Critiques on a Realistic and Abstract Paintings

The first critique requires you to select two paintings (one realistic/representational and one abstract). The instruction is on the following document. (Only the first critique is required, NOT the second).

ART 1010 Critiques Due Date: see lecture schedule (late work is not accepted) Each critique is worth 50 points. Purpose: Students will write TWO CRITIQUES on works of art during the semester: (1) The first critique requires you to select two paintings (one realistic/representational and one abstract). (2) The second assignment will require you to write about two sculptures (one realistic, one abstract). Do not use reproduced works from books or journals — visit museums, galleries, public works, or private collections — and find actual works for these assignments. These works you must see during the present semester (not last year or last semester). For each work of art you are to describe, analyze, and include your personal reactions. Consult your class notes, the text chapters on the elements and materials of art, and the related issues we will discuss in class for these assignments. Becoming aware of the art that surrounds us is, to me, significant. Spending time looking at and thinking about art makes us better critical thinkers, and our evaluations become more meaningful and better informed. Learning to be an informed critic makes us less dependant on other critics, and our own responses and evaluations to art will come from an educated, more full, perspective. • Description is more difficult than you might think. The temptation will be to include your reactions to the work as you describe it. Merely describe what you see: colors, shapes, textures, lines, objects, etc. Using the basic art vocabulary discussed in class will be helpful for this section, as will the first chapters of the text. Be specific and detailed. • Your analysis section will include how the various art elements work together (relationships of one color to another, spatial relationships, organization of the various elements, etc.) and the effects on the overall work. • Reaction is exactly that—your reactions to and impressions of the work (what does it say to you?). There is no right or wrong answer or response, and using "I" is appropriate in this section. Your informed impressions of and reaction to a work of art are as valid as anyone's. Put yourself into this and let it out! Include your immediate or initial reaction to the work, and any changed reactions you experience after you've looked at and analyzed it. Most students are very hesitant to express themselves as they react to a work of art. Have fun with this section! Let the reader know what you feel and why. The critiques do not require any research. Merely locate works that interest you and go to it! Take paper and pen with you if you are visiting a collection of art and follow the steps for observation and analysis discussed in class. When you feel you have enough information, begin writing a rough draft as soon as possible (while your impressions about the works are fresh in your mind). You may have to consult the works of art more than once and your impressions and observations will change (and mature) each time you carefully observe the art. Do not write on works about which you have little to say. Find works, even if you don’t really like them, that will get you to write two pages for each work. Be sure to carefully edit and proof read your paper. Have someone else read it for clarity and to catch errors you may not be able to see. Be aware of sentences and paragraphs; are your points clearly made? Leave time for the paper to sit (and day or two) before you proofread the final draft. FORMAT Audience: An educated, non-specialist audience. Paper length: Two pages for each work of art (typed, double-spaced) in order to qualify for full credit. Papers that are short—for example—one page, can only receive ½ total possible. If possible, please provide a drawing or a reproduction (if available) of the works of art you select. The paper should have three headings (placed flush to the left margin): Description, Analysis, Reaction. Format: The paper is to be double-spaced and have the following: 1. Cover sheet (please do not submit paper in plastic covers), with your name, the course number, the site where you are registered, and date — centered. 2. First page of each work of art, in upper left corner of paper (double spaced): • artist's name • title of work (either in italics or underlined) and approx. date • medium (oil on canvas, pastel on paper, etc) • dimensions (approximate if there is no size on the label) • location of the work Note: if you’re unable to find the artist’s name, put: n.n. If you’re unable to determine a date, put: n.d. 3. Three subheadings, flush to left: Description, Analysis, Reaction 4. Margins: one inch for top, bottom, left, right 5. Font size: 12 point (use the same font and size for the entire paper, including cover sheet) 6. Page numbers for each page (cover sheet is not a page). Page numbers can be placed anywhere on the pages (upper right or lower right are common). 7. Do not bold anything in this paper. Papers will be graded on format (as per directions above) and content (use of subheadings, spelling, grammar, proper sentences, etc). Points will be deduced for papers that are sloppy and too brief. [See example on next pages] 1 Sandro Botticelli Madonna and Child, 1475 oil on canvas approx. 35" x 30" Springville Museum of Art Description The work ………… Analysis The elements of art used in this work………. Reaction My initial reaction to the work was not positive……