Criticism Steps

The Feldman Method of Art Criticism

Describe AnalyzeInterpretJudge

Step 1: DescriptionDescribe what you see in the art work. Describe

exactly what you see, in enough detail that your audience could visualize the artwork from

your words.Do not use judgments or opinions.

Here are a few things to consider when writing your DESCRIPTION:

Size Shape

TextureColor

AnglesPerspectiveLight Source

MediaFormSpace

Artist, Title, Date

Step 2: Analysis

Examine the relationships between the Elements of Art by citing the Principles of

Design

The Principles of DesignContrast

RepetitionUnity

MovementBalance

Emphasis

BalanceBalance is the equilibrium of various elements in the work

of art.

James McNeill Whistler,Arrangement in Grey and Black: The Artist's Mother, 1871

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

EmphasisEmphasis is given to a center of interest, which

might be the largest, brightest, or lightest subject.

Francisco de Goya, The Third of May, 1808: The Execution of the Defenders of Madrid, 1814.



RepetitionRepetition is the use of line, color, or a motif in more than one place in the composition

Rene Magritte, Golconde, 1953



MovementMovement can be the

illusion of motion in the artwork, or the path the

viewer takes starting with the emphasis.

Henri Matisse, The Dance, 1910



Archibald Motley, Blues, 1929



ContrastContrast shows the difference between the Elements of Art (Line, Color, Shape, Value, Form, Space and Texture)

Andy Goldsworthy, Dandelion Flowers, 1985



Unity

Unity is the harmony between all of the visual elements in a

composition.

Questions to ask yourself when completing an ANALYSIS:

How does the artist visually organize the composition? What is in the foreground, middleground, background?

How has the picture been arranged?What colors are used and how have they been arranged?

What shapes are there and how have they been arranged?Are there any leading lines and if so, where is your eye lead,

Is there any use of contrast? If so where?Is there any use of pattern? If so where?Is there a sense of space or perspective?

Are there any special techniques employed by the artist?

Pablo Picasso, The Old Guitarist, 1903



Faith Ringgold, The Sunflowers Quilting Bee at Arles, 1930



Diego Rivera, The Flower Vendor, 1940’s?



Step 3: InterpretationWhat do you believe was the goal of the

artist? What message is he/she trying to make?

What was the artist’s intention? Is there a mood or feeling being

conveyed?Use research, Description and Analysis

to support your opinions.

Pablo Picasso, The Tragedy,

1903QuickTime™ and a

decompressorare needed to see this picture.

Rene Magritte, The Lovers, 1928



Step 4: Judgment What Aesthetic Classification does the artwork illustrate?Support your decision with Description, Analysis and

Interpretation.

Perceptual

Rendered from Direct Observation

Perceptual



Paul Cezanne, Still Life with Apples, 1890

Expressive

Capturing a mood or feeling, sharing a story or idea

Expressive



Kathe Kollwitz, Poverty, 1893-4

Formal

Focus is on the organization of the Elements of Art

Formal



Piet Mondrian, Composition with red, yellow, black, gray and blue, 1921

Judgment

I think the art work is (Perceptual, Expressive or Formal) because….

Include the definition for your Aesthetic Classification in your explanation.

Justify your opinion with what you see.I think the work was/was not successful

because… Justify your opinion based on what you think the

artist’s goals were.

Criticism Steps

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