Approaches to Art Criticism

• The way we analyze artworks to ga​in information and understand the artworks.

• ​Organized approach based on the elements & principles, historical context, and our opinions

1. Description: ​Objectively describe what you see, no opinions here.

2. ​Analysis: Think about how the artwork organized the elements using the principles.

3. ​Interpretation: What you think of the artwork.

4. ​Evaluation: Express your opinion about the artwork, and whether you think it is successful or not.

1. ​Observe

2. ​Analyze

3. ​Interpret

4. ​Evaluate

The elements

• ​Color

• ​Value

• ​Line

• ​Texture

• ​Shape

• ​Form

• ​Space

​The principles

• ​Contrast

• ​Emphasis

• ​Movement

• ​Rhythm

• ​Proportion

• ​Balance

• ​Unity

• ​Variety

1. ​Observe

2. ​Analyze

3. ​Interpret

4. ​Evaluate

The elements

• ​Color

• ​Value

• ​Line

• ​Texture

• ​Shape

• ​Form

• ​Space

​The principles

• ​Contrast

• ​Emphasis

• ​Movement

• ​Rhythm

• ​Proportion

• ​Balance

• ​Unity

• ​Variety