You will be completing two critical review papers that will consist of 500 words each. They must be typed, using a 12-point font and doublespaced.

Critical thinking combines:

Evaluation of all available information
Analysis of visual relationships
Exploration of alternative solutions

Objective criticism is used to assess how well a work of art or design utilizes the art elements and art principles of design.

Subjective criticism is used to describe the personal impact of an image, the narrative implications of an idea, or the cultural ramifications of an action. Discussion generally focuses on the subject (or topic) and content (emotional or intellectual message) of the design, including:

The meaning of the artwork
The feeling it evokes
Its relationship to other cultural events
The artist's intent

Descriptive Critique

A descriptive critique can help you see details and heighten your understanding of the design/artwork. The first step is to look carefully and report clearly. Without evaluating, telling stories, drawing conclusions, or making recommendations, simply describe the visual organization of the work presented.

Carefully examine the artwork and determine which aspects of the design are most eye-catching and readable and which areas are muddled and need work (if any).

Cause-and-Effect Critique-

A cause-and-effect critique is one in which the viewer seeks to determine the cause for each visual or emotional effect in a design.

In a simple description, you might say that the design is primarily composed of diagonals. Using cause and effect, you might conclude that, because of the many diagonals, the design is very dynamic. In a cause-and-effect critique, you discuss consequences as well as choices.

Use the appropriate, applicable terminology that we have learned in class through the PowerPoint presentations, your project assignments and those terms that you have read about in your textbook or researched on the Internet.

This terminology may include for example the art element "Line", and the art principles of "Unity", "Variety", "Repetition", and "Rhythm". (These are the terms we have encountered from the first two Reference the PowerPoint presentations on MOODLE, the Internet, or your textbook for further information about the following:

Describe the type of lines used in the image: Contour Lines, Gesture Drawing, Volume Summary, Calligraphic Lines, and Organizational Lines.

Does the artist use implied lines? Remember that implied lines can be visually constructed through the placement of objects etc. in an image.

How is the artist employing "Line Quality"?

Orientation: Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal, Curved?
Direction: refers to implied movement of a line. Line weight can accentuate direction.
Degree of Continuity: (or linear flow) can enhance direction.
Medium (materials): each medium can be used to produce a range of distinctive lines.

Line Quality and Expressive Intent: how has the artist used the line quality to generate their expressive intent?

Describe the linear networks that the artist is using: Hatching, Cross-Hatching, Cross-Contour, Stippling.

Describe how the composition is organized. How does the viewer move through the work? Does the artist employ the Rule of Thirds? Describe how you feel looking at the artwork...does it feel balanced and just right or does something need to be added or does something need to be taken away? Describe what you would change if you feel that the artwork is not unified.

Describe how the artist is using positive space and negative space.

Describe the way that the artist was able to make their artwork demonstrate "Unity".

Describe how the artist was able to make their artwork demonstrate "Repetition".

Describe how the artist was able to make their artwork demonstrate "Variety".

Describe how the artist was able to make their artwork demonstrate "Rhythm".

Did the artist use "regular rhythm", "progressive rhythm", "flowing rhythm" or "alternating rhythm"?

Describe how this was achieved.

Did the artist use objective shapes or nonobjective shapes? Please explain.

Is the artwork objective or nonobjective? Please explain.