The Art of Critique

The Art of Critique It is hard to actually find someone to give a good critique – someone with the knowledge of the craft to understand the technical aspects, someone with a good eye to understand the aesthetic aspects, and finally someone who can communicate precisely and accurately to covey the feedback on said artwork! Here is one opinion on how to give a good critique:
1. (General) Study the masters of the craft. Learn how they did what they did, and *why*. Learn the techniques, understand the foundations and technical aspects.
2. Look at the work as a whole – what was the artist trying to say, what feeling were they trying to convey.
3. Look at the specifics – color, composition, light (note this applies equally to all media, not just photography).
4. Does the work succeed in it’s intended outcome – ie does it convey what it was meant to convey emotionally and intellectually.
5. If no, why not? is there a technical flaw that detracts from it? does the composition not work? do the colors not evoke the proper mood? is the subject not presented well?
6. If it *does* succeed is there anything that could have been done better – technically, compositionally, etc…?
7. Communicate points 2-6 as precisely as possible – exactly what works and what doesn’t, and *why*. What did you get from the piece, and how successful was each aspect in attaining it. For most folks you may want to start with the good points, as they may not be prepared for the apparent harshness of a real critique! And finally – if you find someone who can give a educated, honest, and constructive critique – hang on to them! They will increase your skills far more than a whole bucket of ego stroking!