Feldman's Method of Art Criticism *Freshman Review

The Feldman Method of Art Criticism

Describe

Analyze

Interpret

Judge

Step 1: Description

Describe what you see in the art work. Describe

exactly what you see, in enough detail that your

audience could visualize the artwork from your

words. Do not use judgments or opinions.

Here are a few things to consider when writing

your DESCRIPTION:

Size

Shape

Texture

Color

Angles

Perspective

Light Source

Media

Form

Space

Artist, Title, Date

Step 2: Analysis

Examine the relationships between the

Elements of Art by citing the Principles of Design

The Principles of Design

Contrast

Repetition

Unity

Movement

Balance

Emphasis

Balance

Balance is the equilibrium of

various elements in the work

of art.

Emphasis

Emphasis is given to a

center of interest, which

might be the largest,

brightest, or lightest subject.

Repetition

Repetition is the use of line,

color, or a motif in more than

one place in the composition

Movement

Movement can be the

illusion of motion in the

artwork, or the path the

viewer takes starting with

the emphasis.

Contrast

Contrast shows the difference

between the Elements of Art

(Line, Color, Shape, Value,

Form, Space and Texture)

Unity

Unity is the harmony between

all of the visual elements in a

composition.

Questions to ask yourself when completing an

ANALYSIS:

How does the artist visually organize the composition?

What is in the foreground, middleground, background?

How has the picture been arranged?

What colors are used and how have they been arranged?

What shapes are there and how have they been arranged?

Are there any leading lines and if so, where is your eye lead,

Is there any use of contrast? If so where?

Is there any use of pattern? If so where?

Is there a sense of space or perspective?

Are there any special techniques employed by the artist?

Step 3: Interpretation

What do you believe was the goal of the

artist?

What message is he/she trying to make?

What was the artist’s intention?

Is there a mood or feeling being

conveyed?

Use research, Description and Analysis

to support your opinions.

Step 4: Judgment

What Aesthetic Classification

does the artwork illustrate?

Support your decision with

Description, Analysis and

Interpretation.

_____________________________________________

Perceptual

Rendered from Direct

Observation

_____________________________________________

Expressive

Capturing a mood or feeling,

sharing a story or idea

_____________________________________________

Formal

Focus is on the organization

of the Elements of Art