Critiques
Group Critiques will take place about every 2 - 3 weeks depending on project longevity and our schedule.
But let’s say you’re behind because you procrastinated and/or started over three times and now it’s critique day and you've nothing to show. So you decide to just cut AP that day so you won't get that look from me when I ask you why your work isn't on the wall.
If it’s a total piece of garbage that you’re tacking on the wall and YOU know you could have done so much better (if only you hadn't put it off until Sunday afternoon…) you can REDO it later to improve your grade, but time is limited, don't waste it. I do know how hard it is to stand in front of art that you’re less than proud of, but it’s part of the process. Next time, hopefully, you will not make the same mistake. However, being there and participating and putting up your work (even if you HATE it) really will SAVE YOUR GRADE.
Not doing the assignments?
Well… the assignments are like dominoes and when you fall behind on one you've got two to do by the next critique and well that’s just too much. You still have homework for your other classes, and you must stick to the schedule provided.
HOW DO CRITIQUES WORK?
Critique’s are not optional.
Grading the Critique
We’ll always strive be courteous and constructive. I encourage positive phrasing and focus on each artwork’s strengths first. Avoid words like “favorite,” “the best”… Focus on the objectives of the assignment!
Here are some phrases that might help you get started:
Always start with a positive…
* What really caught my eye was ________.
* That artwork shows ______ really well.
* That artist is really skilled at _________.
and then go to CONSTRUCTIVE criticism…
* I think _______ would improve that artwork.
* I’d like to see more of __________.
* I am a little confused by ________.
Don’t say “finish it”. That’s a given!
Below is an example of the critique form you’ll use in class to jot down your thoughts so you’re prepared when it’s your turn to speak about your work, or when you've got comments for your fellow artists.
Critique Directions:
Display your artwork and put your name on a note under your piece. After all the work is up, do a “gallery walk” to carefully look at all the art.
Choose 3 different pieces of art to write about, focusing on the Elements and Principles of art and the requirements of the assignment. Write the artist’s name and medium used on the lines provided. Then, give two positive comments focusing on the elements and principals of art. Refer to the copy of the Elements & Principles of Art handout if you need help. Also, give one piece of constructive criticism - something that could be improved. Be as specific as you can and do not say “finish it”. Consider what could be changed or added to make the piece better! Finally, write about your own work.
Piece #1: 1. Artist:___________________________ Medium:_________________________
Piece #2: 1. Artist:___________________________ Medium:_________________________
Piece #3: 1. Artist:___________________________ Medium:_________________________
4. YOU:______________________ Medium:_________________________
Group Critiques will take place about every 2 - 3 weeks depending on project longevity and our schedule.
- Critiques are an integral part of all classes and it is a requirement for you to participate in all critiques.
- All students are brought together for critiques at regular intervals.
- Each student must show his/her work and briefly discuss their intent.
- The class is then expected to provide positive feed back and offer suggestions for improvement.
- All students participate.
- The vocabulary of art is introduced through the foundation classes and is reinforced through the verbal and written critiques and exhibition reviews.
- These generally take the entire class to complete, sometimes more than one class period.
- I do very little of the talking during these sessions – other than beginning the process with a recapping of the criteria for the project and a reminder to students to address their criteria as part of their discussion.
- I will only interject when I feel there is something that has not been addressed or have an idea about a possible solution or suggestion for a next piece.
- You have until the next class period to make any changes to the work that was suggested to you and all work is to be turned in by the next class period.
- For grading purposes, I use a simplified rubric based on the actual AP Scoring Guidelines for Studio Art. I think it is important for AP students to be familiar with the rubric that will be used to score the work in their portfolios.
- Additionally, there is ongoing dialogue with students on an individual basis during the class time. As well, the students dialogue with each other about their work.
- Your work MUST be up at the critique if you want me to grade it the next day, even if you’re sick the day of a critique. Even if it’s an excused absence. If you can’t be there for ANY reason, be sure to have someone bring your Artwork to class and get it back to you OR email me your images for the critique. You will at least get partial credit for having your peers critique your work.
- I WILL NOT GRADE ANY ARTWORK THAT HAS NOT BEEN UP AT THE CRITIQUE THE DAY BEFORE.
