first thing that you notice when you look at the art piece? Why? What is it about the arrangement of the parts of the artwork that draws your attention to it?
o Proportion and Scale: How has proportion and scale been used by the artist? Is the proportion and scale of the imagery realistic or expressive? What is the artist's intention in changing the proportions and scale?
o Unity: How does the entire art piece work as a whole? Is it pleasing in areas yet other areas are not as strong visually? Is it pleasing overall yet with some areas that are not as successful? Do you think it was an intentional effect by the artist?
Content:
What is the artist trying to communicate to the viewer? What do you think the artwork means?
What does the actual imagery convey?
What does the actual imagery mean to you personally? What is the subject matter?
What type of imagery is used? (landscape, portrait, still life, abstract...) Is the imagery objective or nonGobjective?
What is the mood, or emotion is the artist attempting to communicate to the viewer? Is symbolism used?
Are there obvious historical, cultural, or technological influences?
Generally talk about what is going on in the artwork... Describe:
What is the title of the work of art? Who created it? (Look at the label next to the artwork...) What is the medium of the work of art? Acrylic, Oil, Pen & Ink . . .
Is it a painting, a lithograph, a piece of sculpture, a crafted piece of furniture, a drawing, etc? What is represented in the artwork? Who is represented in the artwork?
Is it a myth? A landscape? A portrait? A seascape? A religious scene? A social statement?
Take an inventory of what you see. List everything that is in front of you. Imagine that you are taking a report, do not leave anything out. Write in such a way that the person who is reading the analysis can get a mind's eye view of what is in the painting.
What is the artist's intent?
What is your initial reaction to it?
How has the artist utilized the elements of composition, line, value, texture, space, color and shape to create this mood, or establish the content of the work?
How would you describe the line quality?
How do the elements of composition, draw you into the painting?
How does the line quality, color relationships, shapes, spatial considerations, textural surfaces contribute to the understanding of the painting's content?
Has the artist used dramatic light and dark lighting effects, much like stage lighting (chiaroscuro) effects in the painting or work of art?
Where are you the viewer in relationship to the artwork?
Are forms organized on a flat plane or are they set deep into space? How does the artist achieve this? What objects are low on the compositional plane? What objects are high?
What objects or figures are clear and distinct? What objects are blurry? How is compositional balance achieved in the artwork? (Rule of thirds...)
What are the relationships of the elements of composition to the overall meaning of the work of art?
Interpretation:
What does the painting "say" to you personally? What is the function of this work of art?
What connection do you see between subject matter and the techniques used?
How successful has the artist been in presenting and synthesizing the elements of composition with the overall content of the work of art?
What is your subjective reaction to the work of art?
What is the cultural meaning and context of the work of art?
How does the work of art reflect the social, political, aesthetic, psychological, or cultural ideas of its time?
How are the attributes of artist's individual style examined and explored in this particular work? What is the function of the work?
Who might the audience or buyer be for this piece?
How do others react to this work? How do they interpret it?