1. Introduction: Describe the venue – where you went, what it was like, and your initial impressions of the place. Why did you choose this venue? Why did you choose this specific work of art?
2. Descriptive Criticism: Focus on the artistic form – what does this work look like? Describe the work of art. What is the title, and who is the artist? What medium does it employ? What, if anything, does it depict? Look for detail and structural relationships. What elements, like line, color, texture, etc. make this work stand out? Describe the subject matter – what was the starting point for this work? Good descriptive criticism will allow me to imagine what the painting looks like.
3. Interpretive Criticism: Focus on the content – what is the meaning of this work of art? How does the form reveal or clarify something about the subject matter? What meaning is the artist attempting to convey? What does the work mean to you?
4. Evaluative Criticism: Focus on the worth – what are the relative merits of this work? Why is it valuable? Does it meet the three standards of perfection, insight, and inexhaustibility? If so, explain how.
a. Does the work possess a sense of perfection, complete unity and harmony?
b. Does the work possess high standards of insight that inform and make a difference to the viewer?
c. What makes the work inexhaustible, resisting monotony? These are some questions you might consider: (Note: you don’t need to address all of these – just the ones that might be most informative.)
i. Has the work stood the test of time?
ii. How creative/original is the work?
iii. Has the work influenced other artists and their works?
iv. Does the work possess local, national, or international appeal?
v. Does the work appeal to different cultures/ages/types of people?
5. Optional: Discuss the historical significance, if any, of this work. In most museums, there will be some sort of sign next to the piece that indicates the artist, title, time of creation, medium, etc. Sometimes this will also include information concerning the history of the work, or its place in cultural history. There may also be information online that you could use, but you should be careful to make sure that the information is accurate and truthful – not folklore or of dubious reliability. If you use outside sources (including the museum’s information), be sure to cite your sources! Using the ideas or words of another person without proper citation is plagiarism. Remember, historical criticism is optional – but it can also be fun and interesting!
6. Conclusion: Describe your participative experience. Why did you choose this piece? How did it grab your attention? Sustain your attention? What do you remember most about this work of art? Have you learned anything from your participative experience with this work? Has your experience changed you in any way?