The Feldman Method of Art

Criticism

Describe
Analyze
Interpret
Judge
 Step 1: Description
Describe what you see in the art
work. Describe exactly what you
see, in enough detail that your
audience could visualize the
artwork from your words.
Do not use judgments or
opinions.
 Here are a few things to
consider when writing your
DESCRIPTION:
Size
Shape
Texture
Color
Angles
Perspective
Light Source
Media
Form
Space
Artist, Title, Date
 Step 2: Analysis
Examine the relationships
between the Elements of Art by
citing the Principles of Design
The Principles of Design
Contrast
Repetition
Unity
Movement
Balance
Emphasis
 Balance
Balance is the equilibrium of
various elements in the work
of art.
James McNeill Whistler,Arrangement in Grey and Black:
The Artist's Mother, 1871

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 Emphasis
Emphasis is given to a
center of interest, which
might be the largest,
brightest, or lightest subject.
Francisco de Goya, The Third of May, 1808: The
Execution of the Defenders of Madrid, 1814.

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 Repetition
Repetition is the use of line,
color, or a motif in more than
one place in the composition
Rene Magritte, Golconde, 1953

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 Movement
Movement can be the
illusion of motion in the
artwork, or the path the
viewer takes starting with
the emphasis.
Henri Matisse, The Dance, 1910

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Archibald Motley, Blues, 1929

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 Contrast
Contrast shows the difference
between the Elements of Art
(Line, Color, Shape, Value,
Form, Space and Texture)
Andy Goldsworthy, Dandelion Flowers, 1985

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 Unity

Unity is the harmony between

all of the visual elements in a
composition.
 completing an ANALYSIS:

How does the artist visually organize the

composition?
What is in the foreground, middleground,
background?
How has the picture been arranged?
What colors are used and how have they
been arranged?
What shapes are there and how have they
been arranged?
Are there any leading lines and if so, where
is your eye lead,
Is there any use of contrast? If so where?
Is there any use of pattern? If so where?
Is there a sense of space or perspective?
Are there any special techniques employed
Pablo Picasso, The Old Guitarist, 1903

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Faith Ringgold, The Sunflowers Quilting Bee at Arles,
1930

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Diego Rivera, The Flower Vendor, 1940’s?

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 Step 3: Interpretation
What do you believe was the goal of the
artist?
What message is he/she trying to make?
What was the artist’s intention?
Is there a mood or feeling being
conveyed?
Use research, Description and Analysis
to support your opinions.
 Pablo Picasso,
The Tragedy,
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Rene Magritte, The Lovers, 1928

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 Step 4: Judgment
What Aesthetic Classification
does the artwork illustrate?
Support your decision with
Description, Analysis and
Interpretation.
 Perceptual

Rendered from Direct

Observation
 Perceptual

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Paul Cezanne, Still Life with Apples, 1890

 Expressive

Capturing a mood or feeling,

sharing a story or idea
 Expressive

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Kathe Kollwitz, Poverty, 1893-4

 Formal

Focus is on the organization

of the Elements of Art
 Formal

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Piet Mondrian, Composition with red, yellow, black, gray and blue, 1921
 Judgment

I think the art work is (Perceptual, Expressive or

Formal) because….
Include the definition for your Aesthetic
Classification in your explanation.
Justify your opinion with what you see.
I think the work was/was not successful
because…
Justify your opinion based on what you think the
artist’s goals were.