The Critical Method

Inspired by Davis Publications The Critical Method

Follow these 5 steps to enjoy, understand and appreciate art

of all kinds.

React and Respond

When you look at a work of art react on a gut-level and
verbalize what you feel. Dont take the time to think or
analyze just react with your eyes and heart.

Describe What You See

Note available information artists name, title of work, date
created, and media or material.
Subject Matter
Describe recognizable images of people, animals, things and
conditions. What are the figures doing? What is large / small,
near / far, in front / behind? Which objects appear to advance
and which appear to move away from your eye?
If there are no recognizable images, describe the shapes that
the artist uses.
Look at the work very carefully and list and describe the
elements of art and the principles of design in the work.
Line - Describe the kind of lines used. Are they straight, curvy,
horizontal, diagonal or jagged? How do they direct your
attention? Are there implied lines in the work? If so where are
they?
Shape and Form - Are the shapes in this work organic,
geometric, concave, convex, open, closed? Do the remind you
of real people or objects? Are they abstract (inspired by real
things) or are they non-representational (totally imaginary?)
Value and Color What colors does the artist use? Are they
very strong and bold or soft and blurry? Are they from one
color family or is there strong contrast? Are they light or dark?
Texture
Is the texture in this work real or visual? If you touch the
surface, can you feel the texture? Is it hard or soft, smooth or
rough?

Analyze the works organization by using the

principles of design
Unity
What techniques does the artist use to create a sense of unity?
Variety / Repetition
Are there enough changes in the elements, shapes, and figures
to avoid monotony? Is the work complex or simple? Are there
contrasts in value, color, shape, size, and form and texture?
Are enough elements repeated to create a sense of visual
order?
Emphasis
Can you find a center of interest? What techniques does the
artist use to draw your attention to this area?
Rhythm / Movement
Rhythm in art may be compared to a musical note. Does this
work contain a sense of movement or is it very still? Does the
artists use of the elements direct your eyes through this work
of art? Is the movement in this work an illusion or does the
work really move as in kinetic art?
Proportion
Are size relationships normal or exaggerated? Do these
relationships create a mood or sense of space?
Pattern
Is a pattern created by the repetition of shapes, objects, or
elements?
Balance
Is the balance in this work real or visual? Is the balance
symmetrical (the same on both sides), asymmetrical (different on
both sides), or radial (in equal segments radiating from the
center of a circle a circle?)?

Interpret What the Artist Is Saying

Mood or Feeling
What mood or feeling do you associate with this work?
Does it seem connected to your everyday life?
Hypothesis or Theory
What is your hypothesis or theory about the meaning of this
work?
Defense
What information have you gathered from your description and
analysis that supports your idea? Be very specific. Can you
find information from other sources (art history books or
magazines or from your own experience) that supports your
idea?

Evaluate the Works Success Does a particular

philosophy of art support your opinion?
Craftsmanship
Has the artist been skillful in his use of media or materials and
are the materials used appropriate for the subject expressed?
Design
To what extent does the work exhibit a sense of organization
that enhances its final form and supports its content or
subject?
Originality
Does this work exhibit a new or inventive use of materials and
ideas something not seen before?
Fame of the Artist
Is this artist well known and has this work passed the test of
time? Is this artists style well recognized? Has it influenced
the work of others? Do experts consider this artist or work to
be important?
Comparison
How does this work compare with other works from the same
time period or other works similar in content or medium?