But let’s say you’re behind because you procrastinated and/or started over three times and now it’s critique day and you've nothing to show. So you decide to just cut AP that day so you won't get that look from me when I ask you why your work isn't on the wall.
- Remember, being present for and participating in critiques is worth part of your critique grade. If you do not have any work to show for the critique, you MUST be present during the critique to help critique the work of your fellow peers.
- Be there and participate so I can give you at least partial points for providing feedback to your peers.
If it’s a total piece of garbage that you’re tacking on the wall and YOU know you could have done so much better (if only you hadn't put it off until Sunday afternoon…) you can REDO it later to improve your grade, but time is limited, don't waste it. I do know how hard it is to stand in front of art that you’re less than proud of, but it’s part of the process. Next time, hopefully, you will not make the same mistake. However, being there and participating and putting up your work (even if you HATE it) really will SAVE YOUR GRADE.
Not doing the assignments?
Well… the assignments are like dominoes and when you fall behind on one you've got two to do by the next critique and well that’s just too much. You still have homework for your other classes, and you must stick to the schedule provided.
HOW DO CRITIQUES WORK?
- Your work will be critiqued THE DAY BEFORE IT’S DUE so that you have the option of taking some of the valuable feedback that you get from your peers at the critique and apply it to your work as you complete it.
- Learning to critique art is a vital part of an artist’s growth.
- It’s important to critique yourself as well as other artist’s work.
- I really believe that the critiques we have in AP art teach much more than any other aspect of the class.
Critique’s are not optional.
- If you don’t put your work up for critique, I will not grade it the following day.
- And if your art isn't at least 80% complete, we will not critique it.
Grading the Critique
- Critiques will be based upon the Respond portion of the MN Visual Arts Standards. There will be an accompanying rubric for the critique activity.
We’ll always strive be courteous and constructive. I encourage positive phrasing and focus on each artwork’s strengths first. Avoid words like “favorite,” “the best”… Focus on the objectives of the assignment!
Here are some phrases that might help you get started:
Always start with a positive…
* What really caught my eye was ________.
* That artwork shows ______ really well.
* That artist is really skilled at _________.
and then go to CONSTRUCTIVE criticism…
* I think _______ would improve that artwork.
* I’d like to see more of __________.
* I am a little confused by ________.
Don’t say “finish it”. That’s a given!
Below is an example of the critique form you’ll use in class to jot down your thoughts so you’re prepared when it’s your turn to speak about your work, or when you've got comments for your fellow artists.
Critique Directions:
Display your artwork and put your name on a note under your piece. After all the work is up, do a “gallery walk” to carefully look at all the art.
Choose 3 different pieces of art to write about, focusing on the Elements and Principles of art and the requirements of the assignment. Write the artist’s name and medium used on the lines provided. Then, give two positive comments focusing on the elements and principals of art. Refer to the copy of the Elements & Principles of Art handout if you need help. Also, give one piece of constructive criticism - something that could be improved. Be as specific as you can and do not say “finish it”. Consider what could be changed or added to make the piece better! Finally, write about your own work.
Piece #1: 1. Artist:___________________________ Medium:_________________________
- Give two positive comment in reference to the dominant elements & principles used in this piece.
- What could be changed or altered to improve the parts of the work that are finished now? (this feedback is constructive)
Piece #2: 1. Artist:___________________________ Medium:_________________________
- Give two positive comment in reference to the dominant elements & principles used in this piece.
- What could be changed or altered to improve the parts of the work that are finished now? (this feedback is constructive)
Piece #3: 1. Artist:___________________________ Medium:_________________________
- Give two positive comment in reference to the dominant elements & principles used in this piece.
- What could be changed or altered to improve the parts of the work that are finished now? (this feedback is constructive)
4. YOU:______________________ Medium:_________________________
- List the visual references you used to create this piece.
- Give one positive comment in reference to the dominant elements and principles used in this piece.
- What could be changed or altered to improve the parts of the work that are finished now?
- What do you still have planned for the unfinished parts of this piece? (be specific- do not say finish it!)
- Make note of any feedback from today’s critique that you think was helpful and would like to incorporate into the piece before you turn it in.
