This document provides instructions for critiquing a piece of art. It outlines 4 steps: 1) Describe - list everything seen in the artwork, even if unknown; 2) Analyze - explain how lines, shapes, colors, textures are used; 3) Interpret - discuss what is happening and the intended message; 4) Decide - determine if the artwork is liked and why, and identify its strengths and weaknesses. Students are prompted to think critically about technical and compositional elements, as well as conceptual meaning. The goal is to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the effectiveness of the artwork.

1. Mrs. Hurd Art Rm201
What things do you see in the art work? Describe the elements of art.
Identify materials used (techniques too).
Identify genre (portrait, still life, landscape, abstract?)
Explain everything you see, even if you don’t know what it is.
How are lines, shapes, colors, and textures used in the piece of art?
Find examples of unity through repetition. Look for a center of interest (focal point/ eye grabber) Is
there one? What is it?
What is going on in the artwork?
What is the purpose of the piece?
What is the artist saying?
Do you like this piece of art-WHY or WHY NOT?
Is this a quality piece of art? Why?
What is the best thing about this piece?
What is the worst thing about this piece?
Is the artist successful? Why?
Art Critique
Artist:
Title:
Date:
Name:___________________________
Use these steps to help you critique a piece of art, think, look, decide
1. Describe
2.Analyze
3.Interpret
4.Decide/Evaluate

2. Mrs. Hurd Art Rm201
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Step 1: Describe
List everything you see, even if you
don’t know what it is. Ask yourself:
 What do I see?
 What colors are used?
 What shapes are visible?
 Where is the scene
 What is the scene?
 Are there any unknown objects?
Step 2: Analyze
Explain how what you see is being used
in the piece of art. Ask yourself:
 How are the lines used?
 How are the shapes working?
 How are textures effective?
 Are the colors/values appealing?
 How does the viewer’s eye move
around the piece?
Step 3: Interpret
What is going on in the artwork?
Ask yourself:
 What do I see happening?
 How does this make me feel?
 What is the most important part
of the piece?
 Why did the artist create this
piece?
 What does this art “say” to me?
Step 4: Decide
Do you like this piece of art?
Why or Why? Ask yourself:
 What do I like about this piece?
 What did the artist do best?
 What do I dislike about this
piece?
 What would I change if I were the
artist?