-
Questions to consider when looking at realist art
What makes art good? What is beautiful art? What makes me like this artwork and dislike this artwork? What is realist art? -
Questions to consider when criticizing realist art
Who made it? What is its title? When was it made? Where was it made? Why do you think it was made? What tools, materials, or processes were used to make this? Is it depicted realistically? -
What do you see? Be objective!
What formal elements and principles did the artist chose to employ in this realist work? Elements of Design: Line, Space, Color, Shape, Texture, Form, Value
Principles of Design: Unity, Harmony, Contrast, Repetition, Variety, Emphasis, Balance, Proportion, Movement -
What is this artwork about?
Is there a story or a message? What viewer do you think the artist intended this artwork for? What was the emphasis of the realist movement? -
Is this good artwork?
Do the elements and principles work together successfully? What are the relationships between the parts of the artwork? Is the artist’s choice of medium effective? Regardless of its realist qualities, is it "good"? -
Do you have any suggestions for the artist about this piece?
Could it be better, or can it not be improved upon? -
Steps for Art Criticism
What criteria do you use to judge artwork? What evidence proves your judgment and opinions? What is my judgment of this artwork? Are you able to defend your opinions and judgments? -
The basis for Art Criticism: What makes art good and bad?
- When multiple elements and principles are present and compliment each other, not take away from one another
- As an artist, if continuing to work on a piece would hinder the final outcome
- When the content of the piece is easily understood and relatable to the appropriate audience
- When the choice of medium supports the content
- When the audience is broad
