1. Art Detective ART CRITICISMis much like being a detective. You are trying to find out the secret message the artist has hidden in the artwork. Art Critique: Verbal or written description, analysis, interpretation and judgment Sixth and Seventh Graders: You need to know how to critique an artwork verbally and written!

2. A description is a statement that creates a mental image of something. State only facts! In a critique, describe the work of art to someone as if they had never seen it before. Make sure you refer to the Elements of Design - Value* Shape * Form * Color * Space *Texture * Line * Description • Things like…. • Subject of the artwork • Objects in the painting. • First impression. Note the characteristics of the artwork that first jump out at you. • Colors used. • Shapes, lines and texture. • Value – where you see light/darks • Space - what is in the fore/middle and background • Sensory qualities. Identify the predominant mood and visual effect. • Location

3. Analysis It answers the question, "How did the artist do it?" Analyzing a work of art tells about the how the artist has used the Elements of Design. State only facts! Make sure you refer to the Principles of Design- Balance *Contrast * Emphasis * Movement* Pattern * • And how it applies to … • Color. • Shapes. • Forms. • lines. • Texture. • Light and shadow. (value.)

4. Interpretation Based on what you have learned so far about the artwork…. • What do you think the artist was trying to say? • Why did the artist create this artwork? • What do you think it means? • What feelings do you have when looking at this artwork? • Do you think there are things in the artwork that represent other things - symbols?

5. Judgment • Do you like this artwork? • Do you think it is a good artwork? • Do think it is an important artwork? • Would display this artwork in your home? • Is this artwork good enough to put in a museum? Justify your opinion. Explain why you feel the way you do about this artwork based on what you have learned about it.