Step 2: Critiquing
STEP 2: CRITIQUE AND REVISE
In this stage of the design process, the artist shares his or her idea with others, in order to gain constructive criticism. Constructive criticisms are suggestions about the artwork that help the artist choose which ideas to keep, and what parts to eliminate. They are meant to help make the artwork better.
Remember, you will be asked to make suggestions for others as well. Make helpful suggestions about what he or she can improve about their work – it’s not about poking fun or insulting the other person’s work. You are trying to provide positive constructive criticism that will help your partner make their work better.
Also, don’t take their suggestions personally. They’re trying to help you out too!
Here are some example questions to help you get the conversation started!
- What do you think the main idea of the artwork is? Do you think the main idea of the project is clear?
- What stands out the most when you first look at the project? Why do you think that?
- How can I improve my technique with the art medium I using?
- What feeling or mood do you get from my artwork?
- What do you think is successful about this artwork? Why? (You must give 2 reasons to support your answer)
- What parts of the artwork do you think need the most improvement? Why? (You must give reasons to support your answer)
- What would you do differently if this were your project? Why would you do it?
- Do you think that there is a part of my idea that will be too difficult to create? If, so, why? If not, do I need to add more details to my project?
- Am I missing any project requirements? Is so, how can I change my idea to include the ones that are missing? If I have met all of the project requirements, what can I do to make the idea even more interesting?
- Or come up with one of your own! (You should ask Mr. G to “OK” your critique questions before you use them!)
It is always very helpful to use specific art vocabulary. For example…
“You could improve the drawing and make it more dramatic by increasing the contrast between the lights and darks!”
Based on the feedback you gathered during your peer critique, describe how you are going to improve your ideas in your own words using complete sentences.
Do not simply write, “I will add more detail.” BE SPECIFIC! Write down exactly what details you plan to add.
For example:
“I plan to add fur texture to my clay tiger sculpture in order to make it look more realistic.”