Art Analysis and Criticism When evaluating a work of art, it is always important to make a thorough inventory of the various characteristics and ideas present in that artwork. By carefully examining the artist’s use of key concepts, techniques and expressive ideas, you can gain a better understanding of the artist’s intent and motivation for producing the work of art. Even more so when evaluating a historical work of art, careful examination can reveal aspects of the time and place in which the artwork was created. A thorough examination any artwork should include the following four phases: Description, Analysis, Interpretation, and Judgment. Through these four distinct processes, the viewer of a work of art can make an informed decision regarding the intent, motivation and overall accomplishment of the artist.

Phase 1:Description To describe a work of art is simply to examine the artwork carefully and make clear sense of what the subject of the image is. At a glance you may, for example, simply see a still life of flowers or a landscape depicting nature. But a further, more in depth examination may reveal many more details that were overlooked in the first initial glance at the artwork. Further study may reveal details that may reveal a much deeper meaning that was first thought.

Phase 2:Analysis To analyze a work of art is to discuss thoroughly how the artist has made use of the elements of art and principles of design. These collectively are known as the formal qualities of art. All artists must have a good understanding of the basic fundamentals of how to create a great work of art. Knowing how to compose a painting as masterfully as a musician composes a piece of music is what helps an artist create something that is beyond the ordinary. Where a musician uses both individual notes and chords to compose a melody, the visual artist relies on the elements of art* and principles of design** to create their masterpiece. It is through this analysis of how the artists have made use of the elements of art and principles of design that we gain an understanding of the intellectual process of the artist.

Phase 3:Interpretation To interpret a work of art is to determine the meaning or underlying message of a work of art. When we look at a great work of art, we respond to it in a number of ways. As in our analysis, we may respond in rational and logical manner, but we often respond in a much deeper, emotional manner as well. This response to the content of the artwork refers to the artist’s use of the emotional qualities of art. Our response to any emotional quality of art is dependent on our own individual experiences and personalities and often may be completely unexpected when compared to what the artist was intending when he or she made the work of art. Interpretations are personal but must still be based on evidence revealed within the work of art.

Phase 4: Judgment When we make a judgment of a work of art, we are basically determining if we like it or not. How do we make that decision? We use the available information gleaned from our description of the artwork, our analysis of how the artist has used he elements of art and principles of design, and our interpretation of the artworks meaning. Taking all of that information and evaluating it based on our own personal preferences, we can then make a decision to the overall value and success of the artist. Individual judgments of a work of art can be diverse and can be based on a widely differing set of criteria. One person may love the artwork where another may hate it. These distinctly different reactions, though can both have merit when they both are based a thorough critique of the artwork.

*Elements of Art: Line, Shape, Value, Color, Space, Texture, and Form **Principles of Design: Repetition (Pattern and Rhythm), Movement, Emphasis, Balance, Proportion, Contrast, and Unity