QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER FOR CRITIQUE
LINE
Line quality: Is it expressive? Technical?
How do the properties of the line types effect the composition?
Horizontal/ Vertical: Give structure/stability; Relate to architecture
Diagonals: Create space
Curve: Biological reference - flowing movement
SHAPE
Is it organic or geometric? Is it biomorphic?
What is the figure/ground relationship? Positive/negative space
TEXTURE
Does it have a tactile sensibility? Does it evoke another material?
VALUE
Full range or high contrast? Naturalistic or stylized?
SPACE
Is it deep? Shallow? Flat
How does it relate to the picture plane?
Is the viewer looking straight on? Above? Below?
FORMAT
Horizontal relates to landscape - vertical to the human form
MOVEMENT
Is there a sense of movement? Is it fast? Slow? Still?
Is there a sense of rhythm? Repetition of elements?
COLOR
What are the characteristics of the palette?
Is it primary? Earth tones? Monochromatic? Warm or cool?
Is the saturation high or low?
EMOTIVE CONTENT
Do the shapes remind of us things? Is there a narrative quality?
Is there a hierarchy among the elements of the composition?
Is it funny? Intimidating? Peaceful?
SUBJECT VS CONTENT
What is the subject of the work? Is the artist using allegory or symbolism?
What is the artist’s intent?
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