Art as Inquiry - Art Criticism.


Beverly McIver, "Me and Renee Up Close #2"

What is hidden in this painting?

Introduction

When you first see a painting, you know only what you see--the subject, the colors, the lines, the shapes. To "know" a work of art you must learn to "interrogate" it. You must question the work in a systematic way to discover different aspects you may have overlooked and to find what meaning it may have for you.

This is called art criticism. Art Criticism is a process of questioning and discussing an art work with good reasons in a systematic way.

In this lesson you will explore the world of artist Beverly McIver.

OBJECTIVES:

You will be able to:

• Describe an art work, including the artist's technique
  
• Analyze the elements of the work
  
• Interpret its meaning for you, and
  
• Judge why you and others may value it

Your assignment will be to write, in accurate English, an Art Criticism report for a painting. The paper should describe the subject matter and the art elements, lines, shapes, colors, patterns and textures; analyze arrangement, color harmony, and technique; interpret its symbols and meaning; and judge it value.

This satisfies the Arizona Visual Arts Standards 3AV-P2, P4, P5