VISUAL ARTS | 2010-2011

CRITIQUE GUIDE: CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM & POSITIVE FEEDBACK A critique is an oral or written discussion strategy used to analyze, describe, and interpret works of art. Critiques help students grow artistically and creatively. There are four main areas of a critique: Describe – Analyze – Interpret – Judge. DESCRIPTION Describe the work without using value words such as "beautiful" or "ugly.” Begin by describing the work itself – the title, the artist, the subject and the type of artwork. Think about when and where the work was created. Describe the elements of the work (i.e., line movement, light, space). Describe the technical qualities of the work (i.e., tools, materials, methods). Focus on the SUBJECT (the What?), the METHOD (the How?) and the CONTENT (the Why?). ANALYSIS Describe how the work is organized as a complete composition. How is the work constructed or planned (i.e., acts, movements, lines)? Identify some of the similarities throughout the work (i.e., repetition of lines, color schemes etc.). Identify some of the points of emphasis in the work (i.e., specific scene, figure, movement). If the work has subjects or characters, what are the relationships between or among them? INTERPRETATION Describe how the work makes you think or feel. Describe the expressive qualities you find in the work. What expressive language would you use to describe the qualities (i.e., tragic, ugly, funny)? Does the work remind you of other things you have experienced (i.e., analogy or metaphor)? How does the work relate to other ideas or events in the world and/or in your other studies? JUDGMENT Present your opinion of the work's success or failure. What qualities of the work make you feel it is a success or failure? Compare it with similar works that you think are good or bad. What criteria can you list to help others judge this work? How original is the work? Why do you feel this work is original or not original?

VISUAL ARTS | 2010-2011

SELF-EVALUATION: CHECKING FOR SUCCESS & AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT A self-evaluation is a way to critique your work, point out areas you found successful and identify areas that need improvement. Complete the grading rubrics below and be as honest as possible (your grade is not affected by what grade you give yourself, it is only affected that you put forth time and effort to complete this form).

PROJECT GRADE 5.0/A+ 4.4/B+ 3.9/C+ 3.4/D+ 1.0/F POINTS synthesis component subject – the what? – do you

have a clear subject defined? is this subject matter purposeful? does it represent something important to you? have you communicated this through images?

subject

matter is clear and has

meaning

subject matter has

some meaning

subject matter lacks meaning or lacks clarity

subject matter is confusing

subject matter is not emphasized

up to 5 pts

concept – the why? – did you show a message and/or clear purpose? did you show originality in your idea and create something interesting to draw in the viewer? is the viewer engaged and moved by the piece?

concept is original and creative, is

tied to studies

concept is creative but

lacks originality

concept is copied or mimicked

concept is plagiarized

there is no idea or

forethought

up to 5 pts

method – the how? – did you use techniques and methods learned in class to create a unique image through style, quality and content? does the method match the subject and concept?

in-class media studies &

techniques were used with great

skill

in-class media studies &

techniques show some

skill

media usage &

techniques are

mediocre and lacks

effort

media usage &

techniques are poor

and shows little effort

student did not follow directions

up to 5 pts

theory & skill – mastery – did you apply yourself? did you produce the strongest and most aesthetically pleasing work you could have created? this is an evaluation of overall effort, dedication, responsibility and the final outcome of the project.

mastered skills and

demonstrated effort above and beyond what was expected

used new skill-sets to

create strong work, and pushed oneself to

excel

average effort,

average outcomes

poor effort gave up or didn’t try

up to 5 pts

analysis & evaluation component communication –

interpretation – did you present your work to the class? did you showcase your skill and ideas? did you listen to feedback and internalize your peers’ suggestions? did you own your success and praise?

presentation

was professional

and impressive

presentation was

successful

presentation was

adequate

presentation was poor

presentation was

unprofessional & lacked

effort

up to 5 pts

self-evaluation – introspection – did you complete this SELF-EVALUATION form? again, did you take it seriously? did you fairly assess your effort and product? did you fairly asses overall project?

demonstrated

insight and critical thinking

demonstrated a good sense

of self-critique and

praise

could have spent more

time analyzing

and reflecting

did not take process seriously

lacked effort and showed disinterest in the process of

growth

up to 5 pts

TOTAL POINTS: