Critique Prompts
Critique is the formal word for constructive feedback that you give to others about their artwork as well as feedback you receive about your own work. Critique is ESSENTIAL for growing and improving your work because it allows you to see your work from different perspectives and points of view. By collecting this information, you can make informed decisions about where you want your work to go from here.
The #1 goal of critique is to provide feedback. Be sure to keep it positive and respectful. Remember, constructive feedback and suggestions can still be positive and respectful! :) We want to be sure to maintain a safe, welcoming environment where everyone feels that they are able to share their work.
The #1 goal of critique is to provide feedback. Be sure to keep it positive and respectful. Remember, constructive feedback and suggestions can still be positive and respectful! :) We want to be sure to maintain a safe, welcoming environment where everyone feels that they are able to share their work.
Critique Levels & Examples (Aim for Level 3!)
Level 1 (Too basic; doesn’t give your viewer much information. Nice, but not very helpful.)
"Cool."
"I
Level 2 (A little more information, but very choppy. Still sounds like an assignment.)
I draw animals and plants because I like them, and I usually use pencil or pen to get more detail. This piece is a drawing of a Lionfish that I saw in a zoo in Bermuda. I used brown Micron pens. I chose the Lionfish because the designs of this poisonous, deadly fish stood out to me, and I remembered it after I got back.
Level 3 (Detailed information, and written in a personal voice.)
Animals and plants are naturally recurring subjects in my artwork because of my fascination with their unique colors, patterns, textures, and proportions, as well as the challenge of portraying these unique features accurately. I primarily use Prismacolor colored pencils and Micron pens in order to increase my control of the media and capture a high level of detail that is necessary for a more realistic illustration. While I was in Bermuda for my honeymoon, I visited the aquarium and saw this lionfish in one of the exhibits. I was particularly drawn to the intricate detail and pattern of its stripes and venomous spikes, which I captured in my drawing by using brown Micron pens. I decided to leave the background blank in order to focus on the subject and to create a graphic, two-tone vignette.
Develop Craft
I learn and develop skills, techniques, and processes.
Stretch & Explore
I take risks, step outside my comfort zone, and I try new materials or techniques that are not familiar to me.
Engage & Persist
I solve and work through unexpected challenges and obstacles that occur.
Express
I communicate my interests, opinions, ideas, emotions, or identity to my audience through my art.
Envision
I use inspiration and my own ideas to create original art; I make a plan for my artwork and think about my next steps.
Observe
I look closer and see things that are usually overlooked; I create art from direct observation.
Reflect
I step back and analyze my work; I consider what is successful and what I could do differently.
Collaborate
I create artwork with others; I share inspiration/knowledge; I give and receive critical feedback.
Understand the Art World
I use inspiration/reference from other artists' work, art styles, and art movements; I use my art knowledge (composition, color theory, values, perspective, Elements & Principles, etc.) to create a visually compelling piece; I understand the difference between inspiration/reference and plagiarism.
Modified from Ian Sands / artofsouthb.com and Melissa Purtee