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Positive Critique​

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Every First and Third Tuesday 7:30-8:30 pm 

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Please refer to the Calendar​ for details about specific upcoming events.

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Zoom Meetings

Join on Zoom

ID: 810 4703 7719

Passcode: 699409

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Join other artists on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm to share artwork and get positive feedback.

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To participate: Members should email berkshireartshow@gmail.com one or two pieces of work that they like, and one or two they are not finished with and want suggestions. Members will show only one piece of work at our meetings so we have time to really think about them and talk about them. The work will be shared through Zoom screen sharing by the host. Members should submit their work at least the day before to email.

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Please read below “Elements of Positive Critique”. A printable PDF version can be found (“Elements of Positive Critique pdf ) before the 7:30 pm meeting.

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Elements of a Positive Critique

Thank you to Ilene Spiewak and Carolyn Brancato for providing these guidelines.

 

A critique is a search to discover what has happened in the work. 

Appreciation and discovery stimulates personal activity and growth. In the end, the artist has to settle matters for him/herself with his own point of view. Art appreciation is personal. Each work evokes an individual response. 

We can’t be told how to appreciate, though often, critical judgment is given without hesitation. We need to leave our preconceived ideas and views about works of art behind, and be open to re-evaluation and new sensations. The artist can err toward too much complacency or overly harsh criticism. Critiques expose one to comparisons with other artists who may approach analysis from different schools of thought. Do not ask for a critique until you are sure that you can’t give it yourself. Then you will be in a good state to receive. 

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Some things to think about and ways to approach a discussion:

  • There is no “good” or “bad” art.

  • Be respectful and professional. Refer to the artist in a professional way. Not “you did this” but “The artist did this…” or “This was executed with an eye towards…”

  • If possible, ask the artist what his/her vision was. What was he/she trying to accomplish?

  • As people make comments, the artist shouldn’t respond. This just gets into a defensive back and forth. Just sit back and take it in. Take away what you wish and discard what is not useful to you.

  • Avoid judgmental comments. We cannot impose judgments on others. 

 

Make Open-Ended Comments:

  • “I am curious about something…”

  • “What would happen if…”

  • “One of the things I see…”

  • “This stands out for me…”

  • “What do you think about…

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Make specific comments:

  • How does the eye enter the picture? Move around?

  • What are the elements of composition,

  • light and dark, chroma, edges?

  • What stands out?

  • What seems important?

  • What about the style?

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Basics:

• Composition

• Play of light

• Color, line

• Subject matter

• Handling of paint

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