Art Criticism

Lesson Plan Submitted by: Betsy Larson Art Criticism

Art criticism involves a specific way of looking at a work of art. You can make discernment about art without being a professional artist, all you need to do is learn to look (see) and think about what you are seeing. Learning how to criticize artwork properly will allow you to better understand works of art and why they have become important.

The process of art criticism involves 4 actions. They are: describe, analyze, interpret and decide.

Some guidelines to help you are below: Describe - what things are in the painting? Think of things like clothing, environment, etc. Analyze - how are the elements of line, shape, form, texture, space and value used? How are the principles of unity pattern, rhythm, variety, balance, emphasis and proportion used? Interpret - what is the artist trying to say to you? What is going on in the picture or artwork? Decide- What do I think about this artwork? Do I like it? Why or why not? How do I feel about whether the artist was successful in conveying an idea? To better understand about deciding about how you feel about an artwork, it may help to take a look at the three common aesthetic theories below.

Is the artwork successful because: Imitationalism/Realism - The artist rendered the images in a realistic manner. It is easy to discern the subject because of the realistic quality of the art.

Formalism/Composition - The artist was adept in using the elements and principles of design in the artwork. (This also refers to the placement, contrast, and interaction of all parts of the work.) Emotionalism/Feelings- The artist did a good job of evoking an emotion or feeling from me. See lesson on art criticism

Grade(s)- Pre-K, Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), Secondary (9-12) Subject(s) - Language Arts, Art

Objectives Students will identify basic elements in a piece of art through speaking and writing. Students will enhance their observation skills. Materials Art work (reproductions, or their own works) Journals Procedure 1. This lesson works wonderfully with young children; simply hold a discussion. With older students, hold a discussion or ask them to write responses to the following questions: Look carefully at the work of art in front of you. What colors do you see in it? List the specific colors that you see. What objects do you see in the work of art in front of you? List the objects that you see. What is going on in this work of art? Mention whatever you see happening, no matter how small. Does anything you have noticed in this work of art so far (colors, objects, or events) remind you of something in your own life? Is this work of art true-to-life? How real has the artist made things look? What ideas and emotions do you think this work of art expresses? Do you have a sense of how the artist might have felt when he or she made this work of art? Does it make you feel one way or another? 2. If the class is looking at more than one piece, you can ask: Take a look at the other works of art displayed around this one. Do they look alike? What is similar about the way they look( e.g. objects, events, feelings, the way they are made)? What is different?

What would you have called this work of art if you had made it yourself? Does the title of the work, if there is one, make sense to you? 3. Have students reflect on their observations. Think back on your previous observations. What have you discovered from looking at this work of art? Have you learned anything about yourself or others? Do you like this work of art? Why or why not? Has your reaction to the work changed? Do you like it more or less than you did in the beginning? Why